paramedics

Cal Tahoe JPA seeks bids to remodel old jail for new headquarters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Bids are currently being sought for the remodel project at the new home of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CalTahoe) in South Lake Tahoe. They have been without a permanent home since early 2020 when South lake Tahoe Fire Rescue took back its Station 2 for fire and medic operations.

Sign up to be on COVID-19 vaccine alert list

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Now that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is moving through the official phases and tiers, a vaccine list has been start for those who are able to respond to a Placerville or South Lake Tahoe Public Health Office within 30-60 minutes of getting an alert.

COVID-19 vaccines start moving through first phase in El Dorado and Alpine counties

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - During both the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisor meetings on January 5, questions were asked of the health care professionals as to when the public can expect to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Officials warn of sledding dangers at unofficial sled hills at Lake Tahoe

Snow, a good slope and a sled in hand are the ingredients needed for a fun day around Lake Tahoe, but first responders are warning the public to only use official sledding locations or that fun can turn to a bad day very quickly.

Sledding is not as harmless as it looks, just ask the roughly 20,000 kids under age of 19 in the United States involved in sledding accidents annually.

Coronavirus vaccines arrive in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The overnight snowstorm brought more than powder as the first shipment of the Pfitzer-BioNTech vaccine for the coronavirus arrived in South Lake Tahoe at Barton Hospital.

El Dorado County received a total of 975 doses with about five hundred doses shipped to South Lake Tahoe Thursday, Marshall Hospital in Placerville will receive theirs on Sunday. The local doses will be administered to Barton's healthcare workers and skilled nursing residents, beginning Friday, December 17.

Investigation underway after man dies when deputies attempt to assist medics

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Just before 9:00 p.m. on September 12, deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) were called to a residence on Rainbow Ridge in Placerville. El Dorado County Fire paramedics were reportedly having difficulty getting a combative patient to a hospital.

When deputies arrived on scene they contacted the medics and 49-year-old Odie Prettyman. The man was in obvious medical and mental distress but refused to be transported by medics, according to EDSO Sgt. Anthony Prencipe.

SLT Police team with others to start South Tahoe Alternative Collaborative Services

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A collaboration between the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, El Dorado County Behavioral Health, Barton Health and the Caltahoe JPA ambulance will be bringing a new service to South Lake Tahoe community members in crisis.

The emerging collaboration is called the South Tahoe Alternative Collaborative Services (STACS).

One man dies in Lake Tahoe boating accident

UPDATE 8/11/20: A 28-year-old man from Napa, California has been identified as the person who died in a tragic boat incident off shore from South Lake Tahoe on Monday. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) Marine unit responded along with South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District and the U.S. Coast Guard.

When the call came in around 3:40 p.m., two men were in the water and a third was inside a rental boat. One of the men, David Castorena, had a major injury to his leg and he as not wearing a personal floatation device, or PFD.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue promotes three to position of captain; adds three firefighters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue recently held ceremonies for the hiring of three new firefighter/paramedics and the promotion of three to the rank of captain. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, ceremonies were small and held at the fire station during their shifts.

Captain/Paramedic Mike Taormina

One-percent sales tax increase for South Lake Tahoe to be added to the November ballot

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - City Council approved unanimously at their meeting Tuesday to send what is being called the "South Lake Tahoe Fire Protection, Emergency Response, City Services Measure" to the ballot in November.

If voters approve the measure, a one-percent sales tax increase will be added in the City of South Lake Tahoe to all taxable purchases to meet funding shortfalls, according to the City.

Fish a splash at American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - Mardy Fish won the 31st American Century Championship (ACC) at Edgewood Tahoe on Sunday with a three-round total of 76 in the Stableford scoring system used at the popular celebrity golf tournament.

Fish followed up his record round on Saturday with a rather ordinary 21-point effort Sunday, but it was enough to claim his first title at Tahoe. He's had five top-five finishes at Edgewood in six previous appearances in the ACC.

Barton Health seeks those with clinical experience to join "Medical Corps" as influx of COVID-19 cases expected

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Barton Health is seeking retired or available physicians, nurses, EMTs, and other medical professionals with clinical expertise to work with the hospital as it prepares to treat an influx of patients expected during the coronavirus crisis.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue reopens midtown station

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) once again has three fire stations operating in the city limits. Their Station #2 on Lake Tahoe Boulevard in the Al Tahoe neighborhood reopened at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

In 2015 the City had let Cal Tahoe JPA move the ambulance service into the station when SLTFR restructured and moved all ambulance duties over to the JPA. In return they gave up their fire station for five years.

Letter: Encourage all residents to vote Yes on Measure B

I have been a resident in Lake Valley Fire District's jurisdiction for 29 years. Fortunately, my family has never had to use their services. But even so, I appreciate the value of quality, highly-trained Firefighter/Paramedics. I would guess that those many individuals whose lives they have saved would agree. To effectively perform their jobs, they need the best equipment possible and the funding to obtain it.

I am fully in support of Measure B and encourage all residents to vote YES!

Jamie Rhone, Meyers

Letter: Yes on Measure B

We would like to urge voters to vote YES on Measure B.

Our Lake Valley Fire Protection District is vitally important to our daily lives, and their firefighters deserve to have safe equipment and apparatus. They are only asking for $52 per year, which is just $4.33 per household per month. Most of us spend more than that in one trip to Starbucks. Let’s help our firefighters!

Letter: Vote "No" on Measure B

Measure B is up for a vote. I am voting NO because the Lake Valley Fire Protection District spends most of its revenue on salaries and benefits leaving nothing to pay for new equipment.

Letter: Yes on Measure B for Lake Valley Fire Protection District

Dear El Dorado County voters,
A little over a year ago, I was asked to serve on the Lake Valley Fire Protection District’s Feasibility Committee for Measure B. I represented you—the homeowner, citizen, and taxpayer. I would like to share a little about what I learned about the Lake Valley Fire Protection District and about Measure B.

Most importantly, I learned that our Lake Valley Fire Protection District is in dire need of our help in order to maintain their current excellent and top-notch level of service, and to sustain a healthy future.

Vail Resorts CEO and his wife donate over $2.8M for emotional wellness programs, including some in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz and his wife Elana Amsterdam, New York Times bestselling author and founder of Elana’s Pantry, today announced they were donating more than $2.8M to further strengthen emotional wellness programs in more than ten mountain communities where Vail Resorts operates. This is the second consecutive year their Katz Amsterdam Charitable Trust has distributed behavioral health grants.

Jake Krzaczek sworn in as South Lake Tahoe Police Department's newest officer

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Jake Krzaczek, the newest officer for the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), was sworn in Monday afternoon in front of a large crowd of family, friends, fellow officers from SLTPD, firemen and paramedics from SLT Fire Rescue, and other members of the community.

Officer Krzaczek, who is 24-years-old, was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and graduated from STHS in 2013. He has been with the Alpine County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for the past two years.

Multiple agencies participate in South Lake Tahoe active shooter drill

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - An active shooting training at South Tahoe High School last week gave local, state and federal agencies the opportunity to use their collaborative skills in responding to an emergency at the school.

In the simulated event after school, a call went over the radios on a secure channel to alert all first responders of a shooting at the high school and with the shooter still on the loose. At the first call, there were seven "victims" (volunteers acting for the training).

Man arrested for Felony Hit-and-Run in South Lake Tahoe fatal collision

10:00 a.m. Monday update: The man arrested in connection with the felony hit-and-run is a full-time student at Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) and a member of their men's soccer team.

LTCC has issued the following statement:

An Ordinary Day until.....Bees

In the time that it takes to text someone, pet your dog, or order a great meal at a local restaurant, something went very wrong. An ordinary day veered sideways and I was no longer on a relaxing vacation. I was working to save someone’s life.

Location

Upper Truckee Meadow
river drive
United States

Bay Area man drowns in Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove

10:45 p.m. update: A San Mateo County Correctional Officer has been identified as the victim in Tuesday's drowning at Zephyr Cove.

"It is with great sadness we announce the death of Correctional Officer Andreiam Jeffrey “AJ” Arqueza. AJ passed yesterday afternoon in a drowning accident while enjoying days off with friends in the Lake Tahoe area," said the San Mateo County Code 30 Foundation on a Facebook post.

Good Samaritans help first responders save drowning man at Lake Tahoe

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - The extraordinary efforts of several Good Samaritans and deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office helped save the life of a man near Thunderbird Beach at Lake Tahoe July 5.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., deputies aboard Marine 9 were informed of a drowning that had just occurred on the small beach just north of the historic lodge. As the boat arrived two minutes later, deputies observed Erin Dohlman of Des Moines, Iowa, administering CPR to a male adult laying on the beach.

Naloxone saving lives locally and across the country

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid and heroin overdoses, is carried on police and deputy vehicles, ambulances and fire engines, giving first responders the chance to save lives. The problem of these overdoses is so widespread most medics and ambulances have administered the medication dozens of times, even in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding counties.

Pollock Pines man facing 43 years in prison after found guilty of murdering six-week-old baby

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - The man responsible for abusing a baby from the time he was eight days old and his death five weeks later is looking at spending the next 43 years in prison after being found guilty on March 21, 2019, in Judge Kenneth Melikian's courtroom.

Michael Swope, 32, was convicted of second-degree murder of baby Sammy as well as three counts of felony child abuse causing great bodily injury for breaking various ribs on the baby over infant's short and traumatic life.

S.T.A.R. program.celebrates 25 years in El Dorado County

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office started the S.T.A.R. program (Sheriff’s Team of Active Retirees) in 1994 with volunteers in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. The volunteers help law enforcement officers, firefighters, and paramedics to ensure public safety, by performing traffic controls and maintaining roadblocks.

Overdue backpackers rescued by deputies and volunteers from El Dorado County Sheriff's Office

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and Search and Rescue volunteers responded to a call on Sunday, January 6 about overdue backpackers in the El Dorado National Forest, just as severe winter weather hit the region.

Family members provided deputies with the backpacker's travel plan and a map of their planned route.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue working on plans to reopen Station 2 in 2019

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - If all goes as planned, the South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Station 2 will once again be a fire station by the end of 2019.

Since December 2015, the station has housed the Cal Tahoe JPA ambulances and staff. This move decreased response times by the paramedics and EMTs, but increased response time by South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) whose other two stations are at the "Y" and Ski Run Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue holds pinning and promotion ceremony

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue welcomed four new firefighter paramedics to their family during a pinning ceremony at the airport Thursday. They also celebrated the promotion of Kevin Van Kirk to Engineer and honored retired Batalion Chief Tim Spencer.

"Fire service is really about family," said Chief Jeff Meston and he opened the ceremony. "This is a special day for South Lake Tahoe."

He explained how tough it is to get a new firefighter on board. There are tests, boards and interviews.

Three fire departments respond to South Lake Tahoe apartment fire

One apartment was heavily damaged during an afternoon fire in South Lake Tahoe Wednesday.

At 4:00 p.m. on July 25, 2018, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) was called out to the Rockwater Apartments in the 700 block of Emerald Bay Road. A fire had erupted on the deck of one of the apartments, apparently at a propane tank.

SLT Fire Rescue crew working the over 33,000 acre Ferguson Fire

Four firefighter/paramedics from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue are part of the 3,000 firefighting personnel at the Ferguson Fire burning northeast of Mariposa in Western Yosemite. This is the fire responsible for sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe basin for a week.

One engine with Captain Tyler Jack, Engineers Kevin Van Kirk and Mike Taormina and Firefighter Danny Vallejo left the South Shore nine days ago for a 14-day assignment at the fire.

They are joined by crews from Fallen Leaf Fire Department, Northstar Fire and North Tahoe Fire Protection District.

Missing hiker found after becoming separated from group on Tahoe Rim Trail

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (DCSSAR) team was called to the area of the Tahoe Rim Trail south of Stagecoach Lodge on July 4 at 12:45 p.m. on the report of a missing hiker.

Earlier in the day, Aa father, his three sons, and a household assistant were visiting the area and hiking. One person of the group became separated from the others and the others called 911 for assistance when they could not locate them.

Members of the DCSSAR Mountain Bike Rapid Response Team were dispatched to search on the Rim Trail.

Visitor drowns at Fallen Leaf Lake

On July 1, 2018, deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) were dispatched to a report of a drowning at Fallen Leaf Lake. It was occuring at the same time as a Search and Rescue operation was being formed to help an ill person at Eagle Falls and helicopters were on the way to that scene at the time of the call of the drowning. Some diverted to the lake.

The victim was identified as Sudhamo Ahuja, a 70-year-old male from San Jose, Calif. and his next of kin has been notified.

A peek into the hub of public safety for South Lake Tahoe

This has been National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, so what better time to sit down with the women who answer 911 calls in South Lake Tahoe who are the first step in protecting homes, property and people and the unsung heroes of the community.

With an average of 300 to 400 calls going into dispatch each month, staff has to be ready to handle an emergency at every moment through their shift, which in South Lake Tahoe is normally 10 hours long, though they can be up to 12 hours.

Man survives after jumping out of car going 50 mph in Genoa

A man jumped out of the car he was riding in on Thursday evening after learning his girlfriend wanted to end their relationship.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on March 29, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) responded to the area of Genoa Lane and Galeppi Lane after it was reported that a man was jumping out of a moving vehicle.

SAR volunteers spend night with skier near Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - Douglas County, El Dorado County and Washoe County Sheriff's Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, paramedics and Blackhawk rescue helicopters all assisted in the location and retrieval of two skiers who went missing at Heavenly Mountain Resort Thursday evening.

Douglas County 911 operators received a call on February 22 at 5:00 p.m. from two male adults who said they were lost at the resort. They said they had some water, but were wet and cold, their cell phone batteries were diminished, and one of the skiers suffered from a medical condition.

Citizens assist Douglas County deputies after Walmart burglary

Two Reno residents have been arrested on multiple charges, and a warrant will be issued for a third after the Gardnerville Walmart shoplifting incident turned into a lot more.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. on February 17, 2018, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) responded to the Walmart after three people were seen leaving the store with cameras and camera equipment inside a gray plastic tote. They were seen leaving in a gray KIA with Nevada plates driven by a female.

Douglas County man arrested after allegedly battering girlfriend and holding her against will

A 51-year-old man was arrested in Gardnerville early Sunday on charges of Domestic Battery, Battery with Substantial Bodily Injury and False Imprisonment after allegedly battering his girlfriend and holding her against her will.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) received information from a confidential source who is a friend of the woman. He provided texts from the victim pleading for help and pictures of her injuries, all from the home the victim shares with the suspect.

Busy New Year's holiday weekend in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline

It was a very busy holiday weekend in South Lake Tahoe, with hotels, vacation homes and the slopes full of revelers, along with the thousands of attendees at the three-day music festival, SnowGlobe.

Snowboarder identified in Thursday's accident at a Lake Tahoe resort

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) has identified David Karlin of Orangevale, California as the man who died after a snowboarding accident at Sierra-at-Tahoe Thursday.

The 23-year-old man fell at approximately 1:15 p.m. December 7 as he was snowboarding and slid at a high rate of speed down the Lower Snowshoe run and into a fence near its intersection with the Sugar N' Spice run. Sierra-at-Tahoe ski patrol called for paramedics and air support.

Man dies while snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe

12:15PM Update 12/11/17: The snowboarder who died on Thursday has been identified as 23-year-old David Karlin of Orangevale, Calif. For more info: http://southtahoenow.com/story/12/11/2017/snowboarder-identified-thursdays-accident-lake-tahoe-resort

* * *
A 23-year-old snowboarder died on Thursday while boarding on an intermediate trail at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

Man arrested on felony DUI charges after crashing into two cars and light pole

A Fallbrook, California man was arrested in South Lake Tahoe Saturday after allegedly driving at a high rate of speed through Stateline while intoxicated before hitting two cars and a light pole.

Fender bender sends one to hospital in South Lake Tahoe

A fender bender in front Stardust Lodge sent one to the hospital Monday evening. At approximately 5:21 p.m., the driver of a westbound Subaru was not paying attention and ran into the back of a pick-up truck.

Paramedics and a medic and fire crew from South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) responded along with South Lake Tahoe Police.

The passenger in the truck was transported to Barton Hospital with minor injuries. Both drivers did not have injuries.

No one was cited and alcohol or drugs did not play a factor.

16th anniversary of 9/11 honored with South Lake Tahoe ceremony

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Those who were alive on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 remember exactly what they were doing when they first saw the reports of the four attacks coordinated by al-Qaeda in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Today, sixteen years later, those who lost their lives during the attacks were remembered during a ceremony at the American Legion Hall.

Man faces DUI charges after crashing bike into two pedestrians

A 41-year-old man is in custody after allegedly riding a motorized bicycle while intoxicated and crashing into two pedestrians who were in a crosswalk in South Lake Tahoe on August 27, 2017.

Patrick Bryan Baker was riding on Lake Tahoe Boulevard when, at approximately 7:25 p.m., he ran into two pedestrians who were in the crosswalk at Rufus Allen Boulevard according to South Lake Tahoe Police Sgt. David Stevenson.

The unidentified male and female had just begun to cross on a "walk" signal when they were hit. Both victims were injured.

Fallen Leaf Lake Fire added to CalTahoe JPA

For years the Fallen Leaf Lake Fire Department (FLLF) has wanted to join the South Lake Tahoe and Lake Valley fire departments and be part of the California Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (CTESOA), and today they finally got their wish.

During Monday's meeting of CTESOA, also known as the CalTahoe JPA, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to add FLFF, giving them an ALS to be stationed at Fallen Leaf Lake as well as a possible voting spot on the board. (ALS-Advanced Life Support)

South Lake Tahoe Fire Chief Meston to head California Fire Chiefs Association

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue Chief Jeff Meston has been elected as president-elect of the California Fire Chief's Association (CalChiefs). The 925 voting members of the association voted for Meston during their recent election period that concluded August 4.

This is not only the first time a chief from South Lake Tahoe has been elected to the state's top spot, but also the first time anyone has from cities along the Sierra Nevada.

"I am rally humbled and very much thrilled," Chief Meston said of his appointment.

Teen reported missing in Lake Tahoe area found safe

2:00 p.m. update: From Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong: Juvenile Sean Ascuaga of Reno was located at Marlette Dam. He was found safe and unharmed, but will be checked by paramedics before transporting back to Carson City to family members.

* * *
Search teams from Carson City and Washoe County are looking for a missing 17-year-old male who has been reported missing and was last seen in the Chimney Beach area of Lake Tahoe on Monday afternoon.

El Dorado County sends more money to Cal Tahoe JPA for ambulance services

More money is on the way to the South Shore to fund ambulance services thanks to a unanimous vote by the El Dorado County Supervisors during their June 27 meeting. An amendment was made to the original contract between the Cal Tahoe Emergency Services Operations Authority (Cal Tahoe) and the County, giving an extra $790,000 per year as well as funds to buy a new ambulance.

The extra money will help fund a special team for interfacility transfers.

Syndicate content