I have been a member of San Juan Island EMS for 23 years and am proud of my co-workers and the services we bring our community.
This letter comes from my heart, not my agency. I respond to your 911 calls, work as a critical care medic on flights, and am the director of emergency response.
We have 33 dedicated volunteer EMT’s who put in countless hours of training to not only stay proficient with their skills, but to be on the cutting edge of medicine.
We have one of the best rural cardiac save rates in the nation. This reflects patients leaving the hospital with little to no damage.
Our agency is CAMTS (Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems) accredited, which is generally reserved for flight programs but was also given to the 911 side. Last year we received the international Fixed Wing Award of Excellence.
In June, our full-time staff took pay and benefit cuts to prevent paring down any essential services we provide. This remains in effect until the end of the year.
The services we offer go far beyond our 911 response. Our grants provide car and booster seats, bicycle and sports helmets, life jackets that can be borrowed at the Port of Friday Harbor, as well as Roche Harbor, and the Every 15 Minutes Program.
Our Falls Prevention Program has reduced falls from 18 percent to just 10 percent. We have blood pressure clinics at the senior center and offer many other educational opportunities and programs for free or at reduced costs.
The ‘Vote No’ campaign paints an inaccurate and irresponsible picture of past to present EMS funds allocation. If you are a resident of our taxing district, your co-pay services is waived for ambulance transports or fixed-wing flight services.
If the levy does not pass, more internal cuts will be made, as well as cuts to services. A second failed levy will limit funds for many of these valued programs and will undoubtedly affect morale.
The lack of community support response would certainly be felt. Please vote yes for the upcoming levy.
Weyshawn Koons/San Juan Island
