What is the difference between the new Air Ambulance services provided by Island Air and those provided by Airlift Northwest?
Island Air’s new air ambulance service is for BLS transport, involving stable patients with non life-threatening injuries or illness (e.g. broken leg) who do not require extensive medications or procedures. BLS service will be provided in a specially configured Cessna fixed wing aircraft. Ambulance transportation will be arranged at the destination airport before the Island Air Ambulance departs, and will be scheduled to meet the aircraft upon arrival. The ambulance and the aircraft will be staffed by EMTs who will maintain the continuity of care. Airlift Northwest provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport involving patients with life-threatening injury or illness (e.g. heart attack or major trauma). Airlift’s ALS service is usually provided in a helicopter and the patient is flown directly to an appropriate tertiary care hospital.
