EMS decisions raise many questions

I am a retired physician who has been involved in EMS including medical transport systems since 1972 in one capacity or another in Washington, Oregon and Hawaii. I was a flight surgeon in the Air Force and I did many transports with the helicopters from the survival school at Fairchild. I was also a medical director for maternal/pediatric transports for MedStar for a number of years. I have been following the various discussions in the Daily Bee and have some concerns. I will start with quotes in the Daily Bee.

1. April 3, 2015 — “We felt we could provide better services for EMS for less money that we are doing now,” Chairman Cary Kelly said.

2. May 20, 2015 — “The commissioners opted not to renew the EMS contract with the Sagle Fire District on the grounds that the county could provide higher service at a lower cost.”

3. May 30, 2015 — “We are not saying we’re going to be cheaper. In the long run we are going to put more money out there.”

4. June 10, 2015 — BCEMS officials emphasize that the expansion can be done within the existing budget without raising taxes.

JAMES H. WATTS, M.D. (retired)

Sandpoint

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