This Spotlight originally appeared in the Winter 2023 edition of the 503. Magazine. Click here to read the entire edition online.
Today, Falck is one of the most recognized names in emergency response, with operations in 26 countries and a global dispatch of over 25,000 responders. Perhaps just as noteworthy, the company’s global impact can be traced all the way back to 1884, when a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter in Copenhagen, Denmark by the name of Sophus Falck saw a way to improve emergency response as he battled a blaze at Christiansborg Palace (the meeting place of the Danish Parliament).
By focusing on organizational anchoring, trained personnel, and the right equipment, Falck created the company in 1906 to excel at saving and improving lives. More than 100 years later, Salem began to benefit from those services, as it welcomed Falck Northwest as its premier provider of private emergency ambulance services in 2015. Today, Falck employs 80 professionals headquartered at 1790 Front St. NE.
With a mission to “Advance sustainable healthcare to meet people’s changing needs,” Regional Managing Director David Patterson says Falck’s company culture is built around its ‘Winning Behaviors,’ which state: “Together we create more value, we build trust, and we are committed to care.”
That trust also comes with a responsibility to care and service, which Falck EMS (emergency medical services) professionals take extremely seriously as they swiftly and expertly respond to a wide range of emergency situations in our community.
“The sense of purpose and service above self are strong at Falck,” Patterson said. “Simply put, our EMTs and paramedics work (sometimes in challenging conditions) to help others on their worst day. Falck teams are making a difference in people’s lives every day.”
As the post-COVID landscape has continued to present challenges with recruiting new, qualified professionals to the healthcare and EMS fields, Falck Northwest also feels privileged to be a part of a community with such strong and supportive partners.
“Salem is a great place to work, as it is rich with history and offers a unique sense of community,” Patterson said. “Collaboration opportunities with the Salem Fire Department, Salem Health, the Salem Police Department, the Salem Chamber, and other stakeholders and community organizations are unlimited.”
Since joining the Chamber, Falck Northwest has found more ways and opportunities to engage with the community, including hosting Salem Chamber Greeters on August 25, 2023. Committed to caring for its patients and its community, Falck sees community engagement as a path towards growth and a healthier Salem.
“Falck hopes to continue to earn the right to serve the Salem community,” Patterson said. “We hope to grow and expand our work with mobile-integrated healthcare, ensuring we get the right resources to the right patient at the right time. We also hope to grow our partnerships in the community.”
To learn more about the company and its services, visit falck.us. Also, visit falck.us/about-us/locations/pacific-northwest to learn more about Falck Northwest in Salem.