History

Founding Leadership

Frank Wilson, EMT-B was the first leader of the San Juan Aid Unit begun under the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 3 in January of 1977. He was the Aid Unit Captain under Fire Chief Glen Potter. Frank led the Aid unit out of the Fire Department and under the San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 in 1995.  He continued his leadership as the EMS Administrator until his death from cancer in 2004. His passionate service to the community through the Aid Unit was only rivaled by his passion for good fishing and love for his family, who served alongside him for many years. The current EMS facility is named in his honor as the “Frank Wilson EMS Building” at 540 Spring Street in the Town of Friday Harbor, WA.

General Timeline

Over the years, there has not been an orderly account taken of the ongoing history and events of San Juan Island EMS.  We have taken some time to account for some known events, however, we desire to lengthen and add other important events and people to this general time line as information becomes available. Please contact us with stories and memories to include here.

  • 1973 Carter Family established Islands Convalescent Center Ambulance Company from their nursing home. 60 calls were logged in the first year of operation.
  • 1976 July 1st, the San Juan Aid Unit is established under the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 3 and begins tax funded service the following year on January 1, 1977.
  • 1995 San Juan Island EMS is moved out from under the Fire District and into San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 (SJCPHD) on a 6 year renewable levy.
  • 2001 Terrorists attack the United States beginning multiple wars abroad and sweeping changes at home. The Department of Homeland Security is established.
  • 2004 Frank Wilson dies from cancer, leaving a grieving community and a legacy of service and dedication. Cheryl Gardener serves as interim EMS Administrator.
  • 2005 Chief Jim Cole hired as new EMS Administrator from Cleveland, Ohio.
  • 2006 San Juan School of Wilderness EMS is established and affiliated with SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine.
  • 2007 Island Air Ambulance is first FAA approved single piston engine air ambulance program in the Continental US. Also, first field approval of stretcher system purchased through community support and hard work of Jackie and Will Hamilton.  FAA and State licensed for BLS transports.
  • 2008 SJIEMS responds to 1098 calls.  The first time there had been more than 1,000 calls in one year since beginning in 1973.
  • 2009 Sheriff Bill Cumming partners with SJIEMS to retrofit, stock, and operate the first State of Washington licensed water ambulance the P/V Guardian under SJIEMS.
  • 2009 Island Air Ambulance gains upgraded FAA and State of Washington DOH approval for advanced life support operations.
  • 2010 SJIEMS hires Dr. Michael Sullivan as Agency Medical Director with major upgrade in training, CQI and capabilities.  Field electronic medical record instituted through interMedix.
  • 2011 IAA becomes re accredited and capable of IFR operations with increased utilization throughout the District. New EMS Building and Peace Island Hospital begin to be constructed.
  • 2012 SJIEMS/IAA begins CAMTS national accreditation effort. New EMS Building and hospital slated to open in the fall.

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