News
August 2nd, 2023
Island Air Breaks Ground on Second Air Ambulance Hangar
This past week, Island Air Ambulance based in Friday Harbor, WA, broke ground on a permanent additional hangar space located within the Friday Harbor airport. This second hangar space will accommodate the growing operation and secure storage for both of the Cessna Caravan 208’s owned by the air ambulance company.
Commencing in August 2023, the extensive construction project is estimated to be completed by January 2024. Adding an additional 11,000 square feet in the form of the new structure will not affect current air ambulance or charter operations but instead support the existing 6,000 square foot original hangar. This expansion will allow the space required for crews to keep not only the main medical fixed-wing aircraft but the backup air ambulance in a constant state of access and readiness.
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Jackie Hamilton (President of Island Air) and Josh Jensen (Operations Manager) pictured with the support of Flight Crew.
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
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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.