My career as an ICU/ER registered nurse, and hospital administrator was spent at a Level II Trauma Center in California. For twenty years, I cared for the most critically ill. I have seen firsthand the results of delayed or inadequate emergency response. Until now, as other surrounding communities were on the same emergency response program, the Mutual Aid system has worked for the citizens of Carefree. However, the movement of our surrounding communities (Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Phoenix) to the alternative Automatic Aid response system poses a critical question to the residents of Carefree.
If we remain on the current Mutual Aid response program, our closest Mutual Aid partner response team is in Rio Verde (twenty to thirty minutes away). Participating in the Automatic Aid program ensures Carefree receives a response from the nearest emergency Automatic Aid response station, which could be under ten minutes away (if not less, depending on the event’s location). The Automatic Aid program dispatches emergency response from the closest Automatic Aid partner. Under the current Mutual Aid, an emergency event at Carefree Highway/Cave Creek Road would request backup from as far away as Rio Verde. Under Automatic Aid, an emergency event at that same location would be serviced by the CLOSEST Automatic Aid partner, significantly reducing response time. Imagine waiting for 20-30 minutes for the arrival of backup emergency support!
Are you willing to take the chance that your loved ones or property will receive prompt emergency services under the Mutual Aid system? Automatic Aid is the gold standard of emergency response, and the citizens of Carefree deserve nothing less. Vote yes and protect the property and lives of those in the community.
Nancy Keller
RN, MBA Health Services Management
