Life Flight - cost?

Plum · 05-29-2007, 07:00 AM

Friend of a friend was life flighted this weekend
and it looks like he doesn't have health insurance.
Anyone know the approx. cost?
I thought is was around 10k.
Thanks

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Back in '90, I was told the cost started at $5k, I'm guessing it's much more than that now.

widgeon13 · 05-29-2007, 07:34 AM

I am an EMT in upstate NY, we normally advise patients the cost is approx $7000 from various locations in southern Adirondacks to Albany Med (trauma center). Not cheap but consider the alternative.

HelmetHead · HelmetHead's Garage

As widgeon13 said...

PRICELESS!!!!

rcm · 05-29-2007, 10:28 AM

My dad was lifted out of the white mountains with a heart attack two years ago. Priceless is correct, he is alive and doing well.

But, for those who want to know, the price was $12,500.for a 20 minute flight. But, I would not have had dinner with him last night if they did not have that helicopter that day.

Joeaksa · 05-29-2007, 01:46 PM

I flew medivac for years.

Was he taken on a helo or fixed wing? How long was the distance?

Really it does not matter, if it saved his life it was worth the cost...

Now get him some health insurance!

cbeers · 05-29-2007, 01:47 PM

Just got lifted two years ago. Not all that far as the crow flies, maybe 30-40 miles, but it was something like $12-15k. Luckily, insurance picked up almost all of that. Now, 2 of 3 brothers have been lifted so we tease the other about "his turn"

I hope your friend is OK.....

-Chris

strupgolf · 05-29-2007, 04:59 PM

Here in central Indiana, I believe the cost a few years ago was between 3-5000.00 for about a 40 mile hike, who know what is is now.

Keith Perry · 05-29-2007, 06:06 PM

I flat lined a year and a half ago and rode a helio 45 miles over the water to Chas for $25,000.00. A drop in the bucket compared to the next 2 weeks cost. Just wouldn't come out of a coma. My wife was told to make permanent care arrangements and I popped up. 4 days later I was zooming the lowcountry in my 911.

widgeon13 · 05-29-2007, 06:21 PM

Just an after thought, putting cost aside, the people that do this work, flight crews and medical staff are some of the best people in the world at what they do. I have known some folks out west and back east and they are committed to this work. So you not only get the flight but the best medical care available. Just my $.02.

The interesting thing is that it's not a job that will make you rich but these folks most likely wouldn't want to do anything else. And it's never a walk in the park, never.