In response to the article regarding the state investigation into paramedic delays (Page 1, Aug. 24), I think there is another avenue that needs to be investigated. How many of the calls for ambulances in the city of Chicago were actually of an emergency nature? Calling an ambulance for a non-emergency ailment ties up an ambulance so that people who have been shot or are having chest pain have no choice but to wait. The paramedics cannot refuse to give care based on what ails a patient regardless if it is a ridiculous complaint or not.
This also occurs in emergency rooms. People come in day after day with complaints of having a rash for three months, having congested noses or sexually transmitted diseases, all of which could be treated by their own primary care doctor or at a local free clinic.
So, when you are waiting for an ambulance because you are having chest pain, or waiting to see the emergency room physician because you have a broken foot, remember who might be getting cared for before you–someone with a backache for a year, or an itch in the groin that just will not stop.
