in support of Prop 1 | Letter

Published 3:18 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Twenty-four hours.

I have been a physician and an executive for over three decades, so I can recognize quality patient care and superior leadership. In medicine, it’s not just costs, but cost effectiveness. In leadership, it’s motivating and guiding a team to achieve a common goal. Recently I observed both within 24 hours.

I was awakened at 3:47, the start of my day. I was serving a volunteer duty shift at Station 21. We were called to help one of our fellow residents who was having cardiac problems. We arrived to find a gentleman who was clearly in distress. Over the next three hours he received superior medical care. Care that was as good, if not better than he would have received in King County. During the event, a highly skilled paramedic, a physician on the phone, and no fewer than six volunteers provided medical care at a cost less than a trip to the emergency room. As far as quality – I learned later in the day that the patient was doing well. Tests showed he had not suffered a stroke; a substantial risk given his medical situation. This was cost effective care.

To finish my 24 hours – the Deer Harbor Marina fire. Upon my arrival, I found a propane tank burning, risking explosion. I helped to apply water to the tank in order to prevent catastrophe. I was 50 yards from the tank when a hand touched my shoulder. I was asked how I was doing. I looked up to see Chief O’Brien, out with the troops, motivating and guiding the team. I no longer focused only on the tank exploding; my thoughts changed to winning the battle. His leadership was paramount in guiding over 40 volunteers to achieve a common community goal.

While you consider the OIFR levy, I encourage you to review the data. We are provided with cost effective health care, rivaled by none. We have leadership that oversees a limited professional staff and motivates a team of volunteers. Summary – we all receive superior service. I encourage you to support the levy.

Greg Ayers

Orcas Island