A Search and Rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducted medical evacuations for two separate patients from Orcas on Feb. 12.

The SAR team was notified that a 3-year-old child with a broken femur on Orcas needed a MEDEVAC. Civilian airlift assets were unable to conduct the mission due to weather. The SAR crew launched at approximately 8 p.m. for the island.

After landing at Orcas, and while bringing the child and her father onboard, an ambulance arrived with a patient who was exhibiting stroke symptoms. The SAR crew brought the second patient onboard and a medic to assist, which made it necessary to off-load equipment. Both patients were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle at which point they returned to Orcas to transport the extra medic and collect the off-loaded gear before returning to Whidbey.