I am disheartened by the ambulance billing issue. On one side I see a professional group of volunteers (ambulance squad) pitted against another group of dedicated volunteers (selectmen). Why did this happen? I think a problem is the process.
Where is the data to back up the town administrator’s contention that the town stands to “make money” or “break even?” What does a billing service charge? With 200+ calls is there enough volume to justify billing? Life-threatening calls require Advance Life Support (ALS) paramedic response to assist the ambulance. ALS calls are billed by the ALS service without reimbursement to the town. Have other small towns been contacted to discuss costs and benefits of billing? A former director spent time researching billing and concluded billing is not a sustainable financial practice at the present number of calls. In a town noted for its tendency to study issues, why didn’t the selectmen, knowing this was a sensitive issue, appoint an independent committee to study the issue and report back to the town with a cost-benefit analysis?
The other part of the process that was flawed was the way the selectmen and town administrator interacted with the squad. I am disheartened by what I perceive as a lack of respect and courtesy. The innuendos and back-room maneuvering are disappointing. This has been part of the reason for the changes in leadership of the squad.
I don’t think anyone can understand the dedication and personal investment each member brings to the squad unless they have been touched by this caring and professional group of volunteers. They respond to all types of calls—from helping elderly neighbors and panicked parents of toddlers to serious medical emergencies, sometimes saving lives and sometimes helpless to do anything. No wonder the ambulance squad thought they deserved more from the selectmen.
The ambulance squad has been the essence of a sense of community that was part of the reason I was proud to say I live in Harvard. I am saddened by the unfolding of recent events.
Pam Durrant
East Bare Hill Road
