To the editor:

As a former medic, I understand the stress and hazards of responding to emergency calls. Police, firefighters and medics are the heroes who spring into treacherous circumstances to help those in life-or-death peril. Rapid response is required to provide rescue.

The Fort Dodge City Council is considering decreasing the flow of traffic from four lanes (two lanes in each direction) to three lanes (one in each direction with a middle turning lane). As all motorists know, we are to slow down, pull to the right and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass. With fewer lanes, this task is more difficult.

In high stress situations, it is natural to be anxious and even panic, I think all motorists have had that sudden surprise when an emergency vehicle approaches at high speed, its lights and sirens flashing. We feel that sudden gasp in our breath and clenching of fingers upon the steering wheel. Some people react to this stressful situation by freezing. Sudden paralysis of a motorist places emergency responders in crash situations. The driver of a responding emergency vehicle must be hyper vigilant about how motorists react, especially in areas with only three lanes. Imagine if you were in a middle turning lane for a left turn when suddenly an emergency vehicle, with lights flashing and a wailing siren, is coming straight at you. Panic, gasp, freeze and heaven forbid, catastrophe! Imagine if you or your family members need medical attention and the ambulance that is coming to give lifesaving care is delayed because of congested and slow traffic. Your heart sinks in a desperate situation.

Please allow our police, firefighters and medics to perform their heroic deeds on safe and expeditious roads, Please contact the Fort Dodge City Council or attend the City Council meeting on July 14.

Please express to the City Council:

l Our citizens need emergency responders that are not slowed down.

l Our first responders require open, free-flowing thoroughfares to enable them to respond safely and quickly.

l Our city does not want the increased liability from emergency vehicle collisions.

John Copper

Fort Dodge