Letter: Firefighter: 'Help us to help you'

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As a member of the Macedonia Fire Department, a paramedic in a trauma center and a family member of a recent stroke victim, I know all too well the importance of a fast emergency medical response and the debilitating results a delay in treatment can have on victims and family members.

First, as a firefighter/paramedic, I have the desire to help people, and it is extremely upsetting to me when we have multiple calls simultaneously and can't respond quickly, or have to rely on a neighboring department to care for our residents and families. We take every call from our residents to heart and want the very best treatment to each and every one.

Second, as a full-time employee of a busy trauma center, I see, firsthand, the results a slow response can have on victims and their families. Delayed responses in medical and trauma situations can cause further damage to vital organs, including the brain, due to reduced blood flow. The results of a delay can cause death, and worse yet, a life of nursing homes, bed sores and financial devastation to families, not to mention the emotional impact on family members.

Finally, a family member recently suffered an ischemic stroke. Thankfully, the paramedics weren't on another call. Even with optimal timing, the needed medication was given with only 15 minutes left in the effective window. Thankfully, the treatment worked, and my relative has no residual effects from the stroke. Not only are we grateful, but so are his wife and four children.

I have both professional and personal experience dealing with these issues. Response time and the abilities of the responders must be top notch.

I would urge Macedonia residents to "Help us to help you" by voting "for" Issue 4.

Dave Morris

Boston Heights