When Harvard’s Board of Selectmen voted to implement billing for ambulance services, I believe they did not fully consider the impact of their decision on the volunteer Harvard Ambulance Service. We examined the feasibility of billing long ago and found that based on our call volume, the system as it existed was a far better deal for the townspeople. Efforts to reason with the selectmen were futile.
We considered initiating a citizens’ petition. But after battling the selectmen over billing in the past, I’ve had enough. I felt that working on a massive publicity campaign—in addition to running calls, attending training sessions, performing squad duties, and teaching cadets, to say nothing of having a life—was more than I wanted give. I became an EMT so that I could spend my time helping people through the ambulance squad’s established structure, not defending my right to do so.
Harvard is one of only two Massachusetts towns permitted to train high school students as EMTs who can run calls with the squad. In the last 10 years more than 100 Bromfield students, as well as many adult residents, have become state-certified EMTs through our Cadet Program. Many subsequently became doctors, nurses, paramedics, ER technicians, and physicians’ assistants. The Cadet Program literally changes lives. Even those who never went further with their training learned firsthand about teamwork, selfless service, and the fragility of life.
Those changes were the result of tremendous time and effort from Lou Skinner, Pete Messina, and Ramae Philippou, who helped run the Cadet Program. We all relished teaching the students because we were passionate about EMS and the students’ palpable growth during the course. I believe the selectmen’s action will have far-reaching, unanticipated consequences for the squad, and therefore the Cadet Program.
What inspired me was the essence of volunteerism: camaraderie, independence, and neighbor helping neighbor. The selectmen’s decision has severely undermined my volunteer ethic.
It sickens me and saddens me to resign. I am thankful to Harvard’s public safety personnel for their assistance, and to Harvard’s residents for all they have taught me.
Lily Baddour
Myrick Lane
