North Kitsap Herald
POULSBO, Wash. — Poulsbo Fire Department Paramedic Jake Gillanders, an Urban Search and Rescue team leader coordinating a group from EMPACT Northwest, flew to the Philippines Nov. 11 to assist with typhoon recovery efforts.
The typhoon is one of the most powerful recorded typhoons to ever hit land, and is likely the deadliest natural disaster to occur in the Philippines.
As 195 mph winds were hitting the Philippine coastline, Gillanders and EMPACT Northwest disaster teams were preparing to deploy a joint medical and rescue team. The first 72 hours of any disaster are critical in terms of medical and rescue support and, according to the group’s Facebook, “Boots are on the ground, Philippines.”
Full story: Local paramedic flies to Philippines to assist typhoon victims