Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t taxes cover all the costs for providing Medic One services?
Medic One services rely on a voter-approved tax levy to fund operating costs, including vehicles, paramedic salaries, equipment, and supplies. Unlike Medic One services, the Medic One Foundation receives no government or tax-based support. We are supported solely by charitable contributions.
In essence, the cities provide the wherewithal to put the paramedics on the street, but the Foundation provides the extra financial support necessary to train paramedics to the highest level possible and research new methods of patient care that make our Medic One system a superior program.
Who provides Medic One services?
Calls to 911 are triaged at dispatch centers throughout King County. Firefighters trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are dispatched to provide Basic Life Support (BLS). In the event of a critical or life-threatening illness, medic units staffed by intensive care paramedics are dispatched to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS). In contrast to EMTs, paramedics can administer a variety of drugs, open airways, and perform other, more technically advanced emergency medical care.
There are five paramedic provider agencies throughout King County:
What is the geographical impact of the Foundation’s support?
Medic One Foundation has funded the education and training of paramedics for the following communities: Arlington, Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Camano Island, Edmonds, East Jefferson County, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, Orcas Island, Redmond, San Juan Island, Seattle, Shoreline, Snohomish County Fire Districts No. 1, No. 7, and No. 8, South King County, Vashon Island, and Whatcom County.
Foundation-funded research influences pre-hospital emergency care around the world through shared protocols and published research findings.
How do you measure the success of your programs?
Although cardiac arrest accounts for only a small proportion of EMS incidents, the effectiveness of treatment for that condition is the sole outcome measurement whereby paramedic services can be evaluated. The Foundation’s support of paramedic training and continuing medical education, along with our targeted research, is a major reason why our region’s paramedics consistently achieve a survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest that is among the highest in the country.
How can I contribute to the Medic One Foundation?
Please visit our donation page for detailed information regarding the many ways you can contribute to the Medic One Foundation. You can also call the Medic One Foundation directly at (425) 625-2137 or email info@mediconefoundation.org.