— from Anthony Popp, Assistant Public Affairs Officer —
A Search and Rescue (SAR) team from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island conducted a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) on the afternoon of November 12, 2015, for a man with a heart condition from Lopez Island.
The SAR crew of five took off just before sunset, and transited to the Lopez Island Medical Clinic to pick up an 89-year-old male suffering from a myocardial infarction. They then flew to the helicopter pad at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash. where he was transferred to higher care.
“The strong, gusty winds led to sideways rain which posed a challenge in the air and on the ground for patient transfer today,” said SAR Rescue Swimmer Naval Aircrewman First Class Joshua Vest. “Using good communication and teamwork, our crew was able to make our way through it to get this patient the help he needed.”
This year, NAS Whidbey Island SAR has launched on 32 SAR/MEDEVAC missions, resulting in 26 lives delivered to higher level care.
The Navy SAR unit operates three MH-60S helicopters from NAS Whidbey Island as search and rescue platforms for the EA-18G aircraft as well as other squadrons and personnel assigned to the installation. The base also has an agreement to assist Washington State with medical evacuations and search and rescue activities.
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