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Squalicum Lofts - Student Guide & Logistics

This guide contains essential information to help you prepare for your upcoming practical session at Squalicum Lofts. Please review it carefully to ensure a smooth, safe, and successful training experience.

Location & Arrival

Your practical session will be held at our facility in the Squalicum Lofts area of Bellingham. This location offers a dynamic industrial-urban setting, providing a unique environment for realistic scenario-based medical training. The facility mimics varied workspaces and urban environments often encountered by first responders.

Facility Address: Squalicum Lofts, 909 Squalicum Way STE 103, Bellingham, WA 98225

Parking Instructions:
Please do not park directly in front of Suite 103 or in the immediate Squalicum Lofts lot, as these spots are reserved for neighboring businesses.
Designated Parking: Please park at the park neighboring our facility.
Parking Address: 1001 Squalicum Way, Bellingham, WA 98225 (Squalicum Creek Park). It is a short walk from the parking lot to the facility.

Driving Directions:

From Seattle (Approx. 1.5 hours): Take I-5 North to Bellingham. Take Exit 255 for WA-542 E/Sunset Dr. Turn left onto WA-542 W/E Sunset Dr. Continue straight onto Illinois St, then turn left onto Squalicum Way. Follow Squalicum Way to the address.

From Vancouver, BC (Approx. 1 hour): Take BC-99 South to the border crossing. Continue onto I-5 South. Take Exit 256 A-B for Meridian St. Turn right onto Meridian St, then left onto Squalicum Way.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation. Unlike remote mountain locations, this site is accessible by standard passenger vehicles. However, please be mindful of urban traffic during commute hours.

Public Transit: The location is accessible via Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus lines. Check the WTA Trip Planner for schedules.

We encourage coordinating with classmates via the Student Portal to arrange carpools.

 

Preparing for Your Practical Session


Weather & Environment
Bellingham experiences a coastal Pacific Northwest climate. While not high-alpine, the weather is frequently wet, windy, and cool. You should prepare for "wet cold" rather than "dry extreme cold." Rain is common year-round, and temperatures can fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Scenarios may take place both indoors and outdoors on pavement, grass, or gravel.

Check the Local Forecast: Bellingham, WA Weather Forecast

Facilities & Logistics
This course operates out of our training suite at Squalicum Lofts with access to nearby outdoor spaces.

Lodging: NOT INCLUDED. Students are responsible for arranging their own lodging. There are numerous hotels, motels, and Airbnb options within Bellingham city limits.

Meals: NOT INCLUDED. You must bring your own lunch and snacks. There are several breweries, cafes, and food trucks within walking or short driving distance, but breaks may be short. A refrigerator and microwave are available on-site for student use.

Connectivity: There is reliable cell service (4G/5G/LTE) for all major carriers at this location. Wi-Fi is available within the classroom facility.

Recreation: Bellingham is known for its trail networks. Squalicum Creek Park (where you are parking) offers walking trails and sports fields if you wish to decompress after class.

 

Required Packing & Gear List

Proper gear is critical for your comfort. While you won't be on a mountain peak, you will be participating in active scenarios that may involve kneeling on concrete, lying on wet grass, or working in the rain.

Essential Course Items

  • Watch with a Second Hand: Mandatory for taking patient vitals. A simple, durable watch is sufficient.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID.
  • Note-Taking Materials: A notebook and pens/pencils are recommended for classroom portions.
  • Day Pack (20-30L): Useful to keep your extra layers, water bottle, and personal items organized during the day.
  • Clothing System: Urban & Coastal
    The goal is to stay dry and comfortable. Dress in layers that allow you to move freely.

Outerwear (Your Shell)

  • Rain Jacket: A waterproof rain shell is essential. Bellingham weather is unpredictable, and outdoor scenarios will proceed rain or shine.
  • Rain Pants (Recommended): If the forecast calls for heavy rain, rain pants will keep you dry during outdoor scenarios.
  • Durable Work Pants: Jeans, cargo pants, or hiking pants are appropriate. Avoid sweatpants or shorts, as you need protection for your knees.
  • Insulation Layers (Warmth)
  • Fleece or Sweater: A mid-layer for warmth is important, as the training bay can be cool and outdoor air is often brisk.
  • Light Puffy Jacket or Vest: Good for standing around during scenario debriefs.

 

Base Layers

  • T-shirt or Long Sleeve: Synthetic or cotton blends are fine, but synthetic is preferred if it is a rainy day to avoid that clammy feeling.

 

Footwear

  • Closed-Toe Shoes/Boots: Mandatory. Sandals, flip-flops, and open-toed shoes are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
  • Comfortable Work Boots or Sneakers: You will be on your feet all day. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are highly recommended during the rainy season (October–May).

 

Extremities

  • Warm Hat (Beanie) or Baseball Cap: For warmth or rain protection.
  • Work Gloves (Optional): If you have sensitive hands, a pair of mechanics gloves can be helpful during lifting and moving drills, though nitrile gloves (provided) will be worn for medical scenarios.

 

Personal & Optional Items

  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated. A filling station is available on-site.
  • Thermos/Travel Mug: For coffee or tea.
  • Personal Medications.
  • Change of Clothes: If the weather is particularly stormy, keeping a dry set of clothes in your car is a smart move.
  • Laptop/Tablet: Useful for reviewing digital course materials during breaks, though not required during practical skills.

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