Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Riding in one of their ambulances (or in several, in my case) causes one to realize how blessed we are to live in a community served by such an organization as the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The members of the squad are there, whether to answer the call of "I have fallen and can’t get up," or if there is a need to transfer a patient to a medical facility. In either case, the squad members’ training and expertise are always evident.

Considering the time required to train a squad member to perform the basic life support duties ("MVRS experiences shortage of funds, volunteers," Feb. 7 Gazette-Journal), it is difficult to find people who are willing to invest the time required to perform as an EMT-Basic. My hat is off to those people who must learn to do much more than just drive an ambulance.

Joe R. Lamport

Cobbs Creek, Va.
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