SUMMIT Foundation

6530 15th Avenue North East

Seattle, Washington 98115

(206) 525-3097

November 13, 1998

Tina Podlodowski, Chair, Public Safety, Health & Technology Committee

City of Seattle

600 4th Avenue

Seattle, Washington 98104

Dear Ms. Podlodowski,

Thank you for your recent letter, dated October 27, part of a continuing dialog between my group and your office.

Input from several sources has caused us to step back and reconsider our proposal for an initiative and/or charter amendment. While we're still in favor of an initiative, we've determined the need for a clear picture of the needs of the department which serves us before specifying the extent of our action. We're in agreement that a Board of Commissioners wouldn't likely sit well with any of the involved players and could be detrimental to our effort. However, I'd like to express my concern that the city has forced fire fighters to take on a political role to ensure their own survival. Comments by city council members at a recent budget hearing made me realize that others on the council may not fully appreciate the role these men and women serve in this community, or how they have been placed into such a position. It is SUMMIT's position that some form of dedicated citizen oversight would serve to meet the needs of fire fighters and, by extension, this community.

This letter, however, brings up new issues which are causing us discomfort and concern.

Confidential sources have informed us that there is a move afoot which will create additional opportunities for American Medical Response, whereby they would automatically respond with fire fighters and paramedics (Medic One) on emergency calls. Concerns need to be addressed before SUMMIT will feel comfortable about such a policy shift and we wonder why these types of arrangements are hidden from public view.

First, the issue of such a sweetheart deal for a commercial enterprise leaves a bad taste in our collective mouths. Over the years we have ignored the impact AMR has had on this community: Their ability to be the only emergency response organization which isn't required to notify dispatch when running code (using red lights and sirens as they move through the community) causes significant concern for us. Limitations are in place for other organizations, agencies and companies wishing to do the same, yet AMR has been allowed to conduct themselves in this manner. If there is a need for others to adhere to this rule, what action exempts AMR?

Next on the AMR list: One of our members was sent to conduct research into the financial return of AMR for their use of our 800MHz Trunked-Radio System. To the best of our knowledge, not a dime has been paid by the company for their use of a publicly funded communication system. When my emergency response organization approached the city regarding similar use, we were informed that the cost would be $65 per radio per month. Additionally, we've determined that other companies have been told that there is no space on the system for them to conduct ambulance business with the city.

Building the Finest Fire Service in the World - Right in Our Own Back Yard

We fail to understand why AMR, a foreign-held corporation, has been given preferential treatment as they conduct business within the City of Seattle. More to the point, why have other companies been locked-out of providing services - and competition - within this jurisdiction. In the past, fire fighters were able to call on Shepard (now AMR) and Shannon Ambulance (now Rural/Metro) to transport patients. From what I hear, Seattle fire fighters and EMS personnel preferred the professionalism of Shannon. A directive was issued by the department administration which requires responding units to call AMR only. This, it would seem, provides AMR with an unwritten contract with the city while denying citizens the right to competitive service and the attendant benefits of competition.

SUMMIT wishes to express its concern for the long-term implications of this sweetheart deal with AMR. Internal documents provided to SUMMIT indicate that AMR has a clearly defined mission - to position the corporation for a friendly takeover of all EMS services in the City of Seattle. AMR's highest ranking executives have participated in creating this policy and their current actions seem to validate their statements.

What are the benefits to this community? From where we stand, it would seem that there are none. Instead, we stand to further alienate fire fighters and force them to become more politically active. We dishonor the efforts of Dr. Copass and Dr. Cobb and the Medic One Foundation. Lastly, we stand to do a huge disservice to our community as we fail to properly care for those who go the extra mile to care for us.

SUMMIT encourages the City Council and Mayor's Office to consider opening the opportunity to competitive bid and allow the fire service to compete in the bid process. This would serve the entire community by lowering transport costs, increasing the flow of dollars within the community and care for our fire fighters.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Bob Nelson, Executive Chair

SUMMIT Foundation