Every day, in communities across the country, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers put themselves on the line to save lives, safeguard dangerous situations, and deliver hope to families and communities in crisis. With selflessness, professionalism, and grace under fire, they provide essential care — never more so than during our battle with COVID-19 over the past year.
- PUB DATE: 5/17/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The White House

An 83-year-old woman is dead and an 81-year-old man is facing possible charges after a crash Sunday at a Thurston County roundabout, the Washington State Patrol reports. Troopers and medics responded to the scene, at State Route 510 and Meridian Road, at about 2:15 p.m. after receiving reports of a serious crash.
- PUB DATE: 5/17/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

Five local fire departments are responding to battle a house fire in Selah. The fire is burning on the 300 block of Lancaster Road. Crews were sent out just before 3 p.m. Friday. Flames are visible from the roof, and smoke has been pouring into the sky visible from miles around. Firefighters on scene say nobody was inside and it appears no one was hurt.
- PUB DATE: 5/17/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

Columbia Southern University Names Inaugural 2021 Outstanding EMS Professionals

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Columbia Southern University (CSU) recently recognized Philadelphia paramedic Lt. Patrick Carey as its inaugural 2021 Outstanding Emergency Medical Services Professional of the Year. Carey began his career in 1994 and has earned several awards for acts of heroism since, including the National Liberty Award of Valor for rescuing an infant from a car fire in 2013.

“Being a paramedic in stressful situations, I am able to keep patients calm while protecting them and providing excellent medical care. It’s a wonderful feeling and makes me feel proud,” said Carey.

Carey is an EMS instructor for Pennsylvania and a state evaluator for paramedic and emergency medical technicians. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in emergency services management from CSU.

Runner-up for the debut award is Michael Wolfe, an EMS/emergency preparedness coordinator for Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana. He began working as an EMT in 1984 and became a paramedic in 1987. He has worked in the private sector, volunteer and career fire services. In 2016, he retired as division chief of EMS for the Plainfield, Indiana, Fire Territory after 18 years and began working for Hendricks Regional Health. Wolfe is also seeking a master’s in public administration to add to his bachelor’s degree in homeland security.

A leader in public safety education, CSU established the Outstanding EMS Professional Award to recognize students and graduates serving in the EMS field for their commitment to saving lives, professionalism and their accomplishments in the field during National EMS Week (May 16-22). CSU also awards outstanding law enforcement, fire service and occupational safety and health professionals.

About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience for today’s adult learner. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.

The chiefs of Kitsap Peninsula's two biggest fire districts — Central and South Kitsap — believe they've found work their agencies can do better together. For instance, when one department sends the bulk of its firefighters to battle a blaze, could the other send an ambulance to its fellow district and deploy to other medical emergencies during the fire? Or could the agencies share certain vehicles, supplies and personnel? "We already collaborate quite a bit at the chief level," said John Oliver, chief of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2021 8:14:50 PM - SOURCE: Kitsap Sun