DEAR EDITOR:
I have read many of the articles written about how broken the EMS system is, so let me enlighten the good people.
For years, the private EMS services have provided the people of the city with top quality care. Now, some are complaining that it seems to take too long for a response. The system is not broken but overwhelmed having to answer all calls now. Low priority calls should be answered as time allows, just like calls to the police department.
Also, many of the calls for help could be handled by people getting into their cars and driving to the doctor's office instead of the emergency room. As for the more profitable transfer work, how else can these companies make payroll? If someone knows who pays $500 per call, please share with the two providers in town.
Medicare pays only a third and Medicaid a whopping $86 and private insurance pays according to the prevailing rates. The EMS system in Warren is not broken, it is overworked and is being exploited to scare the people into thinking that there is a problem and that bringing back ambulance service to the fire department is the answer. I don't think so. The people of Warren should say thank you to the dedicated people at Med Star and ACTION ambulance.
-- John Hennessey, North Bloomfield