Alaskan Teams Are Always Ready

None of us can really know when we’ll be faced with an emergency. That’s why being prepared is so important. Barbara Tighe never imagined that, on this day, the air ambulance service she signed up for would save her life. 

“On March 26, 2021, the day started like any other day,” Barbara tells us. “I was getting ready to leave the house for a doctor’s appointment. Getting into the truck, I started to gasp for air, and I felt as if I could not breathe. Then, the feeling subsided and I told my husband to continue on to the doctor’s office. We made it to my appointment and when the nurse was taking my weight, I saw that I had put on 20 pounds, and knew something was so wrong. Again, I started gasping for air and could not breathe. The next thing I know, I am laying down on a bed in the doctor’s office I’m being asked if I need an ambulance. I indicated ‘yes’ by nodding to the staff.” 

When doctors see that a patient needs critical care that may not be available at their facility, they often call for emergency medical transport. Our members know that they will be in the hands of experienced, caring experts. 

“The next thing I remember, the Ketchikan, AK Fire Department was there, transporting me to the hospital. Sometime in all this, my son and daughter-in-law, who happen to be first responders, assumed I would need to be flown out of our small town to a higher level of care. When the decision was made that I would be flown by Guardian Flight to Seattle, WA, things moved fast, and I was glad I had no decisions to make.  

Moments like this one are incredibly stressful for patients and families. Recovery is obviously everyone’s first concern but knowing that there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for AMCN members lessens anxiety. 

Barbara’s story has a happy ending… 

“The competency of all those that worked on me and got me to where I needed to go was outstanding,” she said.  “Thank you to the Guardian Flight crew of Ketchikan, AK—You are definitely angels in disguise. Thanks to the crew, the pilots, and everyone else. I don’t remember all the names, but I did see the smiles on their faces and that was a calming sight to see. You do great work and I pray for each of you to keep up this fantastic work you do. Thank you.” 

Membership should be an easy decision. For just $125 a year, you can protect your finances and your entire household. 

“I would tell anyone—do not hesitate to have a membership with Guardian Flight [a provider in the AirMedCare Network] as you never know when you will need it. You may never need to use it, but when you do have this need…it is a lifesaver!” -Barbara Tighe, AMCN Member 

We couldn’t say it any better ourselves.