Guiding Questions

During the first stage of our project, we wanted to highlight three major questions, as well as a series of sub-questions. However, the focus changed throughout the process.

 

Here are the topics that originally guided our research: 

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Question 1:  How Are Air Ambulance Programs Funded? 
The first question that we will explore is how air ambulances and their services funded. We believe that the key to understanding these services involves looking at daily operating costs, donations, fundraising efforts, and the role of insurance. How can patients afford these services when they need them? How much does insurance actually cover? In addition, we will explore the differences between non-profit and for-profit services, as well as how volunteer organizations play a role.

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Question 2: What is The Role of the United States Military in the Development of Civilian Air Ambulances? 
For our second question, we will look at how the U.S. military shaped the use and development of civilian air ambulances over time. Preliminary research shows that air ambulances were first used during World War II and Vietnam. After their success during wartime, personnel started to realize that these services could expand beyond military use. This piece is important because it is crucial to understanding the long history of this profession. We will also discuss how rescue operations within the military differ from civilian services. This piece will involve a breakdown of who responds when and where, as well as how dispatch and response occurs. 

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Question 3: What Compels Someone to Become Involved In the Emergency Medical Field? 
The third and final question we will ask is what compels someone to become involved in this field. Emergency response is stressful, grueling work that requires long hours, specialized skills, and the ability to cope with intense trauma. Although this question has been asked before, we believe it has not been asked in a way that accounts for the humanity of the people involved.