Our urgent daily need is for
emergency medical service (EMS) skilled members. We have
three levels of training recognized by Washington State:
1. The most basic level is "First Responder". This 60-hour
"Basic Life Support" (BLS) course takes about three months
of once a week classroom and some weekends to
complete.
2. The second is Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). This
advanced emergency medical training takes almost twice as
much time with twice weekly classroom sessions to stay
within the 3-month time frame.
3. The third is Paramedic training. Orcas Island Fire does
not offer this training but has sponsored some
of our members for off-island training in
the past. We have used volunteer paramedics and would
welcome anyone with this skill to apply.
Orcas Island Fire provides on-island basic firefighter
training, which takes about as long as First
Responder. Members who choose firefighting must also
certify in an EMS skill.
Once basic skills have been attained, on-going training
is offered on a quarterly system. We require your
training be kept current. We also offer many optional
fire & rescue training programs as well as
Volunteer Benefits &
Incentives for our members.
Please call the Orcas Island Fire Department to discuss how
you can become a member. Or bring in our
Basic Application to the Eastsound Fire
Station front desk during office hours
Orcas
Island Fire & EMS Training
A Realistic Training Exercise
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue
has one of the most advanced on-going training and
continuing education programs in the state. Training (both
Fire & EMS) is based on a four 3-month calendar
quarters. Our members complete their “classroom training”
via a number of learning management systems that offer both
on-line and face to face (blended) learning environments.
This can be done whenever the member chooses, but must be
completed before attending the “practical” training, which
is offered two to three times each quarter.
Our "Menu" approach to training allows us to keep our
members current with state standards with the maximum
flexibility to achieve their training needs on their own
schedule. We compensate our members in many ways with
financial incentives as well as some fantastic plus health
and fitness programs.