San Juan Island EMS earns American Heart Association Gold Award for third consecutive year

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 5, 2026

Submitted by San Juan County Public Hospital District #1

San Juan Island EMS has been recognized by the American Heart Association with the 2026 Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Award, including the Target: Stroke Honor Roll — the third consecutive year the agency has earned this distinction.

The award recognizes prehospital providers who demonstrate continued success in applying the most current, evidence-based treatment guidelines for patients experiencing stroke and heart attack. The Gold Award reflects sustained, high-level clinical performance throughout the year, while the Target: Stroke Honor Roll recognizes excellence in the rapid identification and treatment of stroke, when fast care can make a critical difference in a patient’s recovery. Only a handful of agencies across Washington State hold this level of recognition.

For an island community — where a serious medical emergency can require transport by air ambulance or boat to hospitals in Bellingham, Anacortes, or Seattle — the speed and quality of local emergency care are especially vital. The award reflects the care San Juan Island EMS crews provide close to home, every day.

“I wanted to share how incredibly proud I am of our team and the care they provide,” said Interim Chief Bishop. “We were awarded the AHA Mission: Lifeline Stroke and STEMI Gold Award for the third consecutive year, with the Stroke Honor Roll. There are only a handful of agencies statewide with this award. Our citizens are better off because of the stellar clinical care this team provides and the expert medical direction we receive from Dr. Corsa.”

The recognition reflects the daily work of the agency’s paramedics and EMTs, together with the medical direction provided by Dr. Corsa.