Sad to see BVA come to this

May 25, 2012

Thanks for the providing Boundary County news online. Although I've become a migrant worker, teaching in the Wood River Valley, I'm still keeping my home in Naples and return every summer.

The Boundary Volunteer Ambulance Association ultimatum moved me to contact you because we served together on the ambulance. I served on BVA for 17 years, and paid quite a price in my personal life doing so, but I did it because I couldn't stop.

I felt a responsibility to help my neighbors we they needed someone to care and protect them if they were injured or sick. It's a bleeding heart liberal kind of thing.

I can't help but remember how BVA got its start, from people being hauled into the hospital in station wagons, and other compassionate people wanting to help their community. That was a noble thing, and I am proud to have been a part of that.

I have to wonder, though, about the political and economic climate changes that seemed to have happened. Is it the change in the Republican party and society that puts a dollar value on everything, or the profit motive in almost every aspect of life that's become endemic?

I have to say that I appreciate what it costs to run the ambulance, having been involved in the budget in those years I served. If there's a problem, why can't vendors for ambulance services also help?

I also know the sacrifice members make to keep BVA running.

But when I was a member, we didn't get paid. We did get reimbursed for things like gas, but it amounted to only about five dollars an hour for ambulance runs, and it hardly covered what it cost in training time, time away from work and family, and the stress of dealing with the human suffering that we tried to help lessen.

I'm not supporting the ultimatum or opposing it, but it makes me sad to think things have come to this.

Neighbors helping neighbors, supporting the services and people who put out to help, and people using their skills, strength and talents out of a sense of compassion, seems to be dying out. I think the whole thing is symptomatic of a selfish and mean spirited turn in our nation.

When a crowd shouts out to agree at a debate that someone should be allowed to die if they lack insurance or the ability to pay for care, and that society doesn't have a responsibility to be compassionate, it's an ugly thing.

Anyway, I'm sure things will work out. It may end up that there isn't an ambulance service anymore, or that people get hauled into the hospital the best they can. I think it will be a sad end to what was a noble and honorable service that BVA provided. I can only hope that the community does show some support. And I hope that compassionate people keep helping their neighbors out of the kindness of their hearts.

Al Amato
Soon to be back in Naples for the summer