Wellbeing and Emergency Preparedness—Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to health and safety, being prepared isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about having confidence, knowledge, and the right support when you need it most. This week, as part of National Safety Month, the PHI Cares team is diving deep into wellbeing and emergency preparedness, answering the questions people are most likely to ask.
What Does Wellbeing and Emergency Preparedness Really Mean?
Wellbeing is about more than just being free from illness—it’s about feeling secure, confident, and ready for whatever life throws your way. Emergency preparedness means having the knowledge, tools, and support to act quickly and effectively in a crisis. Together, they create a foundation for safety and peace of mind, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
How Can I Make Sure My Family Is Ready for a Medical Emergency?
This is one of the most common questions people have. Start by sitting down with your family and talking through different scenarios: What if someone gets hurt at home, at work, or while traveling? Who will call 911? Who will stay with the injured person? Where will you meet if you’re separated? Write down your emergency plan and keep it somewhere everyone can see, like on the fridge or in a shared digital note.
Practice makes perfect. Run through your plan for emergency situations a few times a year, especially if you have young children. Teach them how to call for help and what information to give the dispatcher. Make sure everyone knows where the first aid kit is and how to use it. If you have pets, include them in your plan, too.
What Should I Keep in an Emergency Kit at Home or at Work?
An emergency kit is your first line of defense in a crisis. At home, your kit should include:
- Water and non-perishable food (enough for at least three days)
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- A first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medications
- Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance cards, medical records)
- A phone charger and portable power bank
- A list of emergency contacts (family, doctors, local hospitals)
- Comfort items for children or pets
At work, keep a smaller version of your emergency prep kit in your desk or locker. Include any personal medications, a change of clothes, and a list of emergency contacts.
How Do I Know When to Call for an Air Ambulance Instead of a Regular Ambulance?
This is a question many people have, especially if they live or work in rural or remote areas. If someone is seriously injured or becomes critically ill and the nearest hospital is far away, an air ambulance or helicopter transport can make all the difference. Air medical flights are often used for:
- Severe trauma (like car accidents, falls, or crush injuries)
- Heart attacks or strokes that require immediate advanced care
- Pediatric or neonatal emergencies
- Any situation where ground transport would take too long
In an emergency always call 911.
What Kind of Care Do You Get on a PHI Air Medical Flight?
PHI Air Medical isn’t just a ride to the hospital—it’s a flying intensive care unit. Each medical flight is staffed by a highly trained flight nurse and a flight paramedic, both with advanced certifications and years of critical care experience. They bring ICU-level expertise to the scene, providing:
- Advanced airway management (intubation, ventilation)
- Cardiac monitoring and life support
- IV medications and pain management
- Continuous monitoring and stabilization
Patients receive a higher level of care like what they would in a hospital emergency department, but in the air and on the way to the right facility for their needs.
How Does PHI Cares Membership Help If I Need an Air Ambulance?
This is a question that comes up a lot, and for good reason. Medical emergencies are stressful enough without worrying about the cost of air medical transport. PHI Cares membership ensures that you and your household are protected from air medical bills. Here’s how PHI Cares membership works:
- No out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary air medical flights with PHI Air Medical—no copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
- Coverage for everyone at your address, including family members and up to three non-family residents.
- Seamless billing process—PHI Air Medical bills your insurance, and PHI Cares covers any remaining balance, so you never see a bill.
This means you can focus on recovery, not finances, if you ever need emergency air transport.
What If I’m Traveling and Need Emergency Air Transport?
PHI Cares has you covered wherever you are in the coverage area. If you’re injured or become seriously ill while traveling, you’re protected just like you are at home. Make sure to carry your PHI Cares membership card or have it saved on your phone, and let first responders know you’re a member if you need help. View our PHI Cares coverage map.
How Can I Help Others in My Community Be More Prepared for Emergencies?
Community preparedness starts with sharing knowledge and resources. Talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and friends about the importance of having an emergency plan and kit. Encourage your workplace or local organizations to offer PHI Cares membership as a benefit. The more people who are prepared, the safer and stronger your community will be.
Consider volunteering with local emergency response teams or participating in community safety events. You can also share information about PHI Air Medical and PHI Cares on social media or in your neighborhood newsletter.
Why Is Peace of Mind Important for Wellbeing?
Peace of mind is a powerful part of overall wellbeing. Knowing you’re prepared and protected gives you the confidence to enjoy life, even in uncertain times. PHI Cares membership is one less thing to worry about—so you can focus on what matters most: your health, your family, and your community.
What Are Some Real-World Examples of How PHI Air Medical and PHI Cares Make a Difference?
- A hiker falls and is seriously injured in a remote area. PHI Air Medical is called, and the patient is flown to a trauma center within minutes. Thanks to PHI Cares, the family doesn’t have to worry about the cost of the flight.
- A construction worker suffers a heart attack on the job. PHI Air Medical’s crew provides advanced care during transport, and PHI Cares covers all out-of-pocket expenses.
- A family is involved in a car accident on a rural highway. PHI Air Medical arrives quickly, and PHI Cares ensures the family isn’t burdened by medical bills.
How Can I Get Started with Emergency Preparedness and PHI Cares Membership Program?
Getting started is easy. Here are a few simple steps:
- Make a family emergency plan and build your emergency kit.
- Talk to your family, friends, and coworkers about preparedness.
- Sign up for PHI Cares membership to protect yourself and your household.
- Share what you’ve learned with others in your community.
Wellbeing and Emergency Preparedness: A Foundation for Safety
Wellbeing and emergency preparedness are about more than just having a plan—they’re about having the confidence and support to face the unexpected. With PHI Air Medical’s expert crews and PHI Cares air ambulance membership, you can be sure you’re ready for whatever life brings—and that you’ll have the help you need when it matters most.