Airlift Northwest Update

Summer Airlift Northwest staging will continue in 2008

The Airlift Northwest helicopter will be in Friday Harbor on busy weekends through the summer of 2008.

"This move allows us to provide service more quickly during a busy time of year," says Airlift Northwest Regional Manager Jeff Richey. "The summer months bring more visitors to the islands and the need for more emergency services. By basing a helicopter at Friday Harbor, we will be able to shorten response times not only to Friday Harbor, but to all the islands as well."

"We experience increased need for air medical transportation during the busy summer season," said San Juan Island EMS Chief Jim Cole. "We appreciate Airlift Northwest recognizing this need. This is a very positive relationship that provides superior service for people on the islands who experience a critical medical or traumatic emergency."

As an additional service, Airlift Northwest operates a membership program that is available to people on the islands. Under that program, called AirCare, when Airlift Northwest is requested by a medical facility or an emergency response team to fly a critically ill or injured patient to appropriate medical care, the portion of the Airlift Northwest bill that isn’t covered by insurance or Medicare is paid through the membership. A membership in AirCare is $79 a year and covers all members of a household.

Information is available on-line at www.airliftnw.org or by calling 888-835-1599.

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