First Responders “Always on Duty” Save Life at Mt. Baker Ski Area

Cardiac arrest survivor Bill Bishop, 63, will soon meet the many rescuers who saved his life following a sudden cardiac arrest at the Mt. Baker Ski area this past February. Bishop was seen skiing a particularly challenging and technical line at the Mt. Baker Ski Area and subsequently was found unconscious and unresponsive lower down the run. Fortunately, a community team of professional rescuers, both on and off-duty were able to extricate, resuscitate, stabilize and evacuate Mr. Bishop to the hospital.

On March 28, Mr. Bishop will meet all those who helped save his life as he reflects on the rescue, his recovery and hears from those who participated in this amazing rescue and resuscitation.

Over 21 medical responders contributed to Bill Bishop’s survival that day.  While complicated by technical back-country terrain and significant distance to a medical facility, this success was attributed to high-performance CPR, immediate airway control and continued defibrillation by experienced rescuers at the ski area, allowing Mr. Bishop to arrive alive at the hospital.   

The Mt. Baker Ski Patrol, Aid Room staff and off-duty healthcare professionals who responded are part of the larger emergency medical services and health care community that did not hesitate to help. “This community effort and willingness to respond in a difficult situation are major contributors to this success,” said Dr. Marvin Wayne, Whatcom EMS Medical Program Director. “It is also reflective of the close-knit recreational community at the ski area.”

The reunion and recognition event will be held Tuesday, March 28, at Whatcom Fire District 4 Station 12 located at 4142 Britton Loop Rd.  The event will begin at 6:30 PM. For more information please contact Whatcom County EMS Manager Mike Hilley ([email protected]).