Many Alaskans are hikers, skiers and climbers, which means accidents often occur in hard-to-reach places. Lifeguard Alaska help about 1,500 people a year. Of course, the air ambulance is not cheap to run. Every helicopter flight, for example, costs about 7,000 dollar. Lifeguard Alaska receives funding from Providence Alaska Medical Center, but the public also helps to support it. The people of Alaska feel very lucky to have this service.