Skagit County Emergency Medical Services
Skagit County’s Emergency Medical Services system is a vast network of highly trained emergency personnel utilizing advanced communications technology and state-of-the-art equipment. All are directed toward the delivery of immediate care to victims of sudden and serious illness or injury.

Each 9-1-1 call activates a protocol-driven cascade of emergency system elements. Dispatchers, fire departments, EMT’s, paramedics, search-and-rescue units, emergency aircraft and hospital emergency departments must function as a cohesive team in every response effort. First minutes are critical.

Because emergency services form the initial response in the chain of survival, the system has come to be known as Medic One.

What Does it Take to Save Lives?
Visionary Leadership:
Skagit County Emergency Medical Services Commission is a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to countywide emergency medical services, which provides excellent patient care for all people. County Medical Program Director, Dr. Don Slack, establishes medical protocols for life-sustaining treatment in the field and oversees the quality of care provided.

Capable Financial Management:
Skagit County Medic One has operated with funds allocated by the Medic One Tax Levy since 1978. The Commission coordinates, operates and maintains this countywide EMS system, with the Skagit County Board of Commissioners maintaining ultimate authority of direct oversight of the Medic One system.
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Star of Life
Just as physicians have the caduceus, and pharmacist have the mortar and pestle, Emergency Medical Technicians have the "Star of life", a symbol whose use is encouraged by both the American Medical Association and the Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services.

The symbol's six-barred cross represents the six-system function of the EMS (see illustration). The staff in the center of the symbol represents medicine and healing. According to Greek mythology, the staff belonged to Asclepius, the son of Apollo (god of light, truth, and prophecy). Asclepius supposedly learned the art of healing from the Centaur Cheiron. But he elicited the wrath of the god Zeus when he started resurrecting people from the dead. Fearful that Asclepius' knowledge might render mankind immortal; Zeus slew Asclepius with a thunderbolt. Eventually Zeus restored Asclepius to life, making him a god. Asclepius is usually shown in a standing position, dressed in a long cloak and holding a staff with a curative serpent coiled around it, an image that Zeus later set among the stars. Worshippers used to sleep in Asclepius' temples in the belief that Asclepius cured the sick during their dreams.
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An Extension of the ER
Skagit County Medic One is a countywide system that cares for the emergency medical needs for all citizens and visitors. Paramedics establish the critical link in the survival chain. They begin life-saving trauma interventions immediately upon arrival.

For heart patients, Paramedics bring the latest in cardiac care to the emergency scene. Advanced technology allows them to telephone EKG’s directly to the hospital from the field and initiate advanced cardiac responses.
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How Soon Will Help Arrive?
Medic One continually monitors and re-evaluates its response procedures to provide the highest level of care in the fastest time possible. We daily strive to exceed the accepted norms for our industry.
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© 2006 Skagit County EMS Commission
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