Editorial: St John worth extra outlay

The St John Ambulance service is a vital part of our country.

The ambulance service provided by St John in Tauranga and many other parts of the country is vital.

Numerous lives would be lost if it were not for the quick response and skill of the paramedics and volunteers.

Last week Paramedics Australasia New Zealand chairman Sean Thompson said local councils should "get in behind and help to fund local ambulances through rates".

"Even something like $2 a year per ratepayer would go a long way," he said.

Mayor Stuart Crosby said that was unlikely to happen.

"I do not see a ratepayer contribution to this service getting public acceptance as it would be deemed not to be a core service of council," he said.

I disagree.

I, for one, would be more than happy to pay a few dollars extra a year in rates. I'd be happy to pay an extra $20 a year as long as it went to St John.

I suspect many other residents would feel the same. You might not use the service often but you are likely to call an ambulance at least once in your life - be if for yourself, a friend or a family member.

When that time comes you will be incredibly glad they are there to help.

Many of those who man St John ambulances throughout the Western Bay are volunteers who give up their own time to help out. They fit it in around work and family commitments.

Both the volunteers and full-time paid staff do a job many of us would not handle. They see some horrific sights and regularly deal with people who are extremely emotional.

At times they cop abuse they do not deserve and at other times they are the only ones there to comfort people during what might be one of the toughest points in their lives.

Every time I have had reason to call an ambulance the staff have been unquestionably professional and helpful " I couldn't fault them.

I believe ambulance services around the country should be funded either by central or local government rather than left to figure out how to raise most of the money needed.

I'd be happy to pay a little extra to make that happen.