Working Conditions Aboard the Island-Enterprise

On August 13, 2019, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak was dispatched for a critical medical evacuation involving a 33-year-old man aboard the fishing vessel 'Island Enterprise' in proximity to Saint Paul Island, Alaska. The alert first came to the attention of the Coast Guard District Seventeen command center at 4:29 p.m. on August 12, when watchstanders received a report of a crew member exhibiting potential stroke symptoms. Following a thorough evaluation with a medical care specialist, recommendations were made for the 'Island Enterprise' to navigate towards Saint Paul Island for urgent medical intervention. In response, the District Seventeen Command Center orchestrated the immediate launch of the Jayhawk aircrew, complemented by support from an HC-130 Hercules aircrew for auxiliary communications and crew relief. The successful medevac operation concluded at 3:15 a.m., with the fisherman being handed over to an awaiting Life Med team upon his arrival at Saint Paul, subsequently facilitating his transportation to Anchorage for further medical care.

On the evening of February 16, 2018, a heroic medevac operation was executed by the Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak using an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter. The incident occurred approximately 57 miles northeast of Cold Bay, where a 57-year-old man aboard the 'Island Enterprise' was found unconscious inside a freezer. A medevac request was initiated by Health Force Partners around 5:30 p.m., prompting immediate action from the 17th Coast Guard District command center. After consultation with the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, a medevac was deemed necessary. The Jayhawk crew, forward deployed to Cold Bay, swiftly hoisted the individual to safety and transported him back to Cold Bay. Upon arrival, medical personnel from Guardian Flight Services were on hand to facilitate his further transfer to a medical facility in Anchorage, Alaska.

On the morning of July 6, 2017, the Coast Guard Cutter Sherman facilitated a critical medevac operation for a 33-year-old man aboard the fishing vessel 'Island Alaska,' located approximately 152 miles north of Dutch Harbor. The 17th Coast Guard District command center received an urgent request from Health Force Partners after the crewman sustained a severe injury to his index finger. Following a consultation with the Coast Guard flight surgeon, it was determined that the injury posed a potential threat to his limb. An aviation detachment (AVDET) from the Coast Guard deployed an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, successfully hoisting the injured individual to safety. He was then transported to emergency medical services in Dutch Harbor. At the time of the operation, the conditions were challenging, with winds reaching 34.5 mph, seas ranging from 8 to 10 feet, and visibility at 11.5 miles.