News.bytes Extra, issue 480

Paramedic on board at Imperial Sand Dunes

The Imperial Sand Dunes announces the addition of a full-time paramedic to the dunes’ Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff.  Brian Puckett made the move to the dunes from the Bakersfield Field Office, where he was a Fire Captain. “Puckett’s paramedic skills will provide a higher level of care to those injured. He will strengthen the EMS program by providing ongoing training to the field staff,” said Field Manager Margaret L. Goodro. Puckett is the first paramedic ever hired at the dunes.

EMS Trends: In the last ten years, medical responses have reduced by 50 percent due to an increase in safety education and enforcement.  Still, there were 346 medical calls in the dunes this past season.

Brian Puckett (left) tends to an injured rider at the Imperial Sand Dunes.

Brian Puckett (far right) assists a Flight Medic load a patient into the helicopter.

- Joya Szalwinski, interpretive park ranger, Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area/BLM El Centro Field Office, 5/12/11
 

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 480
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