Absolute trust in paramedics

Re “Oversight of paramedics in state haphazard,” a Times investigation, May 6.

As a volunteer emergency medical technician for 17 years and a commissioner on the L.A. County Emergency Medical Services Commission, I’m trying to understand the problem’s severity. The paramedics with whom I’ve interacted over the years have been professional and supremely dedicated. I would put my life and those I love in their care without a moment’s hesitation. Another level of bureaucracy will not save a choking or heart-attack victim any better.

The EMS system does an amazing job policing its own, highlighted by the fact that there are so few incidents of negligence. In hindsight, thanks for the amazing article highlighting the fact that California’s 85,000 paramedics and EMTs save lives every day with sheer determination, professionalism and dedication.

RABBI CHAIM KOLODNY

Los Angeles

The writer is a chaplain with the LAPD and the county Fire Department.