Life on the line: Meet a voice of 911

May 22, 2017.Reading time 13 minutes.

For National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week (May 21 – 27), we’re honoring the local heroes that make up our EMS/Medic One system in King County. Each day, we’ll be sharing a unique perspective on saving lives from the people doing this work every day. Today, the spotlight is on Emergency Medical Dispatch. Dispatchers are the […]

Feel the pulse of a King County paramedic

April 7, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

For National Public Health Week (April 3-7th), we’re celebrating by featuring unsung public health heroes who make our communities safer and healthier. Each day, we’ll highlight a public health worker through their own words, sharing their work and why they’re committed to serving our community. Today, we’re talking with Tony Smith, a paramedic with King County Medic One, […]

World TB Day: Global epidemic hits home

March 24, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

Every week, two new people on average are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in King County. Many of these cases are investigated, treated and managed through our local TB program without public attention, but we’ve seen recent instances in schools (here and here) and a university, health care facilities (here and here), a group residence and jail […]

TB evaluation at King County Jail

March 15, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

An X-ray of the chest of a man with tuberculosis. The areas infected with TB bacteria are colored red. Science Photo Library/Corbis

An inmate in the King County Jail system was recently diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis (TB). The person came into contact with other inmates and staff at times between November 20, 2016 and March 1, 2017, mostly at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Public Health – Seattle & King County’s TB control program has been […]

TB evaluation at Harborview Medical Center

January 26, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

A patient at Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in Seattle was recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). The patient potentially came into contact with other patients and staff on three different occasions between mid-December and January 20. Public Health – Seattle & King County has been notified, and is providing guidance to HMC as they identify and screen […]

TB evaluation at Hazen High School

January 12, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on the report of a Hazen High School community member who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with the high school and Renton School District officials to define the extent of any potential TB exposures, conduct screenings for those exposed, and provide guidance and information […]