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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
April 16, 2020     Shelton Mason County Journal
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April 16, 2020
 
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Page A-16 — Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, April 16, 2020 GUEST Emergency respon The global coronavirus crisis that jarred social norms in communities across the country brought with it many looming uncertainties. Questions like, “When will our kids be able to go back to school?” or “Will it ever be safe to leave my home?” show that an uncomfortable blanket of change has settled over the na- .tion. Fortunately, Mason County residents can continue to find solace in’ the endur— ing, steadfast problem—solvers of our com— munities -— the emergency responders. Walking into any fire station in Mason County, one might be surprised to find that local firefighters, paramedics and EMTs continue to con— duct business as usual. Engines and ambulances are pulled out of bays for daily checks in the mom- ing. Firefighters gear up in the afternoon to train. Mealtimes are still interrupted regularly by tones that announce the need for help within the commu— nity. Just as the coronavirus has changed the way we conduct our own daily lives, though, some EMS best practices have also transformed to protect re- sponders, their families and those they serve. Luckily, the emergency medical system is full Service Hoodsport, WA 360-463-2953 geraldwremhart©gmaiicom LICEDSG# 604496834 Insured Most Leaners, No Problem Will Cut to Firewoad Lengths Top Quality Western Red Cedar Lumber of All Types We deliver 1'800-572-332 WWW} mm; IlllilllllI/Jl ' '. ‘ Construction, Inc. Serving the North Mason area since Specializing in seawall Reconstruction and home repairs 275-6684 Frank Merrill Beliair WA Lic #JESFll'228DO 0 Clean 0 Secure r Professional 0 All Size Heated Units Easy Drive-Up Access 23270 NE State Rt. 3 Belfair, WA 98528 (360) 275-2257 www.8elfairSelfStorage.com By LAURA CHESTER —# of experts at adaptation. Starting with the 911 dispatchers, new preventative measures are in place when a call is first answered. Dispatchers ask a series of questions to identify conditions that may put responders at risk of exposure to CO- VID-19. If any one of a caller’s answers indicates a potential exposure risk, either from the patient or another member of the household, the dispatcher notifies responders via radio to “use appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).” The phrase prompts the use of full PPE to include N-95 masks, gloves, gowns and eye protec- tion. This special risk determination does not limit responders’ use of cautionary practices on nonina fectious calls, however. Regardless of the nature, responders still wear masks and practice social distancing on all calls. If it is necessary to enter a residence for patient assessment, responders limit the number of personnel entering the home using only the minimum needed to provide treatment and prepare the patient for transport. Optimally, only a single responder is in contact with the patient from the scene all the way to the hospital. ' Upon arrival, all patients and responders are required now to wear a mask. Before leaving the hospital, the ambulance is thoroughly cleaned us— ing full decontamination procedures that include disinfecting all surfaces, mopping floors and steril- izing equipment. ' Protective measures don’t stop there. Back at the station, responders are immediately required to take showers and wash clothing. At the end of their shift, when responders are headed home to their families, they are encouraged to wash hands and shower before contacting family members, and ders focus on saf '-tinue to be there for those who seek aid. ety during crisis to continue to follow recommendations about social distancing by staying home when they are off duty. With the media highlighting the expansive im— pacts of the coronavirus, it’s easy to forget that responders are still ready to assist in all emergen- cies whether it be a diabetic problem, chest pain or a broken water line. Mason County EMS Council Chair Carl Ehresman is confident in efforts made by responders to contain the virus and protect the public, but he does not regard the introduction of new protocols as an extreme deviation from the norm. “We are well—prepared and have always done well with infectious patients,” said Ehresman. “This isn’t really much different.” In response to statewide and national headlines citing shortages of both personnel and equipment, Ehresman assures that “local resources have not been overrun because of the coronavirus,” and urges people to continue to call 911 for all medical conditions that may require hospital treatment, “Do not ignore personal and potentially serious symp- toms.” ‘ During the COVID-19 pandemic, the question may arise as to whether the 911 system should be avoided during an emergency. The answer is simply, no. Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and hospital staff are committed to taking tremen— dous steps to limit exposure to the virus, and their standing commitment to serving the public has not wavered. Residents can be assured that those who are charged with keeping communities safe are tak- ing adequate measures to protect themselves, their families and patients to ensure that they will con- . Laura Chester is a lieutenant for the North Ma- son Regional Fire Authority. She can be reached at 360-275-6711. . MARY’S MEMOIRS 'Mary takes G Mary takes the Girl Scouts on a field trip to Eugene and an 8-mile hike locally on separate days. She works in the store and the post of- fice quite a bit and not much talk about the weather. assume the weather had been sunny and dry due to a detour road being dusty. We all know that one. Thursday April 16, 1942 Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Berray came out and put the wool on my loom. They By CLYDENE HOSTETLER —— went over to Skenes to lunch. They could not finish because they could not find all the parts to the loom. Checked all money orders and general de- livery. Then worked in store until nearly six. To the beach and did a little writing. The lights went out. Not very busy in the store today but we got a lot of work done. Friday April 17, 1942 We had a busy day and there were lots of people out. There was a lot to do and I did not get much work done i in the post office. We went home early and to bed early. Charlie worked on the place and it looks real good. Saturday April 18, 1942 To the store early and worked all day. Then in the evening went to bed early but Sam and Ralph Swan- son made lunch at the cabin and made so much irl Scouts to Oregon noise that I could not go to sleep until late. So it did not do much good to go to bed. Sunday April 19, 1942 We met the Girl Scouts up at the store at 10 a.m. We left the lunch at the beach and drove to the Trails End road. Then we hiked to Shanks and visited their lovely home. Back to the beach and hiked 8 miles in .all and then we ate here. It was lots of fun. Mrs. Culbert- son and Michaels went along also 10 girls. To Cadys in the evening. Monday April 20, 1942 A quiet day but I added up all the money orders and checked box rents. We got quite a lot done on the shelves. In the evening I took Ruth and Mary Ruth to the party at Berrays and we had a good time. Had a nice visit with Mr. and Mrs. Berray and came home late. Very dusty V on the detour. Tuesday April 2'1, 1942 Sam went to Seattle and I went to Wykoffs and had my hair done. Then to the store where I worked all day. Sam came home early so we ate at the beach. Jack Morgan came down and I left him and Ruth do- ing the dishes. Packed all my clothes and I am ready to go to Oregon tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday April 22, 1942 Arose at 5.30 a.m. and the girls came at 6.40 a.m. We drove to Eugene, Oregon and saw 40 pheasants on the way. Saw many azaleas and lovely flowers. We saw sun, rain, hail and army trucks. Ate lunch in Salem and went thru a store. We were taken out to the University Wom- en’s Hall where we Were served punch and cookies and played games. Home late and to bed. We were all very tired. How is everyone do- ing with the quarantine? see some good come from this. All I have to share with you is I think I was born to. be quarantined. Thank you for reading this week’s diary. I Clydene Hostetler is a longtime Belfair resident, local histo- rian, media archivist and documentary filmmaker of “Hidden in Plain Sight.” She has been research- ing Mary Theler’s life for the past years. She can be emailed at Clydeneh53@gmail.com