To the Editor, To: Cleveland County: Fire Chiefs, Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, Medical persons, HAM, GMRS and CB Radio Operators, Preppers, and all other persons interested in the well being of their families and friends.
My background is 48 years of public service. I've worn several hats, a bunch of uniforms and acquired various skillsets. In that time I have served 33 years as an RN (Intensive care/Emergency), 15 Years in EMS, 8 years Army Reserve National Guard, (Medic/Infantry Officer), volunteer firefighter, and presently an Amateur Radio Operator. I have been a Cleveland County resident for over 20 years Recently I was involved in recovery efforts in Rolling Forks and Silver City in Mississippi, and Wynne, Arkansas, as well as helping with coordinating storm supplies for Central Arkansas from all over the state. Earlier in the year we were coordinating people/supplies in an area closer to home after tornadic storms ravaged southeast Arkansas. What I have seen, makes me realize how woefully unprepared the populace of our rural counties are.
We live in a very rural county in Arkansas. Our county has no hospital, emergency room or urgent care facilities. We have one Ambulance, and 5 sheriff's deputies. If we were to occur damages even 1/3 as bad as any of the places above received our professional systems would be overwhelmed even before the storm got out of the area. We have no alternate communication system across the county once telephones are down. (Not a criticism, simple facts).
One ambulance covers our entire county's 7550 residents spread across 599 square miles. If you have an emergency, requiring an ambulance, it could take greater than 20 minutes for it to arrive with EMTs and Paramedics if you live outside the city of Rison. Response times can take considerably longer if you live farther away, more remotely, weather or road conditions are bad, or if EMS is on a previous call and has not gotten back into the county. ...
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