Health and Wellness

DAYTON–Fire Districts within Columbia County successfully campaigned for and voters approved an EMS Levy in 2018.

Levy funds can only be spent on EMS-related expenses or equipment. A portion of the Levy funds were used to purchase two LifePak 15 monitors, two auto-loaders with gurneys, and a Lucas CPR device.

A LifePak 15 monitor is used to take patient vitals, and include a 15-lead electrocardiograph. These monitors also act as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in cardiac emergencies.

The Lucas CPR device provides automated chest compressions which are far superior to a human's ability to provide chest compressions.

The Levy funds also continue to assist with staffing costs.

Columbia County Fire District No. 3 (CCFD3) ambulance services cover Columbia County and part of Walla Walla County Fire District No. 2. Fire District No. 3 provides rescue services for motor vehicle accidents within Columbia County.

District 3 currently has seven paid staff and eight volunteer EMS responders: one Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), eight EMTs, four IV Technician EMTs, one Emergency Medical Responder, and one Advanced First Aid/CPR. District 3 EMS personnel are under medical direction of Lewis Neace, D.O.

In recent years, EMS call volume has steadily increased. In 2021, there were 756 EMS-related calls. To meet the increase in call volume, CCFD3 has three Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances with a Rescue Unit certified as an Aid vehicle.

The District endeavors to staff two BLS ambulances 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Due to staffing shortages, however, only one to one and a half ambulances are currently staffed.

Most patients are transported to Dayton General Hospital, which has a Level 5-rated Trauma Emergency Department and a Level 3 Stroke rating.

Ambulances also provide inter-facility transports to many different hospitals when a higher level or specialty care is required. Life Flight air ambulance is utilized when necessary to provide Advanced Life Support when patients exceed basic life support capabilities.

–Article submitted by the CCFD3 Communications Committee.