Fire trucks equipped with advanced life support services often mean the difference between life and death in critical emergencies. Yet 3 of the 5 East Manatee County Fire Commissioners have indicated they do not favor offering East County residents those services, even though they are currently available or being actively pursued for by other fire departments across the rest of the county.

By signing this petition, you are stating your belief – as a taxpayer and voter – that East County residents are entitled to the same advanced life support services as other Manatee County communities. East Manatee Fire Rescue, which serves East County, provides only basic life support services to our residents.

An advanced unit has what a basic unit does not: a paramedic with advanced training who can give injections, medications and basic treatment for cuts and injuries; and life-saving tools such as airway equipment, cardiac life support, cardiac monitors and a glucose testing device. Don’t those of us who live in East County – the fastest-growing area in the region – deserve what others in Manatee County either have or are getting?

If you agree, I ask that you express your support by signing this petition and sharing it with others in East County to review and consider. I would like to present the petition to the Fire Commissioners at their April 18 meeting, to let those commissioners opposed to advanced life support services know how those who voted for them feel on the issue.

Let’s be heard. Our voices matter, especially when seconds count and we are not receiving the benefits of the life-saving difference advanced life support services can make in those precious seconds.

Bring Advanced Life Support Services to East County Fire Rescue and to East County Residents!