Emergency Medical Services Week 2013 - Thank a local hero

SEATTLE - May 19, 2013 - PRLog -- In August of 2012, eleven year old Andrew Madrid was struck by an automobile while riding his bicycle in Auburn Washington.  Witnesses called 911.  Firefighter/emergency medical technicians, paramedics and the police responded.  When they arrived they found Andrew lying in the road with life-threatening injuries.  Emergency responders quickly went to work and stabilized Andrew.  He and his damaged bicycle helmet were transported by ambulance to the hospital.  Andrew spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries.  Doctors credited the helmet he was wearing for saving his life.  It just so happens that the EMS agency (Valley Regional Fire Authority) that responded to the E-911 call for help was the very same EMS agency that fitted Andrew with a free helmet two months prior at a bike rodeo sponsored by his school.

Two cities to the north, Renton Fire Department hosted their annual “Renton Heart Month” community outreach program.  During the month of February 2013, free health screenings were provided to approximately 8,500 people.  Over 1,628 people were found to be at risk of either high blood pressure or high blood sugar and referred to their physician for further treatment and follow up.

From bike helmets and older adult fall-risk evaluations to blood pressure and blood sugar checks, fire departments throughout King County not only respond to calls for fire and medical emergencies but reach out to communities every day to help you keep healthy.  Today is the first day of EMS Week.  Celebrate and honor the work and dedication of your EMS providers.  When you pass by your local fire station, wave, toot your horn, send cards of thanks; and if you like baseball, buy a ticket to the Mariner’s vs. Cubs game on June 29th and help EMS Strike out for Stroke.

The Central Region EMS & Trauma Care Council is a 501c3 corporation located in King County Washington.  Our mission is to provide leadership and coordination of EMS community partners to reduce injury and to ensure provision of high-quality emergency medical and trauma care.