As fire chief for North County Fire/EMS, I want to remind our community that an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy renewal is on their primary ballot. I know a lot about the services provided as both a fire chief and patient. On two separate occasions, I have required paramedic care.

EMS is the most widely used emergency service that your tax dollars fund. In 2009, 65 percent of all calls were EMS-related. That number has increased to 66 percent as of July 2010.

The levy renewal is for 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation and lasts six years. This is the same levy rate and duration that voters approved the last time.

EMS levy funds are used to pay for training, salaries and benefits of nine fire fighter/paramedics to provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) care. Paramedics are specifically trained to administer life-saving medications and perform procedures that are critical to survival rates for heart attack and stroke victims.

EMS saves lives in our community. Please read our newsletter, Frequently Asked Questions, or visit our web site www.northcountyfireems.com to learn more about this ballot measure.