KIM BURKE: Kudos to Lee County Commissioner Billy mathis for supporting EMS

On April 14, the Lee County commissioners were presented with a report done by ACCG regarding Lee County’s EMS utilization. After the presentation, the gentleman from the ACCG likened the medics to employees of a fast-food restaurant. It seemed as though his recommendation (although he emphatically said he was there to make a presentation, not recommendations) was for Lee County to cut back on the number of medics working during “down times” (like a fast-food restaurant would during meal times).

While we can predict when people will eat, there is no way to predict when an emergency will arise. An emergency, by definition, is a serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action. If EMS were to be cut back and an emergency call comes in, what is the dispatcher to say? “We don’t have anyone to available to assist you at this time. If you could, please call back in three hours. We will send someone then.” It’s asinine.

Billy Mathis, the most recent addition to the commission, questioned the report and commented that if the county spends $2 million to $3 million and saves one life, then it was worth it. Public safety should not be looked at as a moneymaking venture. The people who work public safety do it because they enjoy serving the people of their community, not to get rich.

Another commissioner mentioned Lee County had not had an increase in taxes in several years, but the medics continue and the public is served. Maybe the commissioners should remember: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

So, thank you, Mr. Mathis, for thinking EMS doesn’t need to be “fixed.” And thank you to the men and women who save lives every day.

KIM BURKE

Albany