“Wesley Romero enjoys a stint at the wheel of the Fire District 3 Rescue Boat as other kids clamor to be hauled aboard by instructor Chris Blasko.Jim Larsen / staff photoForget about singing Kumbaya. At this camp the kids learn useful things, like how to stop the flow of blood by using a water balloon and how to survive if you find yourself floating in the chilly waters of Puget Sound.Fire District 3’s new Saratoga Fire Station came alive for Base Camp 911, sponsored by the Whidbey Island Paramedic Association with assistance from Fire District 3 and state and local police agencies.Twenty-three boys and girls ages 8-12 were obviously having a great time at the camp even though the schedule was hectic. They learned boat and swimming safety, enjoyed an ambulance tour where they read their own EKG’s, learned about seatbelts from the State Patrol, practiced bicycle safety and CPR, and learned how to stop someone from choking — and all that was just in the morning.It’s pretty fast-paced, said Paramedic Deb Crager, who like the other emergency personnel volunteered her time to make the camp possible. The kids spent the night at the Saratoga Station Monday, and on Tuesday finished camp with more first aid practice and safety tips when dealing with guns, drugs and strangers. The camp concluded with an obstacle course challenge and awards ceremony.After Monday’s water safety class indoors where they were given water safety packets, the kids flocked outside for a look at the Fire District 3 rescue boat. Several got to sit inside, and they all marveled at the speedy red machine.This boat is a lot of fun to drive, instructor Chris Blasko told his young listeners. It’s pretty fast and bounces across the water.The inflatable craft didn’t look very safe to at least one youngster.What if you hit a sharp rock? the boy asked.We try not to, replied Blasko.The kids were anxious to give their opinion about Base Camp 911 and all was positive.I learned a lot about the medical stuff, said Kevin Skinnner, 10.Kevin Valencia, also 10, enjoyed all the adults who volunteered to help the kids. I just like most of the people, he said, as Fire District 3 volunteers demonstrated how to put on a firefighting suit.Mason Tuttle, 12, said he was very interested in the swim safety lessons, especially the stuff about swimming in designated areas.Earlier this summer a Base Camp 911 was held on North Whidbey. Paramedics hope to make the camps an annual event. “