- a weekly column published in the Pioneer Press

Recently, I participated in the ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony for the new “Scott Valley” ambulance. (It actually serves a larger geographic area including Scott Mountain, Sawyers Bar, Cecilville, and down the Scott River almost to Seiad.) The two older rigs have wracked up the mileage and were breaking down. The new vehicle has a larger passenger capacity, equipment, room for treatment supplies and communications.   

Initiated as a Scott Valley Rotary Centennial Project, the $100,000 price tag was covered through a State grant, matched by an anonymous donation and money raised by local service clubs and residents. The project is truly a community effort and stands as a tribute to the Scott Valley Spirit.

I had the privilege of talking with some of the two paramedics and five Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) who staff the ALS (All Life Support) vehicles. They said that folks sometimes tell them that they can drive themselves to the hospital faster than waiting for the ambulance to arrive and then make the hospital trip. The paramedics emphasized that there function is not just to “scoop and run.” They are able to provide treatment on the scene and during the trip. They can start an IV, draw blood and administer life-saving medication as if they were a mini-emergency room on wheels. They are in contact with a hospital physician on route and have a “scope of practice” for which they are licensed if out of contact range.      

It takes about 120 hours of training to become an EMT and about 1,200 hours to become a paramedic. This breaks out to about six months of classroom study two to three times a week; two months training as a small hospital; and four months rotation at a large facility. All of this is done at the volunteer’s own cost. These folks deserve special recognition and our appreciation for their sacrifice and dedication.

Another new arrival is Fire Rescue 1540, purchased by the Scott Valley Fire Protection District to serve the southern portion of the valley. This is a 4 wheel drive unit equipped with an 8,000 pound hydraulic winch and a 5,000 watt generator. It is staffed by Two EMTs and three First Responders.

On the river, Seiad Valley Fire Department has received a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $31,145.00 (requiring an additional local match of $3,461.00) for new structural and wildland personal protective equipment (“turnouts.”)

It also appears that they will be getting a used water tender from County Fire that had been previously used by Hammond Ranch Fire. This replaces their unreliable 1940s vintage vehicle and will serve the Klamath River area.

Several years ago, SB 1207 passed into law, treating volunteer fire fighters the same as paid employees under CalOSHA requirements. This includes applying minimum standards for safety equipment and operating within the scope of documented training. (Basic training is about 144 hours.) The subsequent passage of AB 2118 managed a deferral on the effective date to January 2004.

Etna Fire Department has now completed all of its requirements. County Fire training officer Berggreen has delivered all the basic training books to all departments and courses are proceeding including some through distance learning centers. FIT testing for physical fitness and use of the breathing apparatus is proceeding slowly.

For folks 18-37 years of age, the USFS is now taking applications for its Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program. There appear to be about 20 slots open. No experience is necessary. Contact Shirley Sutliff at (916) 640-1058.