March 20th is the first day of spring and the boating season is fast approaching. We all like to have fun on and in the water and I want to remind everyone that having fun is also being safe. So remember that if you have boat passengers in your boat 13 years old and younger, by state and federal law they MUST wear a coast guard approved personal flotation device. In addition, you MUST have flotation devices in your boat for all others including yourself. If you have any questions about the type please contact me.

As all are probably aware, there is an existing Kids Don’t Float station behind the post office.

I have been receiving PFD’s (Personal Floatation Devices) for another station that I plan to set up further up river from the current one. One of the things that I try to remind people of is the PFD’s are there for everyone and they are free to use. All that I ask is when you’re done using them please return them to one of the stations so that the next person will have the opportunity to use them.

I wish everyone a safe and happy spring season.

I have been busy as a spring bee traveling quite a bit for various training opportunities and session requirements which will eventually pay off in my ability to provide you with the best quality health care I can give along with providing CPR and ETT training to our village and surrounding villages.

During the last week of February I traveled to Dillingham for PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment Recognition and Stabilization) training. PEARS training lasted 3 nine hour days and included learning to recognize a pediatric emergency. This training is not normally included in regular Health Aide training. I was one of 5 area Health Aides invited to this first-time opportunity. I am now a certified PEARS provider by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Not many people were able to attend March’s regular meeting so we decided to put off some of the business until the next meeting and had fun just eating cake and talking.

In April, Jesse Ranke from Bristol Bay Fire Department is scheduled to visit Igiugig and provided much needed Code Red training to our volunteers. Jesse is a certified Code Red trainer and has many years of fire and EMS experience. We are looking forward to his visit which should be toward the end of the month. Anyone interested in Code Red training who has not signed up as a volunteer, please contact Chuck or Barb Brown.

As our Fire Department’s EMS Coordinator, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at the turnout for our Valentine’s Day Dinner. I was so glad to see that nearly everyone in town turned out to support our volunteers. I am looking forward to our next fundraiser, maybe late spring or early summer. Thanks to everyone who attended!