from Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien
From top left: Sue Ordwing, EMT Patricia Ayers, Hatchery Manager Mike O’Connell, Paramedic/Division Chief Patrick Shepler, Tim Ordwing, EMT Gulliver Rankin, EMT Lindsay Schirmer, Hatchery Owners Kathy and Jim Youngren. Bottom: Chief Kevin O’Brien, EMT Cameron Fralick, EMT Toby Shaner, Hatchery Volunteer Don Meyers.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue members had the opportunity to visit Mr. Tim Ordwing who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of September 25 at the Glenwood Springs Salmon Hatchery on Orcas Island. Community members at the hatchery witnessed the collapse and immediately started CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) while others called 911.
Within minutes, members from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue arrived to render assistance and continue CPR. An AED (Auto External Defibrillator) and other emergency medical procedures were initiated resulting in a positive outcome for Tim. Once stabilized, he was transferred to an Airlift Northwest Helicopter where he was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham for further medical treatment.
By everyone working together, Tim’s life was saved.
Tim is recovering very well and he and his wife Sue offered their gratitude on October 17, by meeting with the islanders who helped him.
Many thanks to the community members who helped on the scene including volunteers from Long Live the Kings and Camp Orkila personnel, as well as all Orcas Island Fire and Rescue members.
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue offers CPR and First Aid classes to the public: CPR is offered at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of every month. First Aid classes are offered at 9:00 a.m. on every third Saturday. Call (360) 376-2331 to sign up.
Orcas Fire and Rescue is the Best, and we are blessed to have you all. Some of the words which come to mind from my experience with them: fast, courteous, professional, knowledgeable, thorough, capable, kind, patient, warm, caring. Thank you one and all for what you do and who you are.