When accidents happen, and minutes count in that “golden hour” that can mean the difference between life and death, we depend on an amazing network of hospitals, ambulances, helicopters, police, firefighters, first responders, well trained emergency medical professionals and volunteers for help at a moment’s notice. I recently stopped by the Arrowhead Regional Medical Services 36th Annual Conference in Duluth to say thanks.
No one can truly appreciate these dedicated and courageous folks until you see them in action. Recently, I came upon a terrible accident on the highway, and watched in amazement as first rescuers arrived on the scene, took charge and undoubtedly saved several lives.
Last fall, I toured St. Luke’s Hospital and Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth and got an eye-opening look at their Life Link helicopters. These “flying ICUs” can be dispatched in seconds to save people in trouble in the remotest areas of our region.
Not long after, my grandson, Huck, paid a visit of his own to St. Luke’s after a skiing accident. The EMTs and Ski Patrol had him stabilized and on his way to the emergency room in no time. Thanks to their quick action, he’ll be back on the slopes and back playing hockey next season, if not sooner.
We need to encourage emergency medical service professionals and volunteers to stay on these tough, demanding jobs, saving lives in that “golden hour.” So in Congress, we’re working hard to pass legislation to allow volunteers to take a charitable tax deduction for their first 300 hours of help; and to permit communities to provide modest, tax-free financial incentives for volunteers.
Simply put, if we can use the tax system to benefit big corporations, we can do the same for the good people who are there for us in emergencies. We need to encourage emergency medical service professionals and volunteers to stay on these tough, demanding jobs, saving lives in that “golden hour.”
Congressman Rick Nolan
Minnesota 8th District
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