Letter to the Editor

Public cooperation, volunteer, paid staff vital to EMS system

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Dear Editor,

The entire country celebrated National Emergency Medical Services Week May 18-24. It's a time set aside by the American College of Emergency Physicians to salute the more than 750,000 professionals and volunteers who are "serving on health care's front line." These heroes utilize quick action and selfless behavior every day. AS we have witnessed during countless events and natural disasters, they are at the forefront of a crisis, providing timely, immediate access to important first-response health care. Sometimes you might see them do their work in the bright lights of an emergency department -- sometimes they are quietly at work in someone's home, on a school playground, or in a muddy road ditch on a dark, rainy night. I would like to let our community know what an incredible team it can count on when it comes to medical or traumatic emergencies. It's a great feeling to know that our players "in the field" are so well-trained and well-versed in emergency medicine. Our paramedics, EMTs, dispatchers, emergency nurses, physician assistants and physicians, as well as all of the police officers, are very hard working. We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to perform everything from the mundane to the miraculous.

The theme for National EMS Week is "Your Life is Our Mission." This statement was chosen to recognize the commitment that emergency medical personnel make to the communities they serve. This dedication to their mission provides round-the-clock care to communities across the nation.

Here in Southwest Nebraska, most towns rely strictly on volunteers to provide their fire coverage and emergency medical services. These men and women respond to calls for help at all times of the day and night, often leaving meals half-eaten, warm beds on cold nights, or special family functions.

They have acquired, maintain and utilize the skills that are so vital in times of need and they don't hesitate to provide help when needed. You know most of these people. They are your spouses, relatives, neighbors, friends and co-workers. So, please say thank you to the 750,000-plus paramedics, EMTs, first responders and other emergency medical personnel who provide day-to-day life-saving services on the medical "front lines." These people provide excellent services every day under all kinds of circumstances. These EMS providers -- both volunteer and professional -- serve their communities with a service that can sometimes require personal sacrifice and risk.

Locally, the McCook City and Volunteer Fire Department staff is proud of the rapid response time (average of three minutes in McCook) with EMT-paramedic-certified staff, the highest level of prehospital care and a staff of dedicated and professional volunteer EMS personnel who provide emergency care to our area. This includes the following individuals and their years of dedicated service to McCook and the surrounding area:

Bob Allen, 14 years; James Bondegard, 2; Colton Cochran, 1; Larry Davis, 18; Rodney Gordine, 2; Marc Harpham, 20; Curtis Hensley, 2; Michael Kendall, 4; Michael Bieber, 1; Tyler Budkey, 1; Justin Davis, 2; Mark Eiler, 22; Raleigh Haas, 24; Daniel Hartwell, 7; Michael Jonasen, 1; Mark Kook, 6; Chris Mehringer, 1, Bob Molcyk, 6; Tanya Morgan, 2; Fred Pinkal, 24; Beau Richards, 1; Shane Smith, 7; Rick Metcalf, 18; Joy Molcyk, 5; Brian Payton, 19; Steve Rener, 15; Mike Schoenemann, 1; Spencer Walter, 2.

Lastly, I would like to thank the employers of our family of volunteers. I appreciate your understanding, patience and support in allowing these people to serve our community.

This year, we ask that you recognize the contributions of EMS providers, locally and nationwide, and stress the importance of strong public support for the EMS system.

Respectfully,

Marc A. Harpham,

Fire Chief/Paramedic

McCook City and Volunteer Fire Department

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  • The bell rings well for all of you all, who dedicate your lives, in more way's than one, to serve your family, and community, from injury and loss. I include Fire fighters, Police, and the Military (active, and reserve).

    In plain terms: Good on you all!

    Shalom in Christ, Arley Steinhour

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Tue, May 27, 2008, at 4:43 PM
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