— from Mark Mayer and Jan Ehrlichman —
Early Saturday morning I awoke with chest pain. My wife called 911, and within 5 minutes the first of nine EMTs showed up at our rural home.
The most important tool they had at their disposal was the portable EKG machine that, in fact, confirmed that I was in the middle of a heart attack! In rural San Juan county, cell reception can be spotty at best, as was the case on Saturday morning.
They managed to contact Airlift Northwest and made arrangements for my immediate transportation to the mainland. The rapid response of these dedicated local volunteers, along with the technology that the county has provided them, saved my life.
I wish to thank all of them. If you know Greg Sawyer, Hilary Canty, Dean Dougherty, Emmit Woods, Virginia Carrick, Bryce Hamilton, Mike Macksey, Kevin McCoy or Jason Madeiros, give them a big high five!
My wife and I are very grateful that I still can!
Great! now come to a meeting of Mended Hearts a Heart disease and surgery support group looking to get a start on Orcas. Orcas Library Thursday March 24th, 4 pm , meeting room
Thanks for the kind words, Mark. The reality is that YOU saved your life by paying attention to your symptoms and calling for help. Glad to hear you are on the mend!
Nice work ya’ll!
The people you mentioned are the cream of the crop; rockstars on Orcas! Let me also say that thanks to OPALCO/Rock Island, radio (and cellphone) coverage will extend everywhere on the island soon; a great benefit to our emergency services!
High fives to all of our dedicated EMS, fire, and sheriff emergency responders.