FD 13's CARES program reduces stress on 911 system

Skagit County Fire District 13 cares.

In both deed and name.

The district has implemented a proactive injury and illness prevention program that is providing medical care and assistance while reducing strains on the 911 system. Its coverage area includes Swinomish Reservation and rural La Conner,

Early statistics show the effectiveness of District 13’s CARES (Community Assistance Referral and Education Services) program, staffed by three full-time paid personnel.

Medical officer Capt. Drew Farrell presented graphs at the Jan. 11 District 13 monthly commissioners meeting, confirming that the program has significantly reduced incident calls, especially to homes of at-risk residents.

The CARES team, comprised of Farrell, Capt. Jesse Strinden, and firefighter Cole Mardesich, address issues before they become emergencies. It has working relationships with the Didgwalic Wellness Center and Helping Hands Food Bank. The “Good Morning, District 13” program is also included.

“CARES personnel address issues before they become emergencies,” Farrell explained.

The program establishes the specific needs of patients so that they remain safe and healthy. The reduction in 911 calls is a bonus.

“CARES,” explains District 13 Capt. Gary Ladd, “is ‘Good Morning, District 13’ on steroids.”

Fire District 13 is the only non-municipal fire department in Skagit County to operate a CARES program.

Communication is a key feature of the game plan. Social services agencies and mental health professionals are connected with patients for assessments and treatment.

“We can help get resources started for patients and get them in touch with therapists so that they can continue living healthy and safely in their own homes,” said Farrell.

Its collaboration with Helping Hands Food Bank is a classic example of the CARES approach.

“They provided us with the lumber we used to build a ramp for a disabled local veteran,” Farrell noted.

For assistance or information, call 360-391-4554 or email [email protected].

FD 13 Commissioners meeting

Commission Chair Bruce Shellhamer,participating via Zoom while vacationing in Hawaii, was retained as chair. John Doyle is again vice-chair.

Shellhamer praised fire chief Wood Weiss and district secretary Tracy Berg for their accurate 2023 budget forecasts. The district realized 104% of revenues forecast and expenses closed at 98%.

“What a great crystal ball,” Shellhamer said.

Weiss said a memorandum of understanding has been drafted between the fire district and Skagit Bay Search & Rescue. The agreement requires separate reviews by the commissioners and the SBS&R executive committee.

“Hopefully, we can get that signed in the next month or so,” Weiss said. “We’re looking forward to join in company with Skagit Bay Search & Rescue and have a boat we can call on quickly.”

Weiss said the Sinclair Refinery has contributed $26,000 toward purchase of a gurney power loader. Commissioners approved the equipment purchase.

Capt. Chris Olbu reported that district personnel logged 2,753 training hours in 2023.

Battalion chief Jamie Jurdi said the district has sold a surplus ambulance for $9,300 to a buyer from Arizona.

Capt. Ted Taylor, FD 13’s emergency management coordinator, plugged the March 30 local extreme weather training exercise. “I think it will be an excellent exercise,” Taylor said. “It’s a good thing to get ready for it, whether it’s an earthquake, tsunami, windstorm, or wildland fire.”