Education:

University of Washington
B.A., Public and Community Health

Associate Degree, Nursing
Seattle Central Community College

NREMT-P
Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska

Employment:

Group Health Hospital
Emergency Dept

Harborview Medical Center
Emergency Dept

Airlift Northwest
Flight Nurse

Experience:

Contract UNHCR, Medical Relief worker
Hurricane Mitch, Honduras

Contract UNHCR, Medical Relief worker, Kosovo Conflict
Refugee Coordinator for Health Care
Skodra, Albania
Certifications:

National Registered Paramedic,

Washington State, Paramedic

Washington State, R.N.
Certified Emergency Nurse, BCEN
ACLS, PALS, NRP

Interest:
Free Diving (breath hold diving)

http://www.sjcfiremarshal.org

Remember that your personal first aid kit should reflect you and your individual situation.  Think about likely scenarios and plan from that end in mind. Here are some suggestions to get you started. Consider taking a Wilderness First Aid course this fall as well.

 PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT        

• 1        Medium size wastcan plastic bag
• 4        Large gallon size Zip-loc type baggies
• 6        Small sandwich plastic bags for gloves
• 2        Simple sugar sources (Jello or cake icing tube)
• 2        Large cravats (can make from 3×3 bed sheet cut corner to corner)
• 2        Surgipads or female hygiene napkins
• 4        4”x4” gauze pads
• 10      Various sized Band-Aid bandages
• 1        Roll of duct tape
• 6        Safety pins
• 2        Rolls of 4” rolled bandage (Kling)
• 1        6” ACE bandage
• 6        Alcohol wipes or Betadine wipes
• 1        tube of providone-iodine
• 1        Moleskin or Spenco Second Skin
• 1        Knife or scissors
• 1        Paper & pencil (marine waterproof if possible)
• 1        SAM splint (optional)
• 1        Pointy metal tweezers
• 1        Bottle of drinkable water to flush wounds and moisten gauze for small burns

PERSONAL DENTAL FIRST AID KIT

• 1        Topical anesthetic: Oil of Clove (Eugenol) or Ambesol
• 1        Temporary filling material: Cavit, Zinc Oxide
• 1        Analgesics: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin
• 1        Rx Antibiotics: Penicillin, Keflex, Erythromycin (for penicillin-allergic patients)
• 1        Mouth mirror
• 1        Cotton balls
• 1        Gauze
• 1        Toothbrush
• 1        Dental Floss

 All of this can be placed into a waterproof bag which fits in a stuff sack.

PERSONAL BIVY KIT

•  2        large garbage bags (shelter or emergency rain gear) or a 10’x10’ sheet of plastic
• 1        100’ of parachute cord
• 1        Emergency space blanket (tin foil blanket)
• 1        Metal cup
• 1        Jell-O with sugar (NOT Nutrasweet)
• 1        Lighter or waterproof matches
• 2        Plumber’s candles
• 1        Knife
• 1        Whistle (plastic in winter)
• 1        Compass
• 1        Visual signaling device like a pocket mirror
• 1        Flashlight (small enough to carry in your mouth) or a headlamp
• 1        Stocking cap
• 1        Spare pair of non-cotton socks (can double as mittens)

 ALWAYS CARRY RAIN GEAR, both tops & bottoms, even on short day hikes.

The three most important factors are:

1. Effective CPR started immediately.

2. An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) applied within 3 minutes.

3. Calling 9-1-1 with accurate information for a quick EMS response.

Click here to see a Google map showing all of the AED units deployed throughout our EMS District. Is one within three minutes of where you live or work?  Do you want to help us provide even greater access to these life saving devices? Please contact us to see how you can partner with us!

1. Drink plenty of water, usually a 2 liter bottle’s worth of water each day. If you are more than sedentary, you may need to double that amount.

2. Watch out for the burning sun.  Our northwest skin is unaccustomed to the intensity and might burn more easily. Certain medications will enhance the effects of the UV light and can cause serious burns. Wear hats and clothing that cover ears, nose and shoulders.  Use sunscreen liberally.

3. Remember that the evenings can be quite a bit cooler than the daytime.  Be prepared to layer clothing as the sun goes down to avoid hypothermia, especially if you’re on or near the water.

4. Wear your bicycle or skating helmet while you’re out having fun. The mantra, “Wheels under the feet means a helmet on the head” is a great one for the kids to know by heart.

5. Alcohol and driving NEVER mix. If you party it up (even a little bit), get a sober ride home. 378-TAXI is an easy number to remember, and one that could save your life.

Have a great summer, and be safe. If you do experience an emergency, stay calm. Dial 9-1-1. Help is on the way!

Following a specialized training presented by Dr. Michael Sullivan, EMTs were trained and tested in drawing up and administering epinephrine (adrenaline) through an intramuscular (IM) shot.

EMTs are able to administer it to both pediatric and adult patients who are experiencing life threatening allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis.

If you are stung by an insect, start a new medication, or eat a food containing an ingredient to which you are allergic, and begin to have difficulty breathing or swelling of your face or mouth, stay calm and call 9-1-1. Help is on the way!

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“People know that when they call 911 they’ll get help, no matter what their circumstance,” said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the ACEP. “Much of what you do isn’t nearly as dramatic as saving a life, but just as important to a patient or family who are facing the unknown with fear and pain. Your presence and caring can have an impact far beyond the expert clinical care you provide.”

“Whereas, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and Whereas, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rates …,” stated the San Juan County Council Proclamation. “It is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.”

“I salute all the members of our EMS team for their continuous dedication to our community and to providing professional patient care,” said Jim Cole, Chief of San Juan Island EMS. “We are proud to be constantly increasing the range and volume of services we provide to the community. Newly acquired skills, further modernized equipment, additional transport options, expanded training, and community injury prevention programs are examples of the ever expanding scope of San Juan Island EMS.”

In 2009, San Juan Island EMS provided 980 emergency responses. “But that’s not all we did,” said Lainey Volk, EMS Prevention Education Coordinator. ”As part of our commitment to community safety, San Juan Island EMS trained over 1200 CPR students and 800 First Aid students. We provided 70 free children’s car seats and 60 bicycle helmets. Our marine safety program provided 90 loaner life jackets for use on the docks and boats at Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor.”

San Juan Island EMS is the tax supported, county EMS agency serving the residents and visitors of San Juan Island, Town of Friday Harbor, Brown Island, Stuart Island, Johns Island, Speiden Island, Pearl Island and Henry Island in San Juan County, Washington. It provides emergency medical services, critical care transport, and injury and accident prevention. The staff of career paramedics and volunteer EMTs is available twenty-four hour a day.