Whatcom County needs a unified Medic One system

We are disappointed to see that this may not happen. Even more disappointing is the reason for it not happening is that old disputes between the city of Bellingham and Whatcom County seem to be getting in the way. But we don't think politics should derail what is the right thing for county residents and taxpayers.

That's why we continue to advocate for a unified approach to Medic One service. It will provide the most effective EMS protection and the best use of taxpayer money. It is what has served Whatcom County well for more than three decades. It is what county residents know, what they are comfortable with, and what they expect to protect and serve them.

In contrast, the executive and County Council are leaning toward operating the fifth medic unit as a stand-alone unit by Whatcom County Fire District No. 7 in the Ferndale area. This would result in a system that is unified in name only.

It takes more than similar uniforms and logos on the trucks to make a single, unified system. It requires eliminating overlapping service areas and avoiding staff duplication. It takes consistent policies and procedures, equipment selection, supervision, and training. It means having the ability to move paramedics among all EMS units to maximize staff development and service coverage.

But that hard work is worth it, because a truly unified, countywide system provides the best protection for all. This is especially important for our growing elderly population and our other vulnerable neighbors.

A single system will create a larger force to draw from, giving supervisors more options for maintaining coverage when paramedics are sick or on vacation. Newer paramedics can be partnered with more experienced staff to ensure the highest quality service for all. This is quite simply the only way that our more rural, unincorporated areas will receive the same quality service as the rest of the county.

The unified approach also is a better use of local tax dollars.

With financial projections showing Medic One resources being stretched in the future, county taxpayers cannot afford a dime in duplication. The unified approach eliminates duplication while providing other operating efficiencies, like lower training costs and better buying power for supplies and equipment. These are the very types of cost savings District No. 7 Chief Gary Russell has publicly trumpeted in discussions of a potential merger of his department with North Whatcom Fire and Rescue.

Operating the fifth Medic Unit as a stand-alone unit may sound like a good deal for the Ferndale area. But it would actually result in a lower service level there. The new unit would have the least experienced paramedics serving an area far from the county's primary medical facilities - not a healthy situation for area residents.

We understand Fire District No. 7 officials' desire to directly manage the fifth Medic Unit. But those desires shouldn't come before the needs of all Whatcom County residents.

Our Medic One system should unify Whatcom County; not divide it.

Rob Wilson is the President of Bellingham Firefighters Local 106, International Association of Firefighters.