EMS providers deserve thanks
There’s nothing quite as alarming as the blaring siren of an ambulance or fire truck fast approaching. Whether you’re in your car or safely in your home, knowing that someone—somewhere—may be in a life-threatening situation automatically increases our level of alertness.
Simultaneously, that siren is also reassuring: We are relieved to know that the “right” people are rushing to whoever is in distress. We count on the professionals in the ambulances, fire trucks and medevac helicopters to get to the scene quickly and to know what to do in a thousand different scenarios—and, thankfully, they do.
This year we honor these professionals May 17-23 during National Emergency Medical Services Week. Hospitals all across the country will show their appreciation to first responders, emergency medicine technicians and paramedics, and also to registered nurses involved in air-ambulance transport. Their commitment to providing care at the scene of both accidents and fast-onset illnesses, as well as during transport, saves lives. Any person or family who has been on the receiving end of EMS knows the difference these individuals make in our communities and across the country.
If you have the opportunity to thank an EMS provider, please do. Their dedication should never be taken for granted.
SHARIF OMAR, CEO
NORTHWEST HEALTH SYSTEM
Springdale
Congressmen care for themselves
Are politicians considered “Numero Uno” because they make the laws in Congress? They may think so. We don’t. Where do “We, the American people” come in?
Congress creates laws to give themselves raises, bonuses, privilege themselves to campaign for months and get paid by our dollars, fly first class, spend our taxpayer money on stupid projects and parties and then have the nerve to give themselves an excellent retirement program. They need to realize it’s a job where they work for us. We are their employer. They have elevated themselves to an elite class. Where, pray tell, can we, an employee, have the audacity to expect that from our employer?
Congressional members should go to work each day like an average citizen and do what is right for our country. It’s their job. When their term is over, it’s over. When they retire, they should receive Social Security benefits, the same as we get and possibly a small pension, which should be evaluated on certain factors. Who are they to place themselves above the American people?
I say any laws they create to benefit themselves should be voted on by “We, the people.” That’s only fair. Would that start to make a dent in our financial woes in Washington? Would they be more caring about the less fortunate? Would common sense prevail? Just wondering.
JO GASPORD
Bella Vista