An outstanding series of articles on Emergency Medical Services
(EMS) was published in USA TODAY on July 28th, 29th and 30th of
2003. A primary concern and criticism mentioned throughout the
report was "sluggish" response times.
As a researcher and active opponent of the the use of speed
humps (all vertical deflection devices) on public streets, I and
others with similar concerns have tried for years to solicit
serious journalistic study of the impact of these devices on EMS
response across the country. While Transportation Divisions and
City Councils have consistently downplayed the significance of
lenthening response times by humps and other deflection devices,
USA Today's "Special Report" spells out the number of lives that
are being lost by slow response, and the thousands of lives that
could be saved by even small increments of improved response.
I, and others dedicated to increasing awareness of the
compromise of safety caused by some calming devices, feel that
this "Special Report" has handed us a "Special Opportunity." We
can encourage a logical, follow-up article on the impact of
growing numbers of humps and other devices on emergency response
across the country.
If you agree that the response issues of traffic calming
projects beg journalistic examination, PLEASE, take a few
moments to answer USA Today's request for reader input.
HERE'S HOW:
View the entire series of articles.
SIX MINUTES TO LIVE OR DIE
Part 1:
Many lives are lost across USA because emergency services fail
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day1-cover.htm
Seattle: Firefighters, medics unite to save lives
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day1-seattle.htm
Washington, D.C.: Slow response, lack of cooperation bring deadly delays
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day1-dc.htm
Part 2:
The price of just a few seconds lost: People die
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day2-cover.htm
Doctor in charge rarely call the shots
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day2-directors.htm
How many lives could be saved?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day2-table.htm
Part 3:
Only strong leaders can overhaul EMS
By Robert Davis, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day3-cover.htm
A co-worker in trouble: 'We had to do something'
By Mary Grote, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day3-hero1.htm
Stricken in a public place: One CPR class saves the day
By In-Sung Yoo, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day3-hero2.htm
At home, panic first, then realization: 'I can do this'
By Rati Bishnoi, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/ems-day3-hero3.htm
The series requests feedback from readers -- but ONLY
those who have received emergency response. Therefore, I
recommend sending an e-mail to:
editor@usatoday.com
If you only want to write a few words and do not want to be
published, indicate that the letter is only an opinion and not
submitted for printing.
Please use the words "Speed Humps" or "Traffic Calming" in the
"Subject" space provided for e-mail, so that the letters can
easily be searched by subject, should the editor note a number
of such e-mails.
Thank you and please bring this to the attention of anyone who might also be
willing to take a few minutes to contribute.
Best regards,
Kathleen Calongne
2431 - 23rd St.
Boulder, CO 80304
303-442-2518
Kathleen Calongne@gmail.com
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