Columbia EMS

05/10/2026

Happy Nurse's Week from Columbia EMS! Thank you for all you do to keep us sane and moving in the right direction. We love you and hope you feel celebrated this week!

05/10/2026

Columbia EMS appreciates all the moms! Thank you for your sacrifice and love.

05/05/2026

Thank you firefighters! We appreciate you.

Today, on International Firefighters’ Day, we pause to recognize the extraordinary individuals who answer the call—day or night, in all conditions, without hesitation.

To our firefighters: your dedication goes far beyond the emergencies you respond to. It’s found in the long hours of training, the time spent away from family, the quiet acts of service, and the unwavering commitment to protecting our community.

You stand together as one team, driven by courage, compassion, and a deep sense of duty. Because of you, our community is safer, stronger, and supported in its most difficult moments.

We are profoundly grateful for the sacrifices you make and the strength you show every single day.

Thank you for all that you do—and for all that you are.

04/28/2026

What is the difference between ALS and BLS, EMT and Paramedic?

This question has come up frequently following recent announcements from Grant County Fire District #3, and we wanted to take a moment to provide some clarification. We hope this is helpful to our community.

Regarding concerns about potential duplication of services, it’s important to understand the role of BLS before ALS in an effective EMS system. A strong Basic Life Support (BLS) response—such as that currently provided by the fire department—ensures rapid initial care and stabilization. This early intervention is critical and bridges the gap until Advanced Life Support (ALS) resources arrive.

In our area, Columbia EMS ALS units are typically able to respond within approximately ten minutes. Given this timeframe, the existing BLS response is well-positioned to manage patient needs during those initial moments. For this reason, adding fire-based paramedics in George would likely result in a duplication of services rather than a meaningful augmentation of emergency care.

That said, we remain open to thoughtful expansion of ALS coverage where it provides clear benefit. Columbia EMS is already established, licensed, and equipped to deploy additional ALS resources efficiently, as outlined in our recent communications.

04/18/2026

Columbia EMS has received a number of questions regarding a recent staffing announcement from our partners at Grant County Fire District #3. We deeply value our relationship with our fire district partners and the community we are proud to serve together. In the spirit of transparency, we would like to share our perspective regarding the District’s announcement to hire paramedics.

District 3 is currently licensed at the BLS level, which means any paramedic they hire can only operate at the BLS level (i.e., no intubations or other advanced/invasive skills). Licensing and system oversight are regulated by the Washington State Department of Health in coordination with county and regional EMS leadership and are implemented on a county-by-county basis.

Currently, Grant County is operating at its approved ALS capacity and is undergoing what’s known as a “min/max” review to evaluate whether additional ALS resources are needed. This process can take up to a year, beginning at the local level, progressing through the regional EMS council, and ultimately requiring state approval.

If—and that’s a big IF—the state determines that additional ALS capacity is warranted, those resources are not simply available to any agency or location. Approval is tied to specific service areas and overall system need. Placement decisions are made based on objective data such as call volume, response times, geographic coverage, and population trends. For example, Mattawa has experienced significant population growth, which would be a factor in that analysis.

A few years ago, Columbia EMS stationed crews in George through a paid lease agreement with the District. We were later given short notice to vacate the space so it could be repurposed for residential use. To our knowledge at that time, those residents were not EMTs.

We believe it is important for the community to understand all sides of this issue. If EMS coverage in the George area is truly deficient, Columbia EMS is in a position to help address that need more quickly than the District’s current plan to hire paramedics—particularly given the existing system limitations around ALS authorization and deployment, as outlined above.

In summary, District 3 does not currently have authorization to provide ALS services. Even if paramedics are hired, they would not be able to practice paramedic-level skills in the field under the current system. The process to expand ALS capacity is lengthy, and there is no guarantee that District 3 will ultimately be approved to provide ALS service.

04/16/2026

Every call starts with a voice.

A voice that stays calm when others can’t.
A voice that gathers information when seconds matter.
A voice that guides, reassures, and directs help where it’s needed most.

This week, we recognize our dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Your work may not always be seen—but it is felt on every call, every shift, every outcome.

Columbia EMS is proud to work alongside you. Thank you.

02/05/2026

👏👏👏

01/31/2026

Stay safe friends while helping us safely arrive at emergencies 🤍

When you see flashing lights on the roadside, slow down and MOVE OVER! 🚨❄️

Giving first responders space is even more critical in snow and icy conditions — it keeps everyone safe. Slow down, change lanes if you can, and stay alert.