GCFD 7 expands EMS, training programs

SOAP LAKE — As part of a concerted effort to improve emergency medical services, Grant County Fire District 7 has announced significant expansions to its coverage and operational capabilities. Under the leadership of Chief Erick Brittain, the district is now providing Intermediate Life Support in addition to its existing services, a move that is expected to greatly benefit the community it serves, said Brittain.  

“As a former paramedic, I am coming in and helping us get all of those systems in place,” Brittain said. “It’s important that even in rural communities they have access to the medical help they need.”  

ILS 

The decision to elevate service levels to ILS — the acronym for Intermediate Life Support — was formally approved by the Washington State Department of Health on Dec. 23, 2025. Chief Brittain emphasized the importance of this upgrade for both the community and the entire emergency medical services system in the region.  

"When we increase the service level, it's not only good for our constituency, but it's good for the whole county because it’s taking that burden off," he said. "We want to ensure that our higher-acuity advanced life support calls are managed effectively." 

The ILS program allows Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians to perform a broader range of medical interventions. In Washington, this involves a minimum of 372 hours of training after at least one year of EMT experience.  

"We're able to deliver about 15 different medications that we couldn't in the past," said Brittain, citing examples such as Epinephrine for anaphylaxis and Albuterol for breathing treatments. "In the past, you called us, and we could do either basic life support or just a few interventions." 

Brittain said this upgrade not only allows for medication administration but also allows first responders to give IV treatments, advanced airway management and manual defibrillation.  

This transition places GCFD7 as the only transporting agency in Grant County equipped to provide ILS, placing them in what Brittain describes as "the middle child of EMS." 

He said the program also allows for less stress to be put on LifeFlight. 

“They do a great job, I want to acknowledge that,” Brittain said. “We are not trying to steal their business. But it does drastically help out if we take some of the less advanced cases off their load and allow them to focus on advanced medical care; it will put less strain on the resources we have in the county. Not only does this help our community directly, but it helps the entire county.”  

Brittain said this will also allow them to provide more mutual aid to surrounding cities.  

“Let’s say, for example, someone in Ephrata needs help with an allergic reaction. We would be able to take that case and help our neighbors,” Brittain said. “This also removes one case from LifeFlight, which leaves them more prepared to handle the severe incidents.” 

EMT training 

In conjunction with the ILS program, GCFD7 has initiated a new EMT training program aimed at bolstering its workforce. The district now has eight licensed EMT’s including the chief. Two years ago, the fire department didn’t even have an ambulance.   

"We have to have a solid background of personnel," Brittain said. "So, we are putting our people through an online hybrid type of program that allows them to train at their own pace while requiring hands-on skills sessions at strategic locations." 

This initiative not only expands the skill set of the current personnel but also encourages community members to explore careers in emergency medical services. Brittain said he helped continue the cadet program with the high school, where the fire department trains students both on firefighting and job skills such as interviews and resumes.  

"We’re seeing a lot of interest from the community," Brittain said, adding, "Our cadet program has grown from three members to six, with an additional four potential members."  

Walk-ins welcome 

Another movement at the fire district is encouraging residents to come to GCFD 7 for assistance. Brittain said they are open to basic medical needs such as blood pressure checks or insulin levels.  

“Don’t wait until things get bad,” Brittain said. “Just come in and see us. There is somebody here 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even if we can’t directly help you, we will be able to get you where you need to go.”  

Brittain said he hopes to expand these offerings, especially with the tourism push the city is doing. He said while working for a previous department, they had tourist stations on the beach where people could come and get their blood pressure checked or first aid for a small cut. He said he hopes to offer these services to Soap Lake tourists.  

Community engagement  

A hallmark of GCFD7's expansion is its commitment to community involvement and engagement. The department has been active at various public events, including school sports, where they offer blood pressure checks and other health services.  

"The more people see us out in the community, the more comfortable they are to come to us for help," Brittain said. 

The organization is aiming to bridge the gap between emergency medical services and broader community health needs.  

"We're looking at total community health," Brittain said, pointing to the role of the EMS personnel in identifying social services that might assist those they serve. "If we're going to someone's home because of a fall, we might find that they need more than emergency medical care — they might need social services, too." 

Brittain said his priority is prevention, instead of intervention. He cited cases where people needed more assistance — whether it be a caregiver or even help mowing the lawn, where staff have stepped in.  

“Sometimes all we need to prevent a fall, or accident, or whatever is a better handrail for the stairs,” he said. “We look for those things when we are out helping people, we then connect them with resources to make their houses safer, whatever it may be.”  

Plans and goals 

With a reported 50% increase in ambulance calls, GCFD7 is not only increasing its personnel and training but also upgrading its fleet of vehicles and equipment to accommodate these changes. Brittain said they received around 706 calls in 2025, with around 80% of them being for emergency medical services.  

"We have a new water tender project slated to be completed, and we're also working on grants to upgrade our ambulance services," Brittain said. 

His vision extends beyond immediate emergency responses. With a dedication to training and interdisciplinary collaboration, Brittain is keen on exploring joint training exercises with neighboring districts to enrich best practices.  

"None of us can do what we do without each other," he said. 

    Grant County Fire District 7 is now providing Intermediate Life Support and training more Emergency Medical Technicians to take the burden off of other agencies off the county, including LifeFlight.
  

    Grant County Fire District 7, located at 155 WA-28 in Soap Lake serves Soap Lake and the surrounding area with both firefighting and emergency medical services.