We want to say how extremely appreciative we are for the Clallam Fire District No. 3 medics in Blyn with Lt. Joel McKeen.
They responded so quickly when my husband had a heart attack the morning of Oct. 16 in east Sequim.
Lt. McKeen treated him and determined he had to be transported immediately to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles. OMC kept him there until further tests showed he needed to be transported to Seattle for cardiac care as soon as possible.
He left Port Angeles that evening in the care of a wonderful well-trained medical transport crew, red lights and sirens all the way to the Bainbridge ferry.
The doctors at Virginia Mason said the rapid response treatment he received that morning from Lt. McKeen likely saved him from severe damage to his heart.
Lt. McKeen and his crew from Blyn were first on scene and were so professional, fast and sympathetic to me, the bystander, as well.
So for those naysayers who complain we don’t have excellent medical care here on the Peninsula, I say to them, without the fantastic care my husband received that morning locally, he might not be able to say how good he feels today, three weeks later.
I’m grateful to all of you who interacted with us that stress-filled day and ensuing week in Seattle.
From medics to doctors to wonderful neighbors and friends, your many kind words and support helped us get through it all.
Gail Cortese,
Sequim