Paramedics available to show groups what they do
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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Officials with Fire District 6 are working to inform voters about paramedic-provided advanced life support in two ways: by offering to give 25-minute presentations to groups, and by inviting residents to informational open houses at the Hazel Dell and Felida fire stations.
The district’s emergency medical services levy expires at the end of this year. A proposition to renew it will be on the August primary election ballot.
If voters don’t approve the proposition, the district will be forced to lay off 13 or more firefighter-paramedics, officials have said.
They say that would mean the district could no longer provide advanced life support, which includes paramedic medications that can save lives during cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, dangerously high blood pressure and breathing problems including asthma.
Certified paramedics, who receive 1,500 hours of training, also can insert IV lines, enable people to breathe in critical situations and diagnose heart rhythms, helping people make early recoveries from heart attacks and strokes.
Officials say paramedic layoffs would reduce the district’s EMS capabilities to basic life support, provided by emergency medical technicians with 110 hours of training.
To book a presentation by Fire Chief Jerry Green and other chief officers, call Dawn Johnson at 360-213-2191, or e-mail her at dawn.johnson@ccfd6.org.
An EMS levy renewal open house will start at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Felida station, 11600 N.W. Lake Shore Ave.
Fire District 6 protects Hazel Dell, Lake Shore, Felida, Salmon Creek, Mount Vista and the fairgrounds area.
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