National Emergency Medical Services Week May 20-26
The Future of Western Lane Ambulance District The board of directors of Western Lane Ambulance District considers our District to have one of the finest emergency medical response teams anywhere. We intend to keep it that way as we continue strive to deliver our high standard of care in a timely manner to the people of our district. Our District faces several challenges as our call volume continues to increase while our population both grows and ages. Last year we exceeded 3,200 calls, a volume that was more than twice the call volume we had in the late 1990’s. At the same time we face ever declining reimbursements from insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. This coupled with our low tax base makes it very important that we work to get the most from the resources we have. We must continue to operate efficiently and effectively. One way we do this is by hiring and retaining quality employees, those that know their jobs, and know the area. Another option we are exploring is to look for ways to work with other agencies to better utilize the combined resources the taxpayers have provided. To that end, in 2016 the Ambulance District began a partnership with Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue
where, though contract, or Intergovernmental Agreement, we have combined the administrative oversight of both. While this appears to be providing some initial cost savings to both districts, the long term benefits to the community, including improved efficiency, coordination and communication may well exceed our expectations. Regardless of the challenges we face, it is the mission of Western Lane Ambulance District to continue to “provide professional emergency services, transport, and community education with the highest standards of excellence” Sincerely, Mike Webb, Board President Western Lane Ambulance District
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Western Lane Ambulance District provides emergency Advanced Life Support response and transport to approximately 17,500 people who reside in a geographic area of over 980 square miles. Our team of professionals includes full-time and parttime personnel that respond to an average of 3,200 calls per year. We are owned and operated by the people we serve. Many of our employees live in our community. They are your friends, neighbors – even family members– that are committed to saving lives and serving you. These are your tax dollars we use to provide emergency service – and we take that responsibility seriously. Board members are elected by and from the community to make spending decisions, and all their meetings are open to the public. We operate under a balanced budget and have passed all of our independent financial and accountability audits. We regularly look for ways to stretch local tax dollars further by applying for grants, paying cash for apparatus and equipment, and partnering with other agencies.
The cost to provide emergency services will continue to increase as our population grows and ages. Partnering with other agencies enhances the type of emergency services we are able to provide. That’s why our fire and ambulance districts signed an agreement to share costs for administrative services. With these savings, our district has been able to set aside money to replace ambulances and hire one additional paramedic. We also partner with other Fire Districts to ensure they have the emergency medical training and equipment to provide rapid first response before our paramedics can arrive. In 2018 we partnered with Peace Health to start Lane County’s first Mobile Integrated Health Paramedic program with the goal of reducing the number readmissions to the hospital. We will continue exploring ways to save money, increase efficiencies, and improve service by partnering with other agencies. Our ambulance district has seen EMS call volumes rise 12-15% every year for the past three years. It requires additional personnel and replacement ambulances sooner to meet this growing demand for service. These are just some of the challenges we have outlined in our strategic plan. We recognize that we have a responsibility to prepare for the future to ensure we can meet the needs of our community today and well into the future.
A note from the Operations Manager “To provide quick, efficient, professional emergency medical services, transport, and community education with the highest standards of excellence.” This has been Western Lane Ambulance District Mission statement for the past 4 decades, realizing that we will never be perfect, it is the pursuit of perfection that drives our organization to excellence.
Winner of 7 State of Oregon Awards for Outstanding Service and Excellence.
e t u l a S to
I’d like to take the opportunity to update the citizens of our District how we strive for that excellence. Currently, we have 15 full time Medics to provide care, of those 15 employees, 10 are critically care trained to give an even higher level of care versus the standard certified Medics. Critical Care Paramedics are trained in Hemodynamic Monitoring, Ventilator management, expanded IV medication infusions, as well as more education on human pathophysiology. The dedication and training that goes into this is an immense undertaking. The employees demonstrate this dedication daily, they truly want the best for their patients and work hard behind the scenes to pursue that perfection.
and visited several community groups educating to Stroke Prevention. We continue to offer monthly CPR classes, this year we added American Heart Association CPR so that we can offer a wider range of classes to the community. We also provided child restraint safety devices to community members and educated on how to ensure they are properly placed in vehicles. Continuing forward, Public Education is a priority for a healthier community.
To further our patient care, the district has always strived to have the best medical equipment and ambulances available. We have been fortunate enough to add two new ambulances, one as a primary unit and one for hospital transfers. To this date, our fleet consists of 2 transfer ambulances, 3 fully equipped first out ambulances, and a Rescue vehicle for sand dune patient extrications.
Lastly, an update on the Mobile Integrate Health Program (Community Paramedic). In conjunction with PeaceHealth, we began this program in January. The Mobile Integrated Healthcare employee has been very active in treating patients that have been recognized for potential risk of 30-day readmissions, high Emergency Department utilizer patients, or high EMS utilizer patients. The MIH program has also been very successful bridging healthcare gaps and needs in Palliative care and Home Health Care. The program has been very successful bridging gaps in the local healthcare system.
Our Public Education programs were very active over the past year in educating the community. Working with PeaceHealth and LifeFlight Network, we implemented a Stroke Prevention Public Service Announcement
Sincerely, Matt House Western Lane Ambulance District Operations Manager
Letter from Matt Danigelis, MD I have been an emergency physician in Florence since 2003 and the medical director of the Western Lane Ambulance District since 2008. Working in these roles, I have had numerous opportunities to observe the EMTs and paramedics. These providers consistently demonstrate competence, efficiency, and a caring, empathetic approach to patient care. I have witnessed the dedication of the ambulance crew, whether in maintaining quality assurance/quality improvement measures, community education, or in pursuing a higher level of training. Florence has a large retirement community and, as such, its residents often have a medical complexity that is not suggested by the small size of the town. Many of the patients served by the district are critically ill and will eventually require transfer to a facility with more specialty services. Several of the paramedics at WLAD have become critical care certified. This certification
requires intensive training in the evaluation and treatment of the most seriously ill patients. Having paramedics with these skills has been invaluable in best serving the needs of the district. The district has also recently initiated a mobile integrated healthcare program, informally known as a “community paramedic.” This new position has greatly improved the care of patients in our community who may not require an ambulance or hospitalization but often have limitations regarding their ability to access medical care for non-emergent conditions. Western Lane Ambulance District has a knowledgeable, committed, and compassionate group of EMTs and paramedics. It is my honor and privilege to serve as the medical director of an ambulance district that is committed to best serving the challenging and changing needs of the community. Sincerely, Matt Danigelis, MD
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| SALUTE TO WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE DISTRICT | SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018
Salute to Western Lane Ambulance District
Dick Childs Board of Directors 7 Years
14 year resident of Florence. He is a Navy veteran of the submarine service, and a graduate of San Diego State. He went on to become a Special Agent with the Naval Investigative Service (now NCIS), retiring after 26 years. Dick has been an active volunteer in Florence. Over the years he has worked with the Humane Society, Oregon State Police, the Step Group, and is currently involved with the Habitat For Humanity Restore, the hospital, Heceta Water District, and as a Board member for Western Lane ambulance
OREGON PACIFIC BANK
1365 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7121
Larry Farnsworth Board of Directors 1 year
Mike Webb Board of Directors 13 Years
Board of Directors, 1 year
After growing up in Corvallis and completing my formal education at Oregon State University, I moved to Florence to take the opportunity to manage the local Sprouse Reitz store. It was in Florence that I met my wife Jana. We have two wonderful children, two grandchildren, two dogs, many cats and a bird. Currently I work as a Commercial Relationship Manager with Oregon Pacific Bank. Ive been with the bank since 1998. In my spare time I enjoy cycling, running, golf and bowling. I began working with Western Lane Ambulance several years ago, first serving as a budget committee member. For the last 12 years I have served on the board of directors for the district. I also fill a seat for the District on the Florence Urban Renewal Committee. Since moving here, I have had the opportunity to witness tremendous growth in the Florence area. I continue to see what the future holds for our community.
Rick, a Certified Public Accountant, was Chief Financial Officer of Peace Health Siuslaw Region from 2001 to 2010, and has since been promoted to Chief Administrative Officer. From 1982 through 2000, he was a principal shareholder of Davis, Yecny & McCulloch, P.C., a certified public accounting firm with offices in Florence and formerly Reedsport, Oregon. Rick previously was on the Lane Community College budget committee and was a board member and treasurer of Friends of Florence, a nonprofit organization located in Florence.
WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE
SIUSLAW NEWS
410 9TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-9614
Cynthia Russell Board of Directors 3 years
Larry was elected to the Board of Directors in 2017. He is currently a Boeing 787 Captain flying international routes for United Airlines. Larry previously worked in Hospital Financial Administration and has an MBA from Pepperdine University. He is married to Crystal and they have four adult children and 13 grandchildren. Larry and Crystal own and operate Heceta Self Storage. He enjoys flying, hiking, camping, travel, scuba diving, riding motorcycles and other fun outdoor activities that he hopes will never require any emergency response from the excellent Paramedics and EMS responders at Western Lane Ambulance.
In addition to my Nursing degree, and experience for over 40 plus years, I have earned many certifications. Those include Trauma Nursing, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and I have received multiple Excellence in Nursing Awards. I also hold certificates in Essential Management Skills, Disaster Preparedness and Skills for Leads. I am also a small business owner here in Florence. I am an energetic people-oriented person. Honesty and integrity are the most important standards that I hold for myself.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
Rick Yecny
148 MAPLE ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-3441
Jim Langborg
Chief/Director of SVFR & WLAD 2 Years Jim is the Chief/Director of SVFR and WLAD. He has been in the fire service for 24 years and been involved in emergency medical services for over 30 years. He got his start in the United States Air Force where he served his country as a Medic. Throughout his career, he has worked as a Paramedic, Firefighter, EMS Chief, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Fire Chief. Jim has an AS Degree in Fire Protection Technology, a BS Degree in Fire Science, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, and is a Certified Executive Fire Officer through the National Fire Academy. When Jim is not working, he enjoys the great outdoors with his wife and two dogs.
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
Matt House
Ronnie Pearson Paramedic 18 years
Rob Chance
Operations Manager 21 years
I have been with Western Lane Ambulance District for 19 years, starting as a part-time employee to recently being promoted to Operations Manager. Having been in every facet of the District has given me a great perspective of past, current and into the future for Western Lane Ambulance District. Most importantly, I have the pleasure of sharing life with Melissa, my lovely wife. For the past 17 years she has stood by my side and encouraged my professional growth and has been my biggest supporter.
Happily married, and enjoys being in the outdoors and being with family.
I am happily married to someone also in the medical field. We have two little boys and look forward to raising them in our community. I believe that I have the best profession in the world, and I enjoy helping and serving those in need.
SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
Training Coordinator 4 years
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
2625 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE 541-997-3212
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
Darrek Mullins
Albert Kreitz
Danielle Hanson
I was born in Germany, raised in Michigan then moved to Oregon after graduating from Northern Michigan University. I earned a masters from NLU, and I worked in Social Services for 5 years before becoming a paramedic. I have 3 children and one grandson, I enjoy a variety of sports, hobbies, church and volunteer activities including working as a boxing coach.
I am a Siuslaw High School Alumni. I graduated from Chemeketa Community College for my AAOS for my Paramedic. In my free time I like spending time with my Family; Husband Robert, Children Ryan, Hailey, Logan, Lila and new baby Gideon. I am also the Head Coach of the Siuslaw High School JV Softball team.
OREGON PACIFIC BANK
WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE
Critical Care Paramedic, Training Supervisor, , Union Representative Executive Board Member 22 Years this year (2 part time, and 20 full time). I was born and raised in California and moved to Oregon just after marrying my best friend in 1992. We have two daughters, Genevieve and Gyllian, both homeschooled and into the arts. We love movies, concerts, plays, camping, yurting, playing board games, and everything in the nerd/geek culture. In addition to teaching PT paramedics at LCC since 01, I volunteer for two organizations: South Willamette Honor Flight and The Concord Blue Devils drum and bugle corps. It has been an honor and a privilege serving in this community since receiving my paramedic license in 1996. This is an amazing community that understands the value of a strong and well-trained Emergency Medical Service.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
Paramedic PIO 27 years
1365 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7121
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
Paramedic 11 years
410 9TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-9614
SALUTE TO WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE DISTRICT | SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018 |
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Salute to Western Lane Ambulance District
Aaron Stefanek
Charlie York
George Lydick
CCP 7 years
Oregon State Certified Paramedic 11 years
EMT Intermediate, CPR First Aid Class Coordinator
I'm a father to an amazing boy and married to an incredible woman. It has been a great experience and honor serving WLAD and I look forward to many more years of service.
I live in the Florence area with my beautiful wife and two children. We have lived here since 2008. As a farmily, we enjoy spending time together wehter it's watching movies or spending time outdoors, kayaking, swimming, fishing or whatever we can to stay active. I have been a Paramedic since 1997 and critical care trained paramedic for 13 years.
Happily married for 46 years and a proud grandpa. Was in the Army 1965-1968. Worked in Timber Industry most of my life.
SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
30 years
SIUSLAW NEWS
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
148 MAPLE ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-3441
David S Haberman
David A Rossi
I enjoy being an EMT-I available to come in and help out when needed. This is such a great place to live, work and volunteer in.
Became a board member at MFD in 2002 and then a volunteer EMT/Firefighter in 2005. I was hired part time with WLAD in 2006 and then upgraded to full time in 2008. I love volunteering in our communities and other cities to help with many varied needs and social programs.
I started part time with WLAD in March 1984 as an EMT 1. Became an EMT 2 and in March of 1988 became a full time medic for WLAD. In early 1990’s went to school and became an EMT 3 to Paramedic. I have been a Paramedic for over 20 years. I am married to a wonderful wife for 38 years, we have been together for 43 years and have 3 kids and 7 grandkids.
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
OREGON PACIFIC BANK
2625 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE 541-997-3212
Elizabeth Bush-Iabichello (Liz) EMT Intermediate Part-Time 12 Years
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
EMT I/Safety Officer/Asst. Cheif MFD 16 Years
Paramedic- Supervisor 35 years
1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
1365 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7121
Ben Taylor
Ali Gharib
Proud father of four, part-time student pursuing a degree in Paramedicine. Avid outdoorsman, enjoy hiking, kayaking, bushcraft, and riding my motorcycle.
I am an avid reader and have a plethora of hobbies that vary from racing sailboats to cooking to snowboarding. I particularly love travelling the world, whether on a motorcycle or out of a small backpack.
I am originally from Eugene. My girlfriend and I both are fortunate to have jobs here in Florence. I love my profession, and being able to make a positive impact in our community. My girlfriend and I love the weather and outdoor activities here on the coast.
WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE
SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE
Chadd Ficcadenti EMT 2 years
410 9TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-9614
Paramedic 3 years
Paramedic 4 Years
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
2625 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE 541-997-3212
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
Zach Werner
Tom Kozlowski
Kyle Orozco
I volunteer with Mapleton Fire Department where I handle EMS training. Recently I have been given the opportunity to provide QRT training to the Mapleton Fire Department and the Swisshome/ Deadwood Fire Department. I am married to a wonderful and hard working woman who is a Teacher at the local Elementary School. I enjoy snowboarding, fishing and golfing.
Tom Kozlowski has worked in Fire/EMS since 2012 when he started as a volunteer firefighter with Lane Fire Authority. He has also served Oregon as a soldier in the Oregon Army National Guard, where he has a combined 12 years of experience, most recently as a Combat Medic with 1/82 Cavalry Squadron. Tom was hired with Western Lane Ambulance in January as a part-time Paramedic. At the beginning of May, Tom was brought on full time on B shift. He looks forward to serving the community, and growing professionally as a paramedic.
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
I have been with Western Lane Ambulance a little over a year now and it is a great organization to work for. Aside from my time at the ambulance, I'm also a Firefighter/EMT with Siuslaw Valley Fire/ Rescue and in the summer time I'm a Wildland Firefighter with North Pacific Forestry. I'm very passionate about being involved in public service. When I'm away from work I enjoy the outdoors, I'm an avid football fan, and I enjoy spending time at home with my girlfriend Jordan.
CCEMTP 5 Years
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
Paramedic 1 year
1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
EMT 3 years
OREGON PACIFIC BANK
1365 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7121
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| SALUTE TO WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE DISTRICT | SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018
Glenn Pruett EMT Intermediate 28 years
I like to spend time with my granddaughters, and ride "Harleys" with my wife.
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
Doug Unrein Paramedic 2 years
Dina McClure Office Manager
I’m Doug, married, two teenage children. I enjoy hiking, camping, going to baseball games, and taking little weekend trips with the family. I really enjoy working in Florence, and I really appreciate the support we get from the communities.
A native Oregonian, I moved to Florence 15 years ago with my husband Jim and son Ryan. I worked in Human Resources at Three Rivers Casino, and was the Administrative Assistant/Interim Port Manager at the Port of Siuslaw. I have served on the Florence Downtown Revitalization Team and the city’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC). For many years, my hobby was racing sled dogs around the northwest and we participated in the last few years of the local Oregon Dune Mushers Mail Run. I am a Florence Master Recycler and in my spare time I enjoy gardening and travel.
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
SIUSLAW NEWS
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
148 MAPLE ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-3441
Lori Severance
Michael Baker
I started in EMS in 1994 received my paramedic 1995 and got my CCP-C. My wife, son and myself relocated to Oregon in 2016, and currently I am the developing the Mobile Integrated Healthcare program for Lane County. We enjoy being outdoors biking, kayaking, and playing tennis.
Lori is a licensed clinical social worker. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1985, and has been licensed since 1987. She retired from the University of California, Davis Medical Center, where she worked in a 63 bed Emergency Department as a trauma/psychiatric social worker for 26 years. Shortly after moving to Florence in July of 2016, Lori began volunteering with the SVFR/WLAD Community Support Team (or CST - formerly known as the Chaplain program). She is also the part-time CST Coordinator. Lori spends much of her free time exploring this beautiful state and taking her two big mutts, Marley and Safari, to the beach.
Grew up in Sandy, OR and moved to Florence about a year ago. Enjoy hiking, food and Led Zeppelin. My background was originally in forestry, but made the switched into emergency medicine to have to opportunity to help those in need and challenge myself. Ambitious to accelerate in my craft as a paramedic for Western Lane Ambulance.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
OREGON PACIFIC BANK
1365 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7121
WESTERN LANE AMBULANCE
John Harder
Mike Heindel
Jim Cole
Chris Martin Mobile Integrated Healthcare 1 year
EMT 1 years
I was a medic in the Army, 2013-2017. I have been with Western Lane Ambulance for a year now and enjoy helping our community.
SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE & RESCUE 2625 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE 541-997-3212
Community Support Team Lead
3 years
I have worked in emergency services most of my life. I feel it is important to serve your community and feel fortunate to be an EMT working with Western Lane Ambulance District.
FLORENCE
IN
BLOOM
1234 RHODODENDRON DR., FLORENCE (541) 997-5391
1 year
410 9TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-9614
FP-C 1 year
Happily married father of 3 grown children living in Veneta. Jim’s career spans more than 30 years as a critical care paramedic, educator, and administrator. He enjoys hiking, camping and spending time with his new granddaughter. Jim works full-time for Peace Health as the EMT Coordinator, and is part time with us as a paramedic.
SIUSLAW NEWS
148 MAPLE ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-3441
Community Support Team
Holly Lais
Colten Griswold 1 year
I recently obtained my EMT Certificate and work for in the Administrative Department for Western Lane Ambulance and Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. I enjoy being able to give back to my community and volunteering for events like the Florence Triathlon. I am currently going back to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in Business. I also love to spend my free time outdoors exploring the beach, hiking, or kayaking.
I graduated from Elmira High School in 2015. Afterwards, moved to Florence where I am currently a resident at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue and work part time as an EMT for Western Lane Ambulance District. Being a resident at Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue allows me to continue my educational venture on completing my Associates degree in Paramedicine. I plan in being in the Paramedic program in 18 months.
LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTER
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
4325 HWY. 101, FLORENCE (541) 997-7178
1935 25TH ST, FLORENCE (541) 997-7660
The SVFR/WLAD Community Support Team (CST), formerly known as the Chaplain program, provides support, consultation, and resource assistance to members of our EMS and fire communities and their families. CST recognizes the stress inherent in first responder work. We are currently working to develop a Peer Support program that will train peer counselors to recognize signs of stress in their co-workers and to provide effective counsel, support and resources. We have also developed a program that outlines how emergency medical personnel and firefighters can recognize and reduce their on-the-job stress, and how to access the many support program options open to them through their department. In addition, the Community Support Team provides crisis intervention, grief counseling and community resource information to members of our community in times of crisis. The CST team have developed booklets providing community resource information, as well as booklets that address grief issues. These booklets are provided by CST team members on scene, to families who have just experienced a loss, trauma or are in need of other emergency assistance.