This letter falls under the category: “You don’t fully appreciate it ‘til it happens to you.”  I have seen numerous letters in the Sounder that have expressed thanks for assistance with medical emergencies. Recently I had an emergency myself.

I am writing to thank all the people who provided excellent care when I most needed it. I started in the Orcas Medical Center with Dr. Giefer and nurse Carol Boren who quickly determined that the excruciating pain I was experiencing (it was spiking to a 9 on the 10-point pain scale) was not the kidney stone I thought it was.  Further testing was needed so the EMS people were called for a med-evac to the hospital.

Paramedic Mik Prysz and EMTs Hilary Canty and George Schermerhorn responded very quickly, provided an IV, transported me to the airport and handed me over to the Airlift Northwest folks, who transported me to the hospital ER staff.

I not only want to thank everyone who provided such excellent care each step of the way but also express my appreciation for the incredibly smooth, efficient and accurate manner in which these four transitions took place. While there may be many ways that our healthcare providers on Orcas can work more collaboratively together, when it came down to “crunch time” these folks were superbly efficient and accurate in their collaborations.

Living so far away from a hospital emergency room is a legitimate cause for concern here on Orcas.  I am very grateful to all the healthcare providers who enable us to enjoy our special place. It’s especially true when you’re the one on the gurney.

Art Lange

Orcas Island