To the editor:

Many Topsham residents were shocked to learn recently that it takes 18 minutes on the average for a rescue squad to respond to a medical emergency in Topsham at nighttime. During the daytime, the wait time is only six minutes.

The dramatic difference in response time is caused by the fact that the rescue squad members must get dressed and come from home during the 12-hour night shift, between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. During the day, they are stationed at the firehouse and on the ready.

In some medical nighttime emergencies, the response time to reach the victim has been even longer — up to 25 to 30 minutes.

This scary situation is unacceptable, but it can be changed if enough concerned Topsham citizens attend the town meeting on Wednesday, May 16, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Ararat High School and vote to change it.

A strong turnout is needed at the town meeting to ensure the vote on this budget item passes. The budget item — estimated to cost less than $10 per year for a typical Topsham household — may be opposed by some who would reject any increase, no matter how small or how critical the item.

A cardiac arrest, a severe asthma attack, a life-threatening accident and many other unexpected illnesses should be treated as soon as possible. A long wait for the rescue squad can be devastating.

Be part of the citizens’ grassroots effort to change this on May 16. Not many issues are as critical and a “yes” vote on Article 5 could help to save a life.

Eve Thorson
Topsham