Olivia Pells began their emergency medical career in 2021, building a strong austere foundation through a Remote Emergency Medical Technician (REMT) program. This specialized training quickly translated into active field experience, starting in private ambulance services before transitioning to their current prehospital role with a volunteer fire department in East Whatcom County. Serving a vast geographic district known for its rugged backcountry terrain, Olivia regularly navigates the unique logistical and medical challenges of remote rescue operations. To complement this dynamic outdoor experience, they have spent the last two years honing their high-volume clinical skills as an Emergency Department Technician at Skagit Valley Hospital. For students, Olivia offers a highly relatable and well-rounded perspective, seamlessly blending challenging backcountry EMS with fast-paced hospital care to teach adaptable, real-world medicine.
Specialized Industries
Fire EMS Safety and Rescue
Backcountry Remote Medicine
The Journey to Remote Medicine
I was an environmental science major in college and participated in an internship that was located in a remote region of South Africa. There were all kinds of environmental hazards like weather, venomous snakes, poisonous plants, and large predatory mammals. We had a very long evacuation time from where we were working and limited medical facilities in the closest town. This inspired my to seek out my own medical training.
I love hiking, running, open water swimming, backpacking, and traveling to new places! Although I always love coming home to the beautiful pacific northwest.
Teaching Philosopy
I want students to leave these classes feeling like they got what they needed in order to be successful with their certification. Whether that's being able to apply for a certain job once they have at EMT certification, or being able to recognize when to call for help for an injured friend in the backcountry, as a WFR. I also really hope that students will fall in love with the world of remote medicine and want to learn more.
Professional Certifications & Licensures
WA State EMT
WA State EMT Evaluator
WA State MA-R
WA State MA-P
Why I Choose to Teach
I teach because I think the more people we can prepare for emergency medical situations, the better off we will be as a society. Recognition of a problem and being empowered to act because of education is a really inspiring to me. As a high school student I watched a teammate on my rowing team go into cardiac arrest and his friend had to do CPR on him. We had just been CPR certified in health class the week before and h e ended up making a full recovery because his friend had the knowledge of what to do and decided to act.
I also teach because just like my EMS experience makes me a better teacher, my teaching makes me a better EMS provider.
