Congratulations to our partner Island Air for receiving another 5 Star Safety Award! 

Island Hospital is now offering FREE round trip taxi service to Island Hospital or to one of its hospital operated clinics from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. This includes the family members of those Airlifted to the hospital who are following their loved one to the mainland.

Those who need this service can call Mert’s Taxi, (360) 299-0609, and arrange to be met at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal.

Dr. Michael Sullivan, MD, FACEP is our Medical Director.

San Juan Island EMS members were acknowledged with special awards at the annual EMS Banquet on January 16. The EMT of the Year Award and the Chief’s Award went to Herb Mason. Rebecca Smith was the Officer of the Year. The Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Humberto Orozco. The physicians of the Inter Island Medical Center gave the Frank Wilson Service Beyond Self Award to Emily Hallock.

“It is a privilege to recognize these awardees for their service in 2009. They each made special contributions and extra individual efforts, beyond their regular responsibilities, to provide exemplary personalized care and emergency medical services to their fellow Islanders,” said EMS Chief Jim Cole. “We also want to acknowledge all the volunteer and career personnel and their families for their service and support. In 2009, we responded to 980 calls. Each and every member of San Juan Island EMS responded diligently, at all hours and in all conditions, to serve our residents and visitors.”

Ten San Juan Island EMS EMTs were recognized for fifteen years and more of EMS service, including Lainey Volk (25 years) and Brad Creesy (15 years).

Dear Island Community,

Here at the close of 2009, we want to take the opportunity to thank you for allowing us to serve you in your times of greatest need. Our volunteer EMTs and career paramedics want to thank this community for its outpouring of love and support.  We wish you and yours a peaceful and safe 2010!

The season of joy can also be a season of cardiac risk.  Keeping a few things in mind and doing a few simple things can greatly reduce your risk of a Christmas coronary.

1. Take the time to really distress.  Don’t complicate the season with too much busyness or bustle.  Reduce your blood pressure and stress level by living peacefully. Use your extra time to develop a healthy habit like walking or swimming.
2. Enjoy the Holiday Spirit without imbibing too many spirits.  Alcohol consumption increases our risk for heart attacks as well as choking.  NEVER drink and drive. Call a cab if needed.
3. Enjoy the food, but eat in moderation.  High fat meals can render your arteries to be less effective for up to 12 hours!  Moderate your fat intake with some whole vegetables and plenty of clear water.
4. Keep on track with all of your medications and health regimens.  Take your meds as prescribed and get some moderate exercise.  Don’t just sit on the couch looking at the decorations.  Drink plenty of water.
5. Some experts believe that particles in wood smoke can cause damage to your arteries as well as the known lung hazards like pneumonia and asthma. Enjoy the fire, but in a well ventilated area.
6. Get help fast. Some experts think that people delay treatment of minor symptoms or even severe ones because of “not wanting to spoil the holidays” for others.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that may feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, especially with exertion.
• Cold sweating and sudden exhaustion.
• Nausea and dizziness.

Listen to your body, and if you’re having any symptoms of a heart attack, take 2 adult aspirin, stay calm and call 9-1-1 immediately.  We are available 24/7 even on holidays.  Help is on the way.

The 2010 Census is an important event for our community.  When our citizenship is accurately counted, we become eligible for greater amounts of federal and state funding such as:

• Hospitals

• Job training centers

• Schools

• Senior centers

• Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects

• Emergency services

The Census data is by law, not able to be shared with any other government agency…your information remains confidential.

When you receive your 2010 Census, please fill it out and help us out. Click on the logo for more details.

San Juan County Superior Court Judge John O. Linde, 62, died off of Kona Beach, Hawaii Thursday morning, December 3, 2009. Our EMS family grieves over his loss and asks you to remember his family in your prayers in their time of need.

From our EMS Family to yours…

Have a happy, safe, and family filled Thanksgiving!

On Sunday evening, November 1st, my wife Helen experienced a medical problem that was beyond my capabilities to handle and so I dialed 911. I was immediately talking to a very capable person who very calmly asked all the right questions and who then assured me that help was on the way.

I did my best to make Helen comfortable, turned on the outside lights, unlocked the door, went back to her and within minutes, the EMT crew walked in the door.

I could then stand back and watch and what I observed was extreme competence, courtesy and caring. After determining that her vital signs were back to normal and they did not think that transport was necessary, they then helped me get her up into bed.

I doubt that there is a better EMS group anywhere in the world than the team that we lucky people have here in the San Juan Islands. Thanks guys!

Nate Benedict