PERSON OF INTEREST | An ongoing series from Orcas Issues
— by Lin McNulty —
If you were to commute to the mainland for your job, would you prefer a job with 48 hours a week, or one with only two days? Orcas Islander Dave Zoeller (AKA Z), has been doing both.
Working shifts of 24 hours on, 48 hours off as a Paramedic for Skagit Valley Ambulance Authority, he has continued this commute for over 30 years.
Z was recently recognized by Skagit County as one of the EMS providers of the year, an honor he shrugs off. “I love the system,” he beams referring to the work, not necessarily to the commute. “That’s why I have been able to do it for [so long].”
He came to Orcas in 1973 from Griffin, IN to participate in a back-to-the-land living/farming environment on the Helsell property, after having worked at Camp NorWester on Lopez. He set about milking goats, feeding chickens, and hauling water. He found work as a house builder and never left Orcas.
In 1982, he took an EMT class on Orcas. It did not take him long to realize he had found his calling. He then attended Paramedic training in Bellingham.
His blue eyes sparkle as he reflects on the intellectual challenge, on the physical challenge of paramedicine. “Responding to somebody else’s emergency, to answer the call, reassure them—that is an experience worth paying for, and just as rewarding to me as the big saves.” His favorite memory is a call from an elderly woman at 3 a.m. Not finding a medical problem upon arrival, the team sat with her for two hours, drinking tea. She was just lonely. He loves that and prefers to focus on those types of calls, rather than the ones that give him nightmares.
He also recalls the excitement of getting down in the sawdust at a mill to make a rescue of someone who had fallen. “And the mill would not shut down during that incident. It was an exciting time,” being inside that mill with saws buzzing and sawdust blowing.
Z loves the work so much that he also fills in Orcas Fire and Rescue (OIFR) for vacation and sick days, conducts in-house training and quality assurance (run reviews), as well as volunteers on calls.
“Back in the day,” he recalls when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was first established on island by Dr. Stan Williams, who foresaw the need for emergency medical care. “We met every week,” he recollects. “And we had to go off-island once a month to get more experience and training. It was a Stan Rule.”
Z says it is getting more difficult to do the 24-hour shifts, when catching sleep (catching Zs?) can be impossible due to the volume of calls. He anticipates he will retire in the next year, but look for him to continue his part-time and volunteer service to OIFR.
dear Z.
You have that ability to be right the in the moment,when it is needed,wether it is playing music,being a emt,a musician, a DAD,or just a person in the orcas community who makes a difference by being who they are and we all are better for it,thanks,
scott gianola
Z certainly deserves this honor.
Many years ago, when I was newly arrived on Orcas, experiencing a frightening medical situation, for the first time in my life I called 911 as I didn’t think I would be able to drive myself to the medical center. Z was the first to arrive. I was sitting on my front porch as the house was a mess, and Z laughed when I confessed this. When I heard the siren of the approaching ambulance, I asked him if the siren could be turned off, as I didn’t want my new neighbors gawking, and the siren went silent. I couldn’t have been in better hands; he was so kind and comforting, exactly what is needed in that kind of situation, and also had so much medical expertise and the ability to convey it in such a calming manner. When the ambulance eventually took me to the medical center, Z offered to carry me inside, which thankfully I didn’t require, but what a kind offering.
We are very lucky to have Z. My memories of what could have been a very frightening experience are instead something I love to remember because of Z’s rare ability to connect on a very human level.
Great story!Thanks, Lin and Dave.
What a gift you have been to all of us. Thanks from the bottom of my heart
Linda
Z was the chief training officer for Orcas Fire and EMS when I signed on in 1999. He set a high bar and helped us all over it. His skills are rock solid, his wisdom is both deep and wide, and his compassion blooms full and glorious. So grateful for his leadership, friendship and guidance.
And one of the nicest guys!
hey Z,
With all your credentials would you ever consider being a write in as a presidential candidate? just a thought!!!
scott gianola
Love that guy!!
Years ago, the best music program to be had in the land was when Z brought his guitar to my classroom and helped my 5th graders to learn good old sing-a-longs. It was the highlight of our week! Thanks again for that Z, and happy landings in whatever you do next!
Thank you so much “Z” for your help, years ago, with my late husband AND for helping with emergencies at the Landmark Inn, for guests those many years ago. Glad to learn you may be a part of Orcas EMTs again. Hope you have more time for your music in retirement!
Yeah, case closed; we are in the presence of Awesome. So in 25 years, we’ve been lucky enough to personally avoid EMS, but we remain astounded at the skill/training/devotion/compassion of our Island stalwarts. And Z is at the head of the class, an example for us all. Thank you, sir!