Letter to the editor: Olivia Haesloop

Jan. 27, 2022

I am writing in support of the EMS levy.

I am the former Medical Director for San Juan County EMS in addition to having worked in several EMS agencies across western Washington. I can say without hesitation that the care and services provided by our paramedics, EMTs and EMS programs are stellar. San Juan EMS is on par with top metropolitan EMS services like Seattle Medic One. This is remarkable per se, but all the more impacting when considering the geographic isolation of an island.

Regardless of whether you are for or against the merger of EMS with Fire, regardless of the outcome, that process will take time. So let’s uncouple the merger from the discussion of this levy. Let’s not cripple EMS while that gets sorted out. Let’s make sure EMS can continue their strong work; we all benefit from it.

Please vote yes!

Olivia Haesloop, MD
Emergency Medicine
Peace Island Medical Center
Former San Juan Island EMS Medical Director