When Bonner County EMS volunteered to teach an advanced EMT (emergency medical technician) program in 2018, EMT’s Jean Theander and Tatiana Holborn seized the opportunity. Both women are EMT’s for Sam Owen Fire and Rescue as well as Clark Fork Valley Ambulance.

The training has two parts: a 3-4 month online cognitive component and psycho-motor, i.e. hands-on, practical training. Skills such as airway placement and advanced IV techniques are necessary for more complex patients. The course required classes 2-3 times a week and months of studying. Jean summed it up succinctly: “It was a lot of work.”

Jean Theander volunteered with Kootenai County Search and Rescue as a canine handler and trainer for 9 years before moving to Hope with her husband Austin, who is also a volunteer with SOFD. Jean began EMT training after relocating and has volunteered with SOFD for five years. Raising and training German shepherds for search and rescue has been one of her passions for many years. Her first dog, Vanco, is retired now, but Jean continues her work as a breeder and trainer of his descendants.

Tatiana Holborn emigrated from Ukraine in 2010 and moved to northern Idaho with her family in 2012. Her interest in the medical field began in childhood. In high school she trained as a health care assistant and became the youngest one ever in the facility where she worked.

Tatiana spoke no English when she moved to the USA so language was an additional challenge to EMT training. She had to translate the study material from English to Ukrainian to learn and memorize it. Then she had to translate it back again for the testing. The extra effort paid off. She earned her basic EMT certification 3 years ago and began volunteering with SOFD and CFVA.

The National Registry of EMT’s reimburses tuition for the EMT training courses, but only if the student passes the test on the first try. 27 EMT’s started the program. Fifteen took the test. Only 4 passed the test on the first try. Jean and Tatiana were 2 of them, Jean in February and Tatiana in September.

“Fire and rescue have a common goal: Provide our community with good service, whether fire or EMS,” states Sam Owen Fire Chief and EMT Tim Scofield.

“There are people that really like fire and people that really like EMS. With the interagency collaboration between Sam Owen Fire District and Clark Fork Valley Ambulance, we have enough personnel to provide both services.”

EMS is a major part of the services that Sam Owen Fire and Rescue provides. About one third of all Sam Owen Fire’s calls are for advanced life support. The interagency collaboration between Sam Owen Fire and Clark Fork Valley Ambulance helps ensure effective Emergency Medical Services for eastern Bonner County.

Many of the first responders for Sam Owen Fire and Rescue also volunteer for Clark Fork Valley Ambulance. Sam Owen Fire Chiefs Stu Eigler and Tim Scofield are EMTs and first responders for both Sam Owen Fire and Clark Fork Valley Ambulance. SOFD firefighter Cecil Jensen volunteers as a driver for CFVA as well as a firefighter for Clark Fork Fire and Rescue. Jean and Austin Theander both serve as firefighters and EMTs for SOFD and as EMTs for CFVA. EMT Tatiana Holborn volunteers for both organizations.

Clark Fork Valley Ambulance, a volunteer organization under the leadership of Chief Dimitry Borisov, has their headquarters and center of operation in downtown Clark Fork. They maintain an additional ambulance at Sam Owen Fire Station No. 1. Being able to respond from two locations, depending on personnel available and the type and location of incident provides efficiency and a rapid response time. The skills and outstanding dedication of these first responders help maximize the limited pool of volunteer personnel in a rural area with a small population.

It takes a lot of commitment and training by the volunteers of both agencies to provide these services. SOFD trains 3 times a month. CFVA trains once a month plus participating in interagency debriefings and joint trainings, such as ice rescue, life flight and emergency vehicle operation certification.

Congratulations, Jean and Tatiana! And thank you from everyone in the Sam Owen Fire District for your dedication and service.

Eileen Klatt is the public information officer for the Sam Owen Fire District.