Dear Editor
In response to “What’s with all the sirens at nighttime?” (Letters to the editor, the Record, July 1).
Let me say how appalled I am at Mr. Bandzmer’s comments in his letter.
First of all, the person that needs to “get real” is indeed Mr. Bandzmer. Emergency crews are dispatched through the 911 system and treat all calls as emergencies.
Otherwise, why would 911 be there in the first place? As trained professionals, they are the ones we rely on to determine the level of attention a call receives and place calls in a priority sequence.
He further disparages homeless people and geriatrics and relegates them to being only capable of experiencing “minor emergencies.” It is arrogant and ignorant of him to assume such conclusions based on his own lack of knowledge of emergency procedures and the requisite care for what are commonly our citizens that need the most care and often the most attention. I find it disturbing that he would be so judgemental and callous.
Once first responders are on site, as trained professionals, they are the ones that determine the severity of the situation and guide themselves accordingly. Yes, we live in a community of ever increasing density and, yes, there will be increased calls and needs for the services from the first responders we have come to rely on in times of need.
Perhaps, as well, I am not always happy to be awoken by sirens late at night, but I do take a great deal of comfort knowing that the men and women that make up our teams of first responders are there and all too willing to help and provide us with the skills of which they are so highly trained. My hat goes off to them as I roll over and go back to sleep!
As the primary caregiver of a senior in New West, there have been occasions when I have had to call 911 in an emergency. I can’t tell you how grateful I am to hear those sirens coming and know that trained professionals are close at hand.
As a self-identified senior, Mr. Bandzmer would do well to consider his options, after all, if he needed the first responders for his own personal emergency, he would be the first to complain that they weren’t quick enough to come to his aid. His remarks are inane, and he should see some degree of irony in his comments.
Mike Walmsley, New Westminster
