Union County

Union County Emergency Services has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to enhance emergency medical service capabilities and provide advanced training for regional EMS providers.

The grant funded advanced trauma care training for four local EMS providers who also serve as medical staff on the NE Oregon Regional SWAT Team. These individuals attended a multi-day trauma care course designed to improve tactical medical response. Grant funds were also used to purchase specialized training supplies, including wound care materials, simulated injuries, fake blood, and other essential props to enhance hands-on training.

The EMS providers gained valuable knowledge and skills through this training, which they have since shared with colleagues through ongoing regional training efforts. This knowledge transfer has significantly strengthened the capabilities, confidence, and readiness of emergency responders across northeast Oregon.

The NE Oregon Regional SWAT Team, which serves multiple counties, identified enhanced medical training as a priority. This grant made it possible to improve training resources and ensure team members are better prepared for medical emergencies in tactical environments.

The purchase of trauma-based training supplies with the grant funds allows for the creation of realistic simulation exercises for EMS personnel. A regional training event was held in December 2024, in partnership with La Grande School District, bringing together ambulance service responders from the La Grande Fire Department and volunteer units from Cove, Elgin, Imbler, North Powder, and Union, along with personnel from the Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff’s Office, La Grande Police Department, and Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Union County Emergency Services extends its sincere appreciation to the Wildhorse Foundation for its generous support, which has directly contributed to improving emergency medical response capabilities in our region.

Posted March 31, 2025