Island Air Ambulance is San Juan Island EMS’ fixed wing Air Ambulance with flight operations provided by our healthcare partner, Island Air, Inc.

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Island Air’s specially configured Cessna 206s and Cessna 207 aircraft transport patients requiring rapid evacuation to the mainland. The aircraft is equipped to accommodate stretcher-bound patients and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who accompany them. Patients will generally be flown to the airport nearest the hospital or medical facility at which they are to receive care, and will then be met by an ambulance to complete the transport.

Island Air’s Cessna 206 is the first small aircraft licensed for Air Ambulance service by the FAA in the continental United States. The planes are capable of landing at more than 14 airfields serving virtually all of the major islands in San Juan County. This service can dramatically shorten the time needed to transport a patient to medical facilities by eliminating the need for a ferry or boat transport. The aircraft is configured to accept a specially developed, FAA approved Lifeport Plus stretcher system whose engineering, certification and purchase were funded by community donations.

After a tremendous amount of hard work, and cooperative support from the FAA, our elected officials, and our medical professionals, we are thrilled to add this important aviation service which will benefit our local communities.” — Jackie Hamilton, President of Island Air

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Airlift Northwest will continue to provide vital Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport to mainland hospitals using their helicopters when available. ALS typically involves the use of medications and specialized equipment associated with life-threatening conditions and the need for multiple flight nurses.

Cost of this service is much less than traditional helicopter rates. While many insurances will pay for medically necessary transportation, it is not guaranteed. District residents will only be responsible for up to $1,000 per flight while non-residents are responsible for the entire bill. The Airlift Northwest helicopter subscription does not cover this service.

This new service will help ensure that San Juan County families get timely access to critical emergency care. I congratulate Island Air on making this important contribution to the community.”—Congressman Rick Larsen

Please Note: The Airlift Northwest helicopter subscription does not cover this service.

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