Last week, Orcas Fire and Rescue responded to a home in Eastsound to assist a young mother in active child labor around 2:20 a.m.

No transport options were available by helicopter, fixed wing air ambulance, or the Sheriff’s boat “Guardian” due to severe wind and sea conditions. Any passage off the island to mainland hospitals was limited to the scheduled ferry service.

On March 29 at 8:13 a.m., a healthy baby boy was welcomed as Orcas Island’s newest resident.

Mom and baby were transported to Island Hospital aboard Orcas Fire and Rescue’s Aid 24 ambulance by way of the 8:50 a.m. ferry boat that patiently waited 30 minutes at the Orcas landing for the patients to arrive.

While Orcas Fire Rescue units were assisting the parents to be, another call to 911 was made to treat and stabilize an unconscious male patient more than 10 miles away. Orcas EMTs transported him on the 6:45 a.m. ferry.

First aid and CPR classes available

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue offers First Aid and CPR/AED classes. Call the department at 376-2331or go to www.orcasfire.org for more information.