October 30th, 2022
Island Air Medical Crew Places 3rd in National Competition
This past October, Island Air Ambulance based in Friday Harbor, was invited to compete in the Simulation Cup Competition at the 2022 Air Medical Transportation Conference in Tampa, Florida. Island Air’s Josh Jensen, Certified Flight Paramedic, and Joe Juntila, Certified Flight Nurse, competed as a team against teams from across North America in a series of high-stress scenarios designed to test the limits of their clinical acumen and multi-tasking skills. The teams performed on stage in a simulated aircraft or a critical access hospital, treating multiple patients at once in simulated situations using high-fidelity mannequins and live actors under the scrutiny of a team of judges. After two days of competition, Josh and Joe were awarded 3rd place for their outstanding performance. Dr. Jason Heiner, Medical Program Director for Island Air Ambulance, said, “their competitive performance and achievement are evidence of their clinical knowledge and talent and also a testament to their rigorous ongoing training and dedication to excellence. This recognition is well deserved and we are so proud of them.”
March 16th, 2017
San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce Featured Member of the Month – Island Air
Jackie Hamilton first came to San Juan Island in 1988 to begin her career in aviation and in the process started Island Air and never left. Her company specializes in air charter, aircraft management and most importantly provides Island Air Ambulance; a community-based fixed wing air ambulance service. Last year, the Port of Friday Harbor and the San Juan Pilots Association honored Jackie and her late father naming them their 2016 Featured Pilots.
The Island Air story has been one of remarkable progress and service to the island communities. Over the last 20 years, Island Air has flown more than 2,300 medical evacuation missions to neighboring hospitals on the mainland, covering some 90,000 miles, more than three times around the world. In addition to their new medically-configured Cessna Caravan, Island Air has a pilot, flight nurse, and a flight paramedic or EMT ready to respond 24/7.
Island Air Ambulance is a CAMTS-accredited, critical care, fixed-wing air ambulance service based in Friday Harbor. A household membership program, currently $39 per year, is available, which defers out-of-pocket expenses for emergency fixed wing transports. For more information or to sign up for a membership, visit www.islandairambulance.com.