The Story of Angel Heart Express

My Mother had a heart of gold and she was always the ultimate caregiver, finding someone in need and ministering to them in anyway she could to improve their quality of life. She was a true champion of the “underdog”. Mother collected people, the way most people collect pets. I came home many times to find someone new in our house and some of them would stay for several months or years until they could get back on their feet.

Mother was in a wheelchair for the last eighteen years of her life. I don’t remember ever hearing her complain about being confined to a wheelchair, she just made the best of it. I was blessed to be the daughter who always lived in the area and we simply did not let the wheelchair stop us. Mother purchased a handicap van and we went everywhere, on vacations, to family reunions, to restaurants, to the beauty shop and always to church on Sunday. On many occasions, all four sisters and Mother would take a road trip which was always a great adventure packed with memories, love and laughter.

Just prior to her death in February, 2007, Mother told my sister Linda that she wanted to give me her van so I could help other people the way I had always helped her.

In May, 2007, I started, Angel Heart Express, a non-emergency wheelchair transportation company with the help of my husband, Joe, to honor the memory of my Mother. Angel Heart Express was developed to be a different kind of transportation company by not booking appointments so close that the clients were forced to wait for the driver. In addition, Angel Heart Express willingly schedules after hours and weekend appointments to allow clients to attend holiday, family and church functions. So in summary, Angel Heart Express is available 24/7 to take individuals to essential appointments but will customize other transportation needs as well. I know this is how Mother would want Angel Heart Express to meet the needs of clients and seniors in our community. It is indeed my privilege to honor her in this special way.

Sue Wallace

Founder/President

Training

Be knowledgeable and demonstrate expertise in performing the items required on the Angel Heart Express Vehicle Safety program.

Demonstrate to management driver skills and proficiency in:

• Determining destination and most efficient route prior to beginning trip
• Non-emergency Vehicle Operations
• Safe Driving Skill and Accident Avoidance which include environmental factors that could contribute to a collision.
• Skid and Stability Control
• Vehicle Dynamics
• Braking Techniques that affect handling, steering and stopping distance of vehicle.
• Ability to successfully and communicate and interface with clients, client’s family and caretakers & facility personnel
• Loading and Unloading Clients and Passengers which include acceptable use of safety belts and other protection devices
• Properly prepare and submit dispatch forms at the completion of each run
• Properly prepare and submit on a timely basis contract labor billing records

Vehicle Inspection:

TIRES Check on tire inflation and uneven tread wear. Check for missing or loose lug nuts.

LIGHTS Check headlights, parking lights, tail lights, brake lights, emergency flashers and

turn signals to ensure all are in proper working condition.

WIPER BLADES Check for wear.

FLUID LEVELS Check battery, oil, brake, coolant, transmission and windshield wiper.

BELTS AND HOSES Check for any cracks or bulges.

WINDOWS/WINDSHIELD Check for visibility and cracks.

HEATING/AC Check the units for proper operation.

POWER LIFT Check for proper operation.

WHEEL/POWER CHAIR Check all are in place and functional.

RESTRAINTS/SAFETY BELTS Check for fraying, tears, or any damage to restraints.

INSPECTIONS/TAGS/DOCUMENTS Check inspection sticker and license plates, registration, insurance card, accident forms, vehicle safety, driver training and passenger assistance training program documentation are accessible

Maintain the following emergency equipment in vehicle:

Blanket

Windshield washer fluid

Antifreeze

First Aid Kit

Ice Scraper

Snacks and Water

Tool Kit

Working Flashlight and Extra Batteries

Transfer Board

Wheelchair

Spare Tire, Jack and Lug Wrench

Determine contact person at pick up location and assist client to vehicle as necessary.  Sign out client if required. Determine physical condition of client prior to loading into van.  Ensure client is comfortable and at ease while loading and transporting.

After unloading is complete and client is taken into appointment location, attempt to determine with personnel the length of time needed for the appointment and whether advocate is required.  Advise client and personnel whether you will stay until appointment is completed or leave location.  If decision is made to leave location, leave business card with contact number.

Reload client and ask if other stops are necessary prior to returning to pick up location. Ensure client is comfortable and at ease while loading and transporting.  Ask whether the client needs a snack or drink.  Unload client and advise contact person you have returned.  Sign in client if required.

Non-Emergency Wheelchair Transport

OUR PASSION

We specialize in giving you an exclusive trip from door to door by providing our clients with a comfortable transfer and ride.  A customized trip tailored to your personal needs is what makes us stand out in performance, security and reliability.

OUR SERVICES

• Prompt pickup & delivery
• Driver stays with client at most appointments
• Transportation available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Holidays
• No charge cancellation if received 24 hours before scheduled appointment
• Advocate service available
• Customized transportation for personal excursions such as Dining Out, Family Events, Visits with Friends, Church Functions, & Holiday Celebrations
• Small charge for additional stops
• Family & caregivers welcome to accompany client at no additional charge
• Build relationships & partnerships with clients, families, caregivers & referral sources
• Daily paper available
• Bottled water & snacks available
• Oxygen on board
• Competitive Pricing

EQUIPMENT

• Oxygen on board
• Dual Air Conditioners & Heaters
• Mobile telephone available if needed
• Extra Wheelchair
• Slide Board
• Fire Extinguisher
• Blankets
• First Aid Kit
• Heavy duty Wheelchair tie downs for extra safety
• Wheelchair safety belts

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS

All drivers must complete and comply with Angel Heart Express Driver Requirements and Training

• Drivers are physically fit for full performance of their duties.
• Drivers possess a valid Texas driver’s license and an acceptable driving record
• Drivers have knowledge of basic vehicle and power lift dynamics
• Drivers are subjected to drug and alcohol screenings and personal and professional background checks

Complete Angel Heart Express Passenger Assistance Training

Comply with Angel Heart Express Vehicle Inspection & Safety Program