Medic One Foundation represents a worthy investment in public's health

MOST King County voters assume their vote every six years for the Medic One levy covers the full cost of emergency medical service. This levy, reasonably separate from the county's beleaguered general fund, covers basic operating costs of a service that is the gold standard in the country.

As many county residents readily tell you, this is the best place to have a heart attack; survival rates are higher than any other place, with Rochester, Minn., close behind.

But Medic One does more than rush to the scene of an accident or medical emergency. This highly skilled operation provides high-level training and research for numerous locales, including Seattle, King County, Bellevue, Redmond, Vashon, Arlington, Bainbridge Island, Camano Island, Edmonds, Everett and other locations in Snohomish County.

It is not illogical to assume the county levy covers the basics, because for many years the foundation conducted private fundraising quietly and largely out of sight from the public view.

But private donations have been declining, and for the first time in 40 years, the foundation is publicly seeking about $200,000 in private contributions to cover the cost of top-notch paramedic training and research.

Medic One Foundation earlier this year conducted an auction, which produced proceeds of $203,000. Yet increasing costs prompt the need for additional cash. The request at this time is for money to train 18 new paramedics in communities throughout Puget Sound.

These are extraordinarily difficult times for numerous agencies and nonprofits and Medic One is no exception. Our community has long considered superb emergency medical service a community value.

DONATIONS will be accepted by phone, 206-744-9425 or by e-mail at info@mediconefoundation.org. Quality training and medical research is a worthwhile investment.