South Whidbey Fire/EMS staff and volunteers recently started providing clients with business cards at the close of a fire or medical emergency call. One side of the card has department contact information. The flipside lists a web address where people may complete a brief, anonymous online survey.

“The service we provide to you is our highest priority. It is very important that you tell us how we did so we may continually improve our level of service,” said Chief H. L. “Rusty” Palmer. “Emergency situations can be scary and overwhelming. An online survey creates a way to offer feedback to us in a private and less hectic setting.”

The cards also distinguish which first responders are from South Whidbey Fire/EMS, trained in Basic Life Support. Generally, firefighters and EMTs from South Whidbey Fire/EMS are the first ones to arrive on a scene. Some situations also include WhidbeyHealth, who provide ambulance and paramedics, trained in Advanced life Support. Since 1950, South Whidbey Fire/EMS has worked as a team with all providers of emergency services in Island County.