Air ambulances are aircrafts used to fly patients in emergency conditions to hospitals. If you will like, you can differentiate air ambulances on basis of operating models of EMS. Emergency Medicine System follows two models, the Anglo American Model and Franco -German Model.

These two models differ in their approach. One approach is paramedic led while other is led by physician. These models have been so named due to the origin in these geographies. In Franco-- German Model, which is led by physicians, physicians fly in the air ambulances. All calls are attended by doctor. The concept is based on belief that doctor can provide definitive care to patients. In this model, doctor is involved at treatment stage right from start, where as in the other model, doctor will intervene only after patient has reached hospital. In this model of operation, doctor, paramedic staff and support staff reach the site of accident or casualty themselves, using the air ambulance. French SAMU Systems is an example of this system.

In this model, physician is involved in all treatments other then first aid method. Here in the team, there is no paramedic. All the non medical staff provides support functions like driving etc. Even if there is a paramedic, he/she is not allowed to perform Advanced Life Support procedure, except in case of extreme need. This too is allowed only when a qualified doctor is physically present. Here, air ambulances bring all medical equipment and help to the patient rather then other way round.

This model rests on the concept that patient should not travel until he/she is stable enough. This model strives to avoid patient's travel to a medical care center. Air lifts for patents are considered unsafe and are avoided.

In Anglo American model, patient is transferred directly to hospital. First patient reaches hospital, and then doctors and nurses take charge of treatment. In this model, paramedic team takes care of the patient at location, brings him/her to medical care center. The transfer may be led by a doctor, but doctors are not a part of team that doe the airlift. Unlike previous model, the first treatment is done by paramedics and then patent is handed over to doctors and nurses at hospitals or health care centers. During such a transfer of patent, paramedic team contacts doctor if there are specialized procedures to be carried out. These procedures are defined beforehand and doctor provides feedback before carrying these procedures and during them as well. This is usually required during dire circumstances when life is at stake.

In some countries, paramedics can practice limited treatment and may even give drugs to cure certain conditions. Usually, the doctors deals with treatment part and at best, paramedics can do basic procedures, case assessment and then they need to bring the patient to hospital. The paramedic team ensures rapid and timely transfer of patient to hospital. Air ambulances in USA follow this mole of operation.