Opinion : Benton Development Group urges YES vote for EMS

Emergency medical services are a matter of life and death and essential for attracting employers and residents.

Safety is at the top of everyone's list when choosing where to live or locate a business. Safety includes police protection, a safe environment, and prompt medical attention in an emergency. Without emergency medical services, Benton County will lose badly needed opportunities for growth.

Benton County has three ambulance services relying on insurance reimbursements and donations to cover expenses. They answer more calls for help each year as reimbursements lag rising expenses. Without broad, county-wide support, our ambulance services and the first responders they support won't survive.

First responders and ambulance services must receive training, and training is expensive. They require medical supplies and equipment. Their vehicles must be insured, maintained, and ready to roll. Each ambulance service has paid staff members on-site and ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A YES vote for EMS on November 7th means a vote for Benton County's future.