We are proud of the dozens of Public Access Defibrillation Programs and/or gifted Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) we have provided to communities across Whidbey Island in an effort to drive down unnecessary sudden cardiac arrest deaths.
EMS Community Programs
EMS Business Office
(360) 914-3193
Automatic External Defibrillators
- Sudden cardiac arrest has been described as the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Recognizing that a person’s heart has stopped, requesting 9-1-1, providing “hard/fast” chest compressions, and retrieving an automated AED are absolutely essential steps to save their life.
- If defibrillated within the first minute of collapse, the victim’s chances for survival are close to 90%. For every minute that defibrillation is delayed, survival decreases by 7-10%. If it is delayed by more than 10 minutes, the chance of survival in adults is less than 5%.
- WhidbeyHealth EMS and the WhidbeyHealth Foundation have partnered with like-minded companies, organizations, civic groups, churches, municipalities, and cities to acquire grants for life-saving AEDs but also to ensure for the legal, safe, most effective placement of this life-saving equipment.
Take10
“Take 10 minutes to learn compression-only CPR.”
Cardiac arrest is an all too common event. It can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone. Take10 is community-based CPR training that is simple, fast and FREE. Learners gain skill by practicing giving compressions and the confidence to act in an emergency.
- No mouth to mouth, just compressions
- Learn in 10-15 minutes
- Only 3 simple steps: Check, Call, Compress
- It’s FREE
ACT to Save a Life
No matter how quickly first responders arrive, bystanders will always be first on the scene. ACT To Save a Life is a 1-hour first aid class that teaches three vital skills you can use to save a life in an emergency during the crucial few minutes before EMS arrives:
Antidote – for suspected opiate overdose
Most people hear the word opiate and think of street drugs like heroin, but it also includes many painkillers prescribed after surgery or injury. Opiate overdose is the leading cause of death for people under 50. ACT teaches you how to administer an antidote nasal spray available with or without a prescription at many local pharmacies.
CPR – for sudden cardiac arrest
Compression-only CPR and AED use in the first few minutes of sudden cardiac arrest can greatly increase the odds of survival. CPR and AED are both used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Tourniquet – for bleeding control
Severe bleeding is the leading cause of death in earthquakes, terror attacks and mass shootings. The skills learned can also be applied to both home and work injuries. Applying a tourniquet to an arm or leg injury or packing a torso wound in the first five minutes can be lifesaving.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is an evidence-based exercise program developed by the Washington State Department of Health for adults 65 and older. Performing intentional exercises that improve strength, balance, and fitness is the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chances of falling. SAIL activities are focused on reducing unnecessary injury by helping to improve strength and balance, if done regularly.
Classes are offered virtually through Zoom so Island County residents can experience live exercise sessions with certified instructors from the convenience of their homes.
Child & Babysitting Safety (CABS)
Babysitting isn’t just about “watching and entertaining” children. It’s about being responsible for their safety and well being. The CABS program gives teenagers and young adults the tools they need to be safe, professional and reliable babysitters. This class is also very useful for grandparents, expectant parents, new parents and latch-key kids as well.
In this 4-hour, free, fast-paced, interactive session, we train “Activities Coordinators/Injury Prevention Specialists” because we think that’s a more accurate description than “babysitter.”
Event Standbys
WhidbeyHealth EMS partners with community event organizers and other allied emergency services groups together, in order to proactively ensure that event organizers, participants, and also visitors have the safest experience possible. These events can include:
- festivals
- marathons
- triathlons
- ocean swims
- parades
- hydroplane races
- large-scale community-wide events
Partnerships
WhidbeyHealth EMS is part of a comprehensive, integrated system that coordinates activities with other public agencies around the island, including:
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