Third ambulatory air service comes to SE Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A third air ambulance will be servicing a southeastern Alaska community.

Juneau patients got a third option for their medical evacuation needs in early May, the Juneau Empire reported (http://bit.ly/2qjDGUS). LifeMed Alaska joins Airlift Northwest and Guardian as an air ambulance service in the area, a frequent stop for tourists.

LifeMed Alaska has two Lear jets based in Juneau that can carry two patients each. Their medical team is experienced in pediatric, obstetric and neonatal care as well as adult care.

LifeMed Alaska is the preferred provider for Aetna and Premera.

The nonprofit was formed in 2008 after a merger between two corporations owned by Providence Health and Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corp. LifeMed Alaska has other bases in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel, Palmer, Soldotna and Dutch Harbor.

As a nonprofit, LifeMed Alaska will offer yearly membership at $49, said company director of clinical services Ted Galbraith.

“We have a mandate to transport all Alaskans,” he said. “We don’t have to make a profit, we’re owned by a nonprofit.”

Galbraith said the company also has a charity care plan for those without a membership or a health care plan.