Opinion: Eastside Fire & Rescue Coordinator Says Thanks During National Emergency Medical Services Week

Everyone at one time or another has had the opportunity to see the Fire Department make their appearance, whether in a fire engine or in the aid car, as they breeze by with lights and sirens. In fact, you may have had the need to call upon your local firefighters for a variety of services that are provided, both minor and major.

Though these individuals may have never considered themselves “Jack or Jill of all trades,” it is apparent that they have to meet numerous needs. This is just part of the mission our firefighters in our agency agreed to perform when they chose this profession.

These individuals must continually maintain their firefighting and emergency medical services skills in order to be prepared to meet these challenges of today. There is specialized training to enhance the life-saving techniques, as well as, dealing with others affected by the situations that arise, be it family, friends, or just passers-by.

Well, we have all heard the adage, “Behind every successful man is a woman.” Well, that isn’t necessarily the case here, but rather, “Behind every successful firefighter is an instructor.” One who has dedicated additional time and training to assist fellow firefighters in exceeding their present knowledge and skills to better their ability to assist you in time of need.

As Eastside Fire & Rescue’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training Coordinator, I am very proud and grateful to the 40 continuing education instructors I have assisting in this challenge. Not only do these individuals perform their skills as firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), but they also have exceeded their training requirements, and are the key element to our Agency’s quality improvement and assurance.

This is National EMS Week, May 15-21, 2011. Not only do I want to take this opportunity to recognize our firefighters, with their EMS and multi-tasked skills, but I also would like to thank and acknowledge the EMS Instructors of our Agency for their influence and assistance as we continue as professionals.

-- This opinion piece was written by Elenjo Schaff, Emergency Medical Services training coordinator for Eastside Fire & Rescue. The fire agency serves Sammamish.

Editor's note: In March, Sammamish Patch visited one of the agency's fire stations in Sammamish to talk with firefighters and see the gear they use in their work. The fire agency has three stations in Sammamish: Station 81, Station 82 and Station 83.