All in a day’s work at Orcas Fire & Rescue

— from Kim Kimple for Orcas Fire & Rescue —

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue had two periods Friday with overlapping emergencies. The first two were cardiac calls. Both required treatment by EMS and transport by air to a local hospital. A third cardiac patient was also treated and transported Friday, all before 5 p.m. 

At 7:42 p.m., Orcas Island Fire Rescue was dispatched to Moran State Park to coordinate a search for a 14-year-old runner who had become separated from their group. The runner was on a supervised running event around Mountain Lake.

It was determined that the runner took the turn onto Twin Lakes trail; and then to the summit. The runner was found safe near the summit at 8:19 p.m., seven minutes after sunset.

In all, 17 OIFR responders participated in this search and rescue operation. The search was coordinated by Lieutenant Rich Harvey of the OIFR Rescue Division. Two State Park Rangers and a Sheriff’s Deputy also participated in the operation.

Harvey said, “This was a simple search by comparison to many we have done. But just as gratifying to see our mission end with a person found safe, and with no injuries.” 

During the search, Orcas Fire and Rescue also responded to a fire alarm at the Long House on Prune Alley. The alarm on the second floor was set off by cooking.  There were no injuries in either incident.

Friday’s Shift Commander, Battalion Chief Patrick Shepler said, “Overlapping emergency calls occur with greater frequency as our call volumes continue to rise. We don’t just do Fire and EMS; we do everything.”