Rick Jones: It took courage to vote down federal grant for paramedics

Re “Modesto rejects $1 million firefighter paramedic grant” (Front page, Oct. 6): The Modesto city council’s rejection of a federal grant to add more paramedics to the fire department was a responsible decision. More time is needed to study this complex issue. Councilmember Kristi Ah You was quoted by The Bee saying, “we don’t have to pay for it. … This is so easy people.”

Unfortunately, Ah You doesn’t appreciate the costs and benefits of adding more paramedics. This is not a zero-sum solution wherein more and faster arriving paramedics equal better patient care. Those who require transport by ambulance to the hospital need outstanding basic life support services (EMTs) within a few minutes, but don’t require paramedics until basic life support is provided. The city is wise to carefully consider whether the cost of providing extra paramedics makes sense financially when paramedics also arrive by ambulance (for which they charge a fee for their services).

Modesto Fire Chief Sean Slamon, who advised against accepting the grant, and city councilmembers who voted against it, bravely did so against the wishes of the Modesto Firefighters Association. Such courage is to be applauded and celebrated. Thank you Chief Slamon, city manager Jim Hogersson and the majority of the city council.

This story was originally published October 13, 2016 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Rick Jones: It took courage to vote down federal grant for paramedics."