A Search and Rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducted two Medical Evacuations during the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 13 from the San Juan Islands.
The SAR crew of five took off around 5 a.m, and transited to the Lopez Island Airport to pick up a 70-year-old male suffering from critical respiratory issues. They then flew to the helicopter pad at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash. where he was transferred to higher care.
Following drop-off of the first patient, the crew proceeded to the airport on Orcas Island where they picked up a 90-year-old female with a possible thoracic aortic aneurysm. Once on board, the crew went back to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for transfer. The weather was challenging throughout both flights as winds gusted upwards of 30 mph in heavy rain.
“It was a group effort today that allowed us to help two people from the local community who really needed it,” said SAR Rescue Swimmer Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Cory Hedges. “It’s always a rewarding night when our training pays off in such a tangible way.”
This year, NAS Whidbey Island SAR has launched on 35 SAR/MEDEVAC missions, resulting in 28 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.