On Saturday, March 30th, 2024, a tsunami hit the west shore of Guemes Island, flattening homes and injuring many residents. Lucky for us, it was a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill, part of the current Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program. Homes were unharmed and local volunteers had (gruesome) fake injuries, thanks to the make-up magic of Savannah Reed from Remote Medical Training. Eight EMT trainees, led by EMT trainer Chris Immer and Fire Chief Olivia Cole dealt with everything from broken bones, impalements, head injuries, and someone stuck in a tree. Everyone was saved.
The Guemes Fire Department was founded in February 1961. EMT training began in 1981. One of the first EMTs on the island was Felix Edmunds. Our Guemes Island Fire Station Bay is named after him. Others from that first group include Al Bush, Sr., Chris Damarjian, and Larry Verbano.
All trainees are required to be Guemes residents. Originally, they had to travel to Skagit Valley College for training, which involved overnight stays mid-week and all-day Saturday. For the first time, this year’s trainees are going through Remote Medical Training in Bellingham, which provides trainers who travel to Guemes, offering the huge benefit of allowing EMTs to train in the area where they will be serving.
There are 8 trainees currently completing the 7-week training course, which will bring the number of certified EMTs on the island from 3 to 10, the most we’ve ever had on Guemes. Training is led by Sean Petersmark of Remote Medical Training, with assistance from Chris Immer and Savannah Reed. It’s an accelerated program; most take three months. According to Sean, “They put in a tremendous amount of work,” including an average of 100 hours online and approximately 112 hours in person. In addition to learning basic skills such as checking vitals, they practice using tourniquets, clearing airways, putting patients on a backboard, administrating EPI injections, oxygen, and Narcan, among many other skills.
While most of the time the trainees practice on each other, their trainers also set up medical emergency situations using local volunteers. In addition to the tsunami exercise in March, earlier this year they simulated a trail rescue and a car accident. EMTs need to learn to make quick medical assessments in a variety of situations, staying focused under pressure and in chaotic situations.
Once they complete the program, trainees must take the National Registry Cognitive exam, which Sean describes as a “brutal adaptive test.” Following that, they must affiliate through the state of Washington and do 10 hours of ride-alongs. Refresher courses must be taken quarterly. Did I mention these are all volunteers, most with families and full-time jobs? They are also your friends and neighbors.
How can you support both the Guemes Fire Department and our local EMTs?
- Pull over when you see flashing lights–and keep in mind sometimes EMTs must use their own cars to respond to calls.
- Make sure your blue street address signs are easily visible from the road.
- Clear driveways of debris and overhanging branches.
- Have your medical information both on your fridge and on your phone, including current medications, allergies, doctor info, ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts and DNR forms.
- Make sure you have current Life Flight or Air Lift insurance (preferably both, if possible).
- Be patient with medical emergency ferry delays.
- Donate to the Guemes Island Firefighters Association!
Keep in mind that the hard-working Guemes Fire Department personnel are VOLUNTEERS. They deserve our respect, support, and gratitude. We are more than lucky to have such dedicated emergency workers. Take a moment to let them know how much we all appreciate them.
– Betsy Passarelli