Frequently Asked Membership Questions

In case of an emergency, whom should I call?

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Who requests an AirLink helicopter or fixed-wing transport?

Local 9-1-1 and ground ambulance, police and fire crews generally request our air ambulance services. The patient’s physician and/or hospital usually request fixed-wing flights. All flights are coordinated with AirLink’s dispatch center.

Am I able to choose the hospital I am transported to?

AirLink and FireMed emergent medical transports are based upon medical need, not membership status, and transport patients to the closest medically appropriate facility as requested by the physician.

What type of transport is covered by an AirLink membership?

An AirLink member’s transport must meet three criteria in order to be covered. The transport must be:

  • Medically necessary, which requires moving the patient to a level of care or service otherwise unavailable at their current location, as directed by their physician or EMS agency.
  • To the closest medically appropriate facility or hospital capable of providing the patient with the necessary level of care or service.
  • For an emergent or serious condition that requires rapid care.
What type of transport is not covered by an AirLink membership?

A transport is not covered if a member is transported to a facility that is:

  • Not medically necessary to provide a higher level of care or service (e.g. a request to move to a hospital located closer to family).
  • At the request of the patient or family and not medically necessary for treatment.
What type of transport does a FireMed membership cover?

Coverage varies for each program. Please contact the AirLink membership office at 800.353.0497 or 541.706.6305 to learn more about your local FireMed benefits.

Is my AirLink membership honored by any other emergency air ambulance programs?

As part of AAMMP your AirLink membership is honored by nine reciprocal air ambulance partners, which include:

  • Air St. Luke’s in Boise, ID
  • Wyoming Life Flight in Casper, WY
  • Care Flight in Reno, NV
  • Enloe FlightCare in Chico, CA
  • CALSTAR in Auburn, CA
  • Northwest MedStar in Spokane, WA
  • Airlift Northwest in Seattle, WA
  • Life Flight Network in Portland, OR & Boise, ID

If you are flown by one of AirLink’s AAMMP reciprocal partners your coverage is subject to the reciprocating program’s rules and limitations which may be different from AirLink’s. AAMMP partners are subject to change without notice. Please note that there are other regional air ambulance programs located throughout the northwest that do not participate in the AAMMP reciprocal partner program. AirLink members will not receive benefits if transported by an air ambulance company other than AirLink or an AAMMP reciprocal partner.

What happens if I am flown by a non-reciprocating partner?

A non-reciprocating partner will not honor your AirLink membership. You must be a member of the program that flies you in order to be eligible for membership benefits.