Throwing the Dead Cat on the Table

In politics, there is the term “throwing the dead cat on the table.” Metaphorically speaking, if someone throws a dead cat onto a dining room table in the middle of a serious discussion, nobody keeps talking about the original issue. Instead, everyone screams, panics and focuses entirely on the dead cat.

This seems to be the case over the last few days as Carroll Countians have started voicing concerns about the issues with Priority Ambulance Service. On Tuesday, October 13, there was an anonymous “letter” posted on social media suggesting the public should be paying attention to a bigger problem: the abuse and misuse of the 911 system.

Yes, we know there are problems in the healthcare system. We know there is a staffing shortage as well. Don’t let this sound like I’m brushing these issues off because they are legitimate concerns that deserve attention.

But acknowledging those problems does not make the issue of ambulance coverage in Carroll County go away. We can recognize the challenges facing ambulance providers while still demanding that the company responsible for serving Carroll County be held accountable.

To me, the timing and tone of the anonymous letter seemed like an attempt to shift the conversation away from the issue at hand: the lack of adequate ambulance coverage in Carroll County. Whether that was the writer’s intention or not, the effect is the same. Instead of discussing what needs to be done to improve service, we are suddenly debating the misuse of 911.

Also, why was the letter not sent to any news source of record? I know we would never publish an anonymous letter. The Banner’s policy states, “The signature of the writer must be affixed to the letter with a verifiable address and phone number. The address and phone number will not be published at the request of the writer, however the name will be published. Tri-County Publishing does not publish unsigned letters of opinion.”

If you have nothing to hide, why not sign the letter?

One thing in the letter caught my attention. It requested that commissioners do ride-alongs with EMS crews. On October 6, Priority made that same offer to me directly. I’m not suggesting the two are connected, but it does make me wonder whether the writer is someone sympathetic to Priority’s position.

For the record, I have no problem with commissioners riding along with EMS crews. In fact, I believe firsthand experience can help us better understand the challenges they face. But a ride-along, while educational, does not answer the larger questions about ambulance availability, response times and the level of service Carroll County residents deserve.

I believe local EMS teams and EMR teams bust their tails every day. These are some of the hardest workers in America, dealing with terrible situations daily. They deserve our respect, support and the resources necessary to do their jobs.

For full transparency, my brother was a firefighter/paramedic in Los Angeles County for over 25 years. I know how hard he worked. I saw it firsthand on multiple ride-alongs. Now my nephew has followed in his father’s footsteps, doing the same work in Las Vegas.

I guess this is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about all this. It is about the people of Carroll County whom I represent and love, and my family members who have been willing to lay down their lives to help others.

As a county commissioner, there is only so much I can do about the larger problems with our health care system. But we can fight for our community and loved ones.

Do not let a dead cat on the table draw your attention away from the issue at hand. We need answers about ambulance coverage in Carroll County. We need to know what is being done to improve response times, ensure adequate staffing and make certain an ambulance is available when someone calls for help.

Priority Ambulance Service is a for-profit company. There is nothing inherently wrong with a company making a profit, but when that company is entrusted with providing an essential, potentially lifesaving public service, the needs of the people must come first. If the dollars and cents of operating in Carroll County don’t add up, then we need to have an honest conversation about that and what it means for the future of ambulance service in our county.

I keep saying, what is the cost of a loved one’s life? My wife’s, my children’s and my parents’ lives are priceless.

I leave you with this thought: When a powerful entity counts on your silence, speaking up is your greatest weapon. Do not bow down, do not back away — stand firm and demand the accountability and service you deserve.