SAN JUAN ISLAND EMERGENCY TRAINING

San Juan County Wilderness EMTs graduate

posted 09/26/2006
The San Juan School of Wilderness and Emergency Medicine of the San Juan Island EMS, graduated 13 Wilderness EMTs after an intensive two weekend course on Shaw Island. The Wilderness EMT course is a rigorous 48 hour specialty certification course for already licensed EMTs. The curriculum includes classroom work and a majority of wilderness and challenging situation practicals that stretch the EMT to accomplish traditional medical care in un-traditional settings. The group spent the two weekends in classroom and camping/remote situations.

This is the second Wilderness EMT conducted within 12 months. Jim Cole, Chief of EMS and Lead Instructor says, "We are extremely proud of these students. These EMTs from Shaw, Lopez and San Juan will continue to greatly serve the islands with skilled care in challenging situations."

Co-instructor Steve Nystrom, a SOLO WEMT instructor traveled from Pennsylvania to assist with the course. For further information check out www.sanjuanems.org.

Cold finish to Marine Rescue class

posted 04/24/2006
Junping into 46-degree water and treading water for 10 minutes was the final step in the marine rescue class for local firefighters, deputies, EMTs and the sheriff yesterday. "Now I know why the seals make that noise," said one firefighter as he hit the water.

The Coast Guard class, hosted by Friday Harbor Fire Department was attended by thirty people. A few opted to fulfill their water test in a pool at a later date.

The participants were dressed in bathing suits or shorts and t-shirts. People were available for rescue if necessary. No one had to be rescued during the drill.

When the 10 minutes were up, the chilled participants made their way to the boats and were helped aboard. Hot showers at the Port of Friday Harbor were next on the schedule.

SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2008

news @sanjuanislander.com

ABOUT US | ADVERTISING INFO | CONTACT INFORMATION |