QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

Seattle

Left ■ Representative Seattle paramedic ambulance. Photo: Tony Hucker

Training and beyond Firefighter EMT training is provided by external agencies. It is a requirement that EMT training is completed by the time the recruit firefighter graduates. After five years' service firefighter/ EMTs can apply for paramedic training. Paramedic training is an intensive 12-month program. Training is conducted at Harborview Medical Center, Seattle’s level one trauma centre. Harborview is also the Medic One (Paramedic Program) headquarters and station for Medic One and 10 paramedic units. I loved this level of integration: Paramedic Station and training on the grounds of a tertiary level hospital – a one-stop shop! Obviously, it is a very on-the-job program which gives it its strength. Being a medical control model where paramedics have to call in and get medical authority to provide most interventions, I thought their training may have a 'technician feel' to it. Having sat in their classroom and talked to students (wearing waist-length white coats like medical students) and listened to the interaction between supervising paramedics, I was pleasantly surprised. They adopt a very evidence-based approach to their care and clearly develop a sound depth of knowledge. I was very impressed.

Overall, I had a great time. The Medic One team took me to the biggest Starbucks I have ever seen. It was amazing and, believe it or not, made excellent coffee – cappuccino, flat white etc. This was after days of drinking their brewed stuff – 20 sugars makes it okay, by the way. I was showing off the new QAS uniform during my ride alongs and I got a lot of attention. On one case I was referred to as ‘aqua-man'! As it turns out, the reflective markings on the lower legs of the trousers look like fish scales. It is okay, I’ve been called worse! A final word on their vehicles – no surprises, they are big! – and based on a Ford 450 or 550 chassis with a single centre-mounted stretcher. They were pretty standard but there is so much space. There is easy 360 degree access to the patient. Their new design is even bigger. They have had to move away from side-facing bench seats for obvious reasons, but disappointed they can now sit only four attendants in the back. They take two students at a time. They still do crazy 24hr shifts: 24-on, 48-off then 24-on, 96-off. They love it! I would encourage ride alongs wherever you can get them. Not only are they fascinating but also very motivating.

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More information and links

Above ■ The ‘aqua-man’ himself, back on the job after his informative trip to the Pacific Northwest. Photo: QAS Media

Medic One Foundation  http://www.mediconefoundation.org/ King County Medic One  http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/emergency-medical-services/medic-one.aspx

 https://www.facebook.com/KCMedic1/ Seattle Fire Department Medic One  https://www.seattle.gov/fire/medics/medicOne.htm Seattle & King County Emergency Medical Services System  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_%26_King_County_Emergency_Medical_Services_System Harborview Medical Centre  http://www.uwmedicine.org/harborview Dr Mickey Eisenberg  https://em.uw.edu/faculty/mickey-eisenberg-md-mph-phd  https://publichealthinsider.com/2015/05/22/why-king-countys-ems-is-the-best-in-the-world-qa-with-mickey-eisenberg/  https://www.totalpolitics.com/articles/interview/heart-problem-interview-prof-mickey-eisenberg

Summer 2017–18