I noted with interest the juxtaposition of two letters in the Sept. 11 issue of the Bainbridge Island Review.
On the one hand, Chuck Field criticizes the Bainbridge Island Fire District for its decision to place an EMS levy on the November ballot that would expand EMS coverage on the island. He recommends that this initiative should be rejected.
On the other hand (and the next page), Diane Ferguson Shorrett praises that same organization for the “quick response and successful efforts” that kept her father alive. Not surprisingly, she recommends approval of the levy.
I wonder how Mr. Field would react if he or a family member had an EMS emergency and was told that either there were no units available or that the time it would take for them to arrive would not help. A heart attack victim, someone who suffers a stroke, a person with serious bleeding, all need prompt attention by skilled providers. This is exactly what the fire district is demonstrating the foresight to provide in future years.
I suspect Mr. Field does not understand that when a staffing or response time problem occurs it will not only be too late for many, but will then take time to resolve. I also suspect that he has had the good fortune to never have needed EMS services. I congratulate the fire district.
By the way, I readily acknowledge that I was a volunteer firefighter for 30 years in Suburban New York State, so I have been there, done that.
I also mention that I have only lived on Bainbridge Island for just over two years, and it is certainly a beautiful place. But from what I often read in the paper and see on signs all around town, it would seem that hereabouts everyone wants everything, but no one wants to pay anything.
If you don’t change the oil in your car as recommended, it will keep running for a time. But eventually the engine will seize and that will be the end of it. We will get what we pay for, and if we want it, will need to pay for it. If we will not pay for it…
I don’t enjoy spending money. Who does? But be assured that I plan to vote for the levy in November and encourage everyone else to do the same.
Norman T. Marten, Jr.
Eagledale
