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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 9, 1993                   TAG: 9303090332
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE TOP-QUALITY SERVICE

I MUST comment on the editorial (March 3, "Fire! Fire! And 33 minutes later . . . ") "bluntly" outlining the difference between a professional public-safety force and volunteer force. You had an opportunity to recognize the outstanding efforts of the numerous volunteer fire and rescue members who responded to the Holiday Inn, and demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery in a raging fire to limit damage and prevent injury or death. Instead, you chose to condemn the thousands of volunteers who contribute limitless hours in service to their community.

More than 86 percent of the Emergency Medical Services providers within the region are professional "volunteers" responding to more than 97,000 requests for emergency treatment or transport annually. The other 45,000 EMS calls are responded to by commercial, municipal or industrial agencies - many who also volunteer for their local agency. These volunteers have delivered more than $12.6 million in uncompensated care at no cost to local taxpayers.

Further, to imply a volunteer is not a "professional" indicates a lack of knowledge of the rich history and heritage of volunteerism within the Roanoke Valley. The EMS providers, volunteer or career, must adhere to local, state and national requirements for personnel, training and equipment. We are indeed fortunate to have available such dedicated and knowledgeable EMS professionals responding around-the-clock and providing quality care to our citizens. GARRY LAUTENSCHLAGER President, Western Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council SALEM

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