From Dr. Jim Nania, Medical Program Director for Spokane County:
EMS, A Proud Partner in Your Community.
Dear EMS Provider,
I wanted to say thanks to all of you during EMS Week. For Spokane, this is a somewhat auspicious week. Monday, May 18th, was the anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980. Some of you who have been involved in EMS as long as I have will remember the day when the afternoon skies got dark as night. The ash fall Spokane experienced caused a marked increase in respiratory complaints and also resulted in an increase in motor crashes due to decreased visibility. Although it was a fascinating experience, the dusty conditions 'got old' very fast. As an ambitious young emergency physician, I wrote my first published EMS paper on the emergency medical effects of the volcanic ash fall. I am glad it has only happened once in our region.
Whether it has been Mt. St. Helens, Fire Storm, Ice Storm, or the tragic Fairchild shootings, our EMS system has rallied to the challenge and responded to the increased demands for emergency care. Each and every time these natural and manmade disasters have required our EMS personnel put in many extra hours and make even greater personal sacrifices to protect the public health and safety. I am very proud of the manner which you have all responded to these major community challenges. Perhaps, even more important, as someone who provides emergency medical care with a lot of help in the ER, I really recognize the daily challenges you face 'on the streets' and I am amazed at your ability to assess and treat each patient in a highly skilled and compassionate manner.
This week is for you!
James M. Nania, MD, FACEP
Medical Program Director
Spokane County EMS & Trauma Care Council
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