01/16/2008: "New Paramedic Joins SJI EMS"

Ryan Nelson has been hired by San Juan Island EMS, effective January 1, as a paramedic. Ryan is returning to the Island, where he first served as an EMT in 1997. He will alternate with Jim Ricks and Weyshawn Koons as the primary response paramedic and participate in providing all other EMS services.

“Adding Ryan as our third paramedic will provide a greater response capability during peak seasons. It will also allow for longer distance, paramedic transports,” said EMS Chief Jim Cole. “We’re very glad to welcome Ryan back to San Juan Island EMS.”

A committee from EMS, the Inter Island Medical Center and the Hospital District Board conducted a nationwide search to fill this new paramedic position. Eleven applications were received and Ryan was selected from among three final interviewees. He joins EMS after spending the last five years as a paramedic with Skagit County Medic One.

“I am excited to be returning to the San Juans and to EMS as a full time medic,” said Ryan. “I really like the idea of community-based medical care and the extended, advanced care that is inherent in the San Juans.”

Ryan will be introduced to the community and the Board of Commissioners at the next San Juan County Public Hospital District #1 Board meeting on January 16 at the EMS Building starting at 5:30 PM.
San Juan Island EMS is the tax supported, county EMS agency serving the residents and visitors of San Juan Island, Town of Friday Harbor, Brown Island, Stuart Island, Johns Island, Speiden Island, Pearl Island and Henry Island in San Juan County, Washington. It provides emergency medical services, critical care transport, and injury and accident prevention. The staff of career paramedics and volunteer EMTs is available twenty-four hour a day.