by Lin McNulty

A recent mass mailing from Island Air Ambulance may have been the first many of us heard about a seemingly local MedEvac Membership program. In the process of attempting to learn more about the services being offered as “peace of mind for less than the cost of a ferry ticket,” we received a new press release from the MedEvac Memership Team with some exciting news announcing their recent inclusion into the Association of Air Medical Membership Programs.

This allows people who have a membership in any of the participating programs to have their existing membership recognized for zero-out-of-pocket expenses with any of the other association members without the need to purchase additional memberships. Our website has comprehensive information about our particular program if you have further questions.

Simply put, San Juan County households will only need to have one membership to benefit from currently participating programs including: Airlift Northwest, Air St. Lukes, Care Flight, Enloe FlightCare, Life Flight Network, Northwest Medstar, and Wyoming Life Flight. And those with a membership in an AAMMP affiliated program will be honored by Island Air Ambulance.

To reiterate, if you currently have a membership with Airlift Northwest, or sign up for one, you will also be able to utilize the services of Island Air Ambulance. This is big news for when a patient needs to be flown off island and weather does not permit a helicopter approach or landing. Island Air Ambulance operates fixed wing aircraft and is based in Friday Harbor.

For additional information contact Island Air Ambulance at 800-966-6914 or visit their website, click on New Reciprocal Benefits. You may also want to then click on FAQs.

**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**