The city of Spokane, our Spokane Valley Fire Department, as well as Fire Districts 8 and 13, each have important levies on the ballot this February.

During my long tenure in emergency medicine, I have witnessed two major life-saving advances in medical care. They are particularly important because they apply to two of our biggest killers: heart disease and stroke. With the invention of “clot busting” drugs and special catheters we can now stop a heart attack. With similar technologies we can now stop most strokes. In each case these amazing procedures must be done as soon as possible in order to be effective.

The EMTs and paramedics who respond to your call for help are trained to recognize, treat and rapidly transport their patients to our community hospitals. Based upon the emergency medical responders’ radio communication, the hospital then will activate their response team to give the patient these life-saving treatments as rapidly as possible.

The men and women of EMS are a vital link in the “chain of survival.” They deserve our support.

Jim Nania, M.D, F.A.C.E.P.

Liberty Lake