King County employee performs emergency CPR on unconscious coworker
Last month, Solid Waste Division employee Kevin Dahl was unhooking his trailer before leaving Cedar Hills for his final garbage load of the night. That’s when he noticed something unusual.
What he saw was a utility truck parked by the wash bays’ restrooms. Not an unusual spot to be but at that time of night most workers using those vehicles have clocked out. When he returned from the transfer station 90 minutes later to pick up his final load of the night, the utility truck was still there. Kevin had a strong sense something was not right.
Kevin said, “I parked my truck and went to check it out.” After knocking and getting no response, Kevin decided he had to find a way in. “The door seemed locked, so I leaned into it and pushed it open.” What he found was a coworker passed out in the corner of the restroom.
“I tried to revive him, but he didn’t respond. I checked his pulse, and put some cold towels on him, hoping that might wake him up.”
Kevin ran to the lead office for help from additional coworkers. Kevin then called 911. With guidance from the 911 operator, Kevin began chest compressions, keeping this going until emergency personnel arrived.
“It was pretty emotional,” he said, the 911 operator told him to continue chest compressions until someone pulls you off. “She gave instructions while I kept pumping blood through his body.”
Kevin provided CPR for over 20 minutes until the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) arrived and took over. They continued working on the patient another 30 minutes before stabilizing him enough to put him in an ambulance.
“No one goes to those restrooms at night,” according to Kevin. An EMT told him that the unconscious man probably would not have been with us in the morning if he hadn’t been found that night.
“They left with the lights flashing, so I thought that was a good sign,” Kevin recalled.
Kevin credits his CPR training from his previous position with King County’s Roads Services Division for his ability to stay calm, take the right steps, and likely save a life.
CPR training available
Safety training courses are available free of charge to all King County employees and are taught by qualified Occupational Education and Training Program Administrators. When possible, classes can be held at work site locations.
Various safety training classes, including CPR and first aid, are available. Go to the Safety Training Classes page for information.
Editor’s note: The patient’s name has been omitted to respect their privacy.
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Executive Constantine proclaims National Payroll Week
King County Executive Dow Constantine is recognizing the dedication and expertise of King County’s payroll professionals by proclaiming Sept. 5 through Sept. 9, 2022 as National Payroll Week.
“I encourage all County residents to join me in recognizing hardworking Americans across our nation, and in honoring all payroll professionals for their contributions to our economy and quality of life,” Constantine states.
Read the entire proclamation below.
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Get a flu shot this fall
With mask mandates lifted in most settings and many people resuming in-person activities, public health experts are predicting flu activity will ramp up this season. It’s especially important for every person to be protected before it starts to spread in our area to give your body time to build immunity.
The county makes it free for employees and anyone covered by your healthcare benefits to get a flu shot at one of our onsite clinics, or at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. The Balanced You team is again organizing free onsite flu shot clinics for those workers onsite.
Read about free onsite flu shot clinics and schedule your appointment here. Benefits-covered employees who are telecommuting and their covered family members may find it more convenient to go to their healthcare provider’s office or a local pharmacy for their free flu shot. Learn more about how to get a flu shot through your provider or local pharmacy.
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Megan Pedersen appointed as temporary Special Deputy for King County correctional facilities
Executive Constantine has appointed Megan Pedersen, current Director of the Office of Labor Relations, to serve as a temporary Special Deputy to the Executive, stepping into the role immediately to provide additional support in implementing critical actions and improvements related to staffing, operations, and health and safety in King County correctional facilities. Read more.
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When can I get the updated COVID-19 booster?
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
An updated booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine is just around the corner. On Aug. 30, the FDA authorized updated booster vaccines for emergency use, but there are still a few steps left in the approval process.
Expert panels will review the applications from Pfizer and Moderna for these new booster vaccines at the end of this week and if they decide to recommend them, the updated Omicron-specific boosters could be available late next week. Read more.
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Get caught up on your preventive care
Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems.
King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population.
Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.
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Metro planner wins national equity award
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
We’ve always known some pretty special people work at King County Metro, and sometimes, the larger world affirms that big time. Such is the case with planner Penny Lara, who just won a national transportation award for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lara received the award from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements that improve transportation options.
“Penny is a dedicated professional who has been a strong and consistent voice for equity and social justice,” said Transit Supervisor Ina Percival, Lara’s manager. “We are lucky and proud to have her on our team!” Read more.
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Labor Day holiday is Monday, Sept. 5
Monday, Sept. 5 is Labor Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6.
On Sept. 5, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules.
As a reminder, starting this year King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October or Oct. 10, 2022. This new holiday will provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today, and further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture.
If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.
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Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer
Chief People Officer
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis.
We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us.
Suicide has warning signs, and I encourage you to take the time to learn them. Seeking support for ourselves, a loved one, or a colleague can make the world of difference. We can help one another by checking in on one another, letting people know that they are not alone, and that there are many people who care for them.
There are also a wide range of mental health resources to help us through challenging times. This year, the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went into effect. Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic only increased the mental health challenges we face. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crisis
- Any other kind of emotion distress.
In addition to the new crisis line, there are many more effective and compassionate resources available:
- Mental Health Benefits and Resources for King County Employees
- Mental Health Accommodations for King County employees
- Recognize the signs and know the risk factors via National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Mental Health First Aid Training.
Watch for Suicide Prevention and Awareness events throughout September, and please continue to care for yourself and lookout for one another. Together we can break the silence and stigma, and spread the message that hope, help, and support are available. Together we can prevent suicide.
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Your ID/ORCA card transit benefits and resources for a safer commute
As a King County employee, your employee ID/ORCA card opens up a world of public transit options in our region. If you’re eligible for commute benefits, one tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services:
- Metro Transit, Sound Transit Express, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit bus service.
- Link light rail
- Sounder train
- Seattle Streetcar
Whether it’s bus, rail, or boat, find out more about your transit options on the Employee Transportation Program webpage.
In addition to these transit options, employees can access a range of options for a safer commute, including:
- Walking Bus: With the “Walking Bus” pilot program, county employees can join their colleagues and a Facilities Management Division (FMD) Security Escort each evening walking to the King Street Station and the Colman Dock from the downtown campus. In this initial pilot phase, two dedicated security escorts will depart daily, Monday-Friday, from the King County Courthouse one to the King Street Station and one to the Colman Dock ferry terminal. To King Street Station – Depart 4th Avenue Entrance at 4:40 p.m. To Colman Dock – Depart 4th Avenue Entrance at 5:05 p.m. Learn more.
- Walkpooling: Walkpools is a program where you can walk to and from work with a buddy. The program is available whether you walk long distances, walk early in the morning or late in the evening, or have to navigate transit stations. Check out our video or visit the Employee Transportation Program website for more information.
- Security escort program: Upon request, the County provides security in downtown Seattle for individuals moving between their workplace and their commute. Facilities Management Division security can escort you for several blocks from the building you work in, from downtown buildings to Goat Hill Garage or immediate vicinity bus stops. Please contact the emergency dispatch center at 206-296-5000 to arrange for a security escort whether coming in to work or leaving work. Advance notice for a Security Escort is appreciated.
- VanPool: Join an existing group or start your own—five members gets you on the road! Everything is covered. Your monthly fare includes the van, gas, insurance, maintenance, roadside assistance, plus a guaranteed ride home. See how you can join a Vanpool.
- VanShare: Vanshare is your first/last mile solution to getting to and from bus, ferry, commuter and light rail or vanpool—and for getting the last mile or so to your worksite or school destination from your transit stop. VanShares are placed at the end of a trip – e.g. for people getting off the Sounder who walk over to King Street Center garage and get into a Vanpool vehicle that takes them to their worksite. These can be set up with five or more people who want to travel together. This is the quickest solution to get started and King County covers the entire cost for King County employees, except parking. Learn more.
Find out more about programs for a safer commute on our Future of Work Personal Safety at Work page (employee access only).
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