Care in the Air

posted 04/10/2008
In the last year, San Juan County residents have seen a great increase in air evacuation choices and affordability. Last year, Airlift Northwest, the critical care helicopter service began offering a membership program called AirCare. This $79 a year service covers an entire household from any out of pocket expenses not covered by insurance. Airlift is utilized for advanced life support severe life and limb threatening emergencies when weather and availability of aircraft permits. Information and online registration are available at www.airliftnw.org or by calling 888-835-1599.

Also, last year, San Juan EMS entered into a partnership with Island Air to offer a basic life support fixed wing service called Island Air Ambulance. San Juan EMS District residents who utilize this FAA approved non-emergency fixed wing service are only responsible for a maximum of $1,000 out of pocket. Patients are flown to the mainland where an ambulance then takes the patient from the airport to the receiving hospital. In both cases, a person’s insurance is billed for services. At this time, the AirCare program does not cover fixed wing services. Information is available on-line at www.islandairambulance.org.

Basic and advanced life support ground ambulance services remains free of any out of pocket expenses for San Juan EMS District residents.

All of these emergency services are available through the EMS team after you contact 9-1-1.

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is currently enrolled in the Health Sciences Master Degree Program in Emergency Services Management through George Washington University. Prior to coming to San Juan, he was the Director of the School of EMS for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.