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. …

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…

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…

Anatomy of a Resuscitation

In the early morning hours of October 2015, Mr. Martin, a 60 year old man, was found by his family to be unconscious and not breathing.  911 was immediately called and the patient’s wife was given CPR instructions by the dispatch center.  Within minutes, Skyway Fire Department Engine 22 and Aid Car 22 were on…