As a recently retired general surgeon with experience in establishing a Level 1 trauma center, and now a full-time resident of Carefree, I read with interest information provided to me concerning efforts to improve emergency services in our community. As these services are organized quite differently from those in my former place of residence, I initially did not fully comprehend the “Mutual Aid” emergency response system Carefree currently participates in. That interest became concern when it became apparent to me that “Mutual Aid” is in no way comparable to “Automatic Aid” from a quality, modern, public health standpoint.
There is abundant proof that minutes matter when an emergency situation occurs. Better outcomes are attained with lower response times. Risking a delay in care as part of an antiquated “Mutual Aid” emergency response system is no longer a viable option when a significantly better alternative is possible. I strongly support a move to an “Automatic Aid” type of emergency response and hope the community does as well. It truly is a matter of life and death.
Paul Huepenbecker, MD
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