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Let the airport wash away?

Let the airport wash away? Concerned citizen raises medical question

Dear Editor,

Your spouse of 40 years is complaining of a headache, becomes unconscious and at the hospital the doctors tell you it’s a brain aneurysm that needs immediate surgery for survival. Your son is in a car accident abstaining major skull fractures causing too much pressure on his brain and surgery is required immediately. A friend is pregnant with her first child and goes into labour at seven months. Too early, and she needs to get to Vancouver or baby’s chance of survival is slim.

These are just a few of the scenarios that have happened here in the Valley, and these situations require immediate care. BC Ambulance Service provides Medivac jets that land in the Valley and are equipped with trained professionals and all the equipment that they need. They have flown out of this valley 82 times in the last 12 months with your family and friends.

Let the airport wash away?! This was a comment from a frustrated meeting member. That statement is not only selfish (as they don’t want to pay additional taxes) but also irresponsible. Yes, there are other areas in the Valley that need attention, but right now the government is willing to pay for two-thirds of the airport project and this money cannot be used anywhere else.

You can argue that medical emergencies could use a helicopter to meet the jet in Anahim or bring in the Cormorant, but West Coast Helicopters are not medically equipped or staffed and the few Cormorants available are often not in the area and their medics are not specialized.

Driving to meet a jet in Anahim with a critical patient wastes valuable time (it can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on condition) and the rough ride does not consider patient comfort. The airport is a very valuable infrastructure in the valley and must be protected because you need it, your friends need it, and your family needs it. LET IT WASH AWAY-----NO!!!!

When you go to vote to protect the airport or not protect the airport, please consider everything that the airport provides. Note to Reader: There were many elements and concerns that were represented at the meeting concerning the airport dike improvements but this critical aspect was not brought forward. I think that it should be considered when deciding if you should vote yes or no to bill 415. Also, though I may agree in principle with protecting the airport, it does not necessarily mean that I agree or disagree with the plans that have been proposed.

Sincerely,

Caroline Granander Resident of 23 years, BC Ambulance Service employee, and concerned citizen.