Unresponsive Employee Rescue on Ship Under Repair

Just before 6:15 p.m., Everett Fire responded to a report of an unresponsive employee in a confined space on an Alaska State Ferry docked for repairs/maintenance at the Port of Everett Terminal at 2700 Federal Ave. in Everett.

Before firefighters and EMS arrived, coworkers responded immediately, starting CPR and using an AED.

Firefighters found everyone in a small space behind the boiler. Shortly after first responders took over, the patient regained a pulse.

As EMS personnel cared for the patient, other firefighters worked to extricate him from the tight space and get him off the ship. The ferry had several levels, so they used a Stokes basket for a short-haul rescue.

They lifted the patient up one level, moved him off the ship, and lowered him to the ground where paramedics were waiting.

The entire incident, from initial patient contact to transport, took about 50 minutes.

The patient was taken to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett in critical condition.

Everett Fire recognizes the outstanding job of the coworkers who acted quickly to start CPR and use the available AED. Their immediate response, along with the hard work and teamwork of the firefighters and EMS personnel, made a crucial difference in the outcome of this complex rescue.

What to do if you need to help someone who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)?

1. Call 911 immediately.

2. Begin chest compressions right away. Push hard and fast.

3. Use an AED if available: If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is present, use it immediately. It will provide clear voice prompts on how to use it.

4. Continue until help arrives: Keep performing CPR until emergency responders take over or the person starts to respond.