Precautions

I would like to take this opportunity to educate the public on two important items. As a registered nurse at Childrens Hospital, I have been involved in many medical transports of critical patients by ambulance. In the most serious cases, we are obligated, in the patient’s best interest, to use flashing red lights and siren to hasten our return to the hospital. Most drivers respond appropriately and move their vehicles safely to the right. Many, however, either simply come to a dead stop wherever they are or continue unthinkingly in our path. Often, only the excellent driving skills of our ambulance personnel have prevented a major collision.

The second issue is unrestrained children in vehicles. I’ve heard parents say, “He doesn’t like his car seat.” I’m sure he’ll like being in the hospital even less, providing he survives the accident. Parents have an enormous responsibility in protecting their children. Accidents don’t always happen to “someone else.”

TERRI STAMBAUGH

Los Angeles