Trauma System

I didn’t want to write this letter.

On March 7th, I had the horrific experience of having my 18-month-old son fall from our 3rd floor condo onto the concrete patio below. Miraculously he survived unharmed. My purpose in writing is twofold:

First, I want the public to be reminded of the professional effectiveness of the 911 system and personnel. Their efficiency and sensitivity was inspiring.

Second, I feel that we as citizens have been grossly delinquent in letting our fantastic “trauma center” network be dismantled piece by piece.

Most people under 35 who die are accident victims. The critical element is time. How fast can the victim receive specialized care? The trauma network is this fast-response system.

We spend roughly $800 million a day on defense, millions to spray Medflies, etc. We spend shamefully to prepare for things that may never happen.

Tragically, in our world accidents do occur. Close your eyes and imagine, if just for a moment, your worst nightmare, the one that could never happen to you, or worse, to someone you love. Now ask yourself “What is happening to our trauma centers?” and “What did they do with my tax money?”

RICK PERKINS

Playa del Rey