Why this is Important?
We are fortunate to have the Ferry, and the county requires the crew to live on the Island. This is so that when there is a Life Threatening medical emergency, most times the Ferry is called into duty – even outside the normal Ferry Schedule.. In some cases even if the Ferry is available and time is critical, a Helicopter will be called in. Lummi Island does not have a Fixed Wing (airplane) Landing Field in operation.
However, the Vehicle Ferry is not available at all during Dry Dock, and if the person is critical or not able to use the Passenger Ferry, a Medical Evacuation Helicopter is called in to land at one of our four (4) Helicopter landing spots on the Island.
Your insurance may or may not cover this cost and if they do, with a substantial co-pay. A Medical Airlift Membership from an organization serving Lummi is an important financial consideration because of this. The plan(s) available are Not expensive compared to the value of your life.
The following operate in the Region, but do not necessarily have reciprocal agreements with each other. Please consult with them directly for any questions:
Airlift Northwest
Part of UW Medicine – Provides Helicopter Service to Lummi Island from their base in Bellingham.
LifeFlight Network
Providing Helicopter service up to 175 miles of their Washington bases in Brewster, Coupeville, Dallesport, Kelso, Moses Lake, Port Angeles, Pullman, Richland, Spokane, and Walla Walla
NOTE: In years past if you had a membership in either Airlift Northwest or Island Air Ambulance you would be covered. These two companies used to have a reciprocal payment agreement through the Association of Air Medical Membership Programs. This is no longer the case.
Island Air Ambulance
Provides Fixed Wing and Emergency Boat Services for the San Juan Islands. They do Not use Helicopters.
Updated: 2021/04/08 @ 11:46 pm Tark Henderson