NEMT is a form of medical transportation that enables safe and comfortable transfer in non-emergency situations. Remember that NEMT is different from an emergency ambulance service and is appropriate for persons not requiring critical emergency care.

NEMT services are booked in advance and are suitable for medically stable persons who may or may not need the assistance of a qualified medical professional for intra-city, intercity or interstate transportation.

NEMT is useful for people with limited physical mobility due to injury, surgery or a medical condition, and those with sensory disability who require in-transit medical support.  It allows freedom from dependency on others for routine hospital visits, attending personal events and doing other activities for which transport assistance is required.

Here are the most important questions to ask an NEMT provider before you decide to hire them.

Are you a certified and insured NEMT services provider?

It is important to ask your medical transporter if they have the necessary licenses and certifications and also if their services are adequately covered by insurance.

Do you offer bedside-to-bedside patient transport?

Bedside-to-bedside transport ensures that the person being transferred receives uninterrupted medical assistance throughout the process. To make bed-to-bed transfer possible, the transporting team needs to be well-trained in the careful transfer of patient from bed to wheelchair or transfer board, and vice versa. Not all companies are equipped to provide this service, so check beforehand if this is what you need.

Is there adequate space for family members accompanying the person being transferred?

NEMT minivans generally have space to accommodate one caregiver or companion. However, the comfort of travel varies with the type of vehicle. So it’s important to check which vehicle will be used for the transfer. If travelling long distance, you would want to look for a service that operates spacious vehicles with comfortable sitting and sleeping space for the caregiver.

Are your drivers qualified and licensed to drive an ambulance?

Don’t hesitate to ask the NEMT you’ve chosen about how they ensure driving safety of their vehicles. Check if the drivers are trained in first aid and CPR and also how the company ensures the driving crew is following the rules while on duty.

The patient will need oxygen during transit. Do you have the facility?

A good non-emergency medical transfer service has all the required permits and equipment to fulfil your specific needs. Check if the service provider has the resources to customize their offering according to the special needs of your loved one being transported.

For instance, ACC Medlink is an award-winning NEMT provider that offers both road and air transfer of persons in need of in-transit medical care for various reasons.

How much will the transportation cost and what all is included in your quote?

To ensure that you know of all possible costs that you may be billed for, ask for a breakdown of the services included in the final price. The usual inclusions are pick up fee, per mile transfer cost, medical assistance on board, meals and entertainment (in a luxury service), and any additional charges (such as for oxygen).

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Is a home security system important? Do you need to install a security system outdoors? What security features must you include?

With robbery and crime rates up in almost all regions around the world, plenty of homeowners feel uneasy about simply relying on the protection of the law. Safety is your number one priority when it comes to your family and home. And home security systems have come a long way – they do more than just protect your home from burglars.

From controlling A/C systems and lights in your home through your smartphone to contacting emergency responders on your behalf, you need to have a security system in place. And though cost would definitely be a consideration when you work with a home security company, not installing a home security system may eventually cost you more.

Here are top five reasons for you to consider installing or upgrading your home’s security system.

1. Protection from intruders

Installing an efficient home security system will offer protection for you, your family and belongings from intruders. Properties without security systems are more likely to be targeted by burglars. The mere presence of an excellent alarm system is enough to discourage intruders from breaking in.

2. Protection from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless gas that has been known to cause home fatalities, can be released from burning wood, stoves, gas ranges, and heating systems. Due to the fact that humans cannot easily detect carbon monoxide, you and your family can be blindsided by carbon monoxide poisoning that has built-up for quite a long time.

Installing a carbon monoxide detector as part of your home security system is a smart choice. This device provides emergency service dispatch and calls paramedics to treat symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Protection from fire accidents

Did you know that a small flame can become a full blown fire in just 30 seconds? And in minutes, your home can be filled with black smoke, which makes it impossible for you and your family to breathe.

Time is of the essence in the case of fires. A few seconds of fire may mean the complete destruction of an entire home and even death. Monitored alarm systems will warn you and your family of the presence of smoke in your home as well as unusual heat sources, and then contact the authorities to quickly respond to a house fire.

4. Remotely monitor your home

One of the biggest benefits of having the best alarm system is the ability to monitor your home even if you are away. As technology has improved, most home security systems today let users log on to their smartphones or computers to get access to their security systems.

This type of home security system will allow you to remotely arm or disarm your home’s alarm, monitor cameras, and turn off or on household lights and air conditioning or heating systems. Switching on the lights at a specified time will give the illusion that somebody is at home. New smart security cameras such as those by Arlo pro and Blink XT are very popular devices to improve home security in 2018.

Having access to the air conditioning and heating will help you prepare your home for temperature changes to prevent pipe damage. This will also help you save on gas or electric bills. Remote access may come with a small fee, but this feature will give you the opportunity to have control over your home even when you are out of town.

5. Have someone else monitor your home

A monitored home security system offers constant monitoring even if you can’t do so yourself. Leaving your house for an extended vacation or business can be nerve-racking even if you have an alarm system. By investing in monitoring services, there will always be someone who will respond to emergency situations.

This service will track important events as well as dispatch emergency personnel whenever necessary. Advanced home security systems will respond to alarms triggered by a carbon monoxide leak, a house fire, a significant increase or drop in temperature, or an intruder.

Under the watchful eye of a reputable monitoring company, such possibilities are minimized or eliminated. With continued advancements in technology, there is no reason for you to miss out on additional security services for your family and home.