Healthy Choices

I’ve been a paramedic for 23 years and certain calls stick in my mind.  They are not always the worst calls or the most life threatening.  Sometimes it is a conversation or an unusual situation that I will recall.  I remember this particular call because it was a turning point in my career and when…

Water Safety & Drowning

With summer fast approaching, more and more people will be making their way to local beaches, lakes, rivers and swimming pools for some much needed rest and relaxation.  Unfortunately, while fun, the increase in swimming during the summer months also brings a yearly increase in the number of drowning victims – both children and adults. …

What Are Amio-Lido-Placebos?

Reprinted from King County Public Health Insider If you have a heart, we have news for you. On April 4, the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium published the outcome of the Amio-Lido-Placebo Study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The results are another important step forward in the world of cardiac arrest response – and that…

Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium & KCM1

The Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) is an international research group that has come together to collectively study how to better treat victims of cardiac arrest and severe trauma. Because many people who experience these events are first seen by (and have their treatment started by) EMS providers, ROC has partnered with multiple EMS agencies across…

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Without prompt treatment it can lead to death very quickly.  However, symptoms usually get better with the right therapy, so it is important to act right away.   Anaphylaxis is a severe whole body allergic reaction to an allergen.  An allergen is any substance that can cause an allergic reaction. …

2016 Flu Update

February is unfortunately peak flu season.  Presently the CDC is still reporting low levels of flu activity throughout King County and Washington State. Although most cases of influenza will be mild and not require medical care, some people are at higher risk for developing complications: Children under 5 and adults over 65 Pregnant women People with…

Past Days of King County Medic One

After beginning their training in 1976, on September 1, 1977, the first Paramedics took to the streets in south King County.  Highline Medic One operated under the administration of Highline Community Hospital and King County Fire District #2.  Their medical director was Dr. Block, a Cardiologist in the 70’s who recently retired and still sits…

Recognition of a Stroke

Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and are a major cause of permanent adult disability.   Each year almost 800,000 people will be affected by a stroke, with one American dying every 4 minutes on average.  Although the incidence of stroke does increase with age, recently 34% of all…

Meet Our New Employees

Please welcome our newest employees.  While currently in Paramedic Training as part of Class 42 they will begin providing emergency care in August. Anthony DeSanto My name is Anthony DeSanto and I have been slowly moving towards the Pacific Northwest for most of my adult life. I am joined in my recent relocation by my…