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# When every second matters
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/when-every-second-matters-editor/
- Published: 2008-06-02T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:45:12.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Joseph Parda*

I was shocked to read the quote attributed to Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Davis (”Firemen to assess dispatch center,” page 1, May 28) who stated “Either way we’re still financially ahead of what we would have been....” I know that my elected representative on the Santa Monica City Council is more interested in providing the best possible 911 service regardless of cost. If he is not, he will not receive my vote in the next election period. Protecting public safety and not saving a few dollars should be Deputy Chief Davis’ priority as well. His quote suggests otherwise.

Several years ago I was required to call 911 when my 7-year-old grandson severely cut his hand on a broken glass. I mistakenly put his hand under the kitchen faucet while calling 911\. The very professional dispatcher told me I should instead find a clean towel and apply pressure to the wound. He explained to me that running water on the cut does not allow the blood to clot, whereas applying pressure does. The dispatcher remained on the phone with me until paramedics arrived which really helped me stay calm, reminding me several times that help was on the way. Just three and a half minutes later the paramedic squad arrived at our house. I am forever grateful for the service provided that day by both the dispatcher and the two para-medics that responded. I know that even though it took less than four minutes for them to arrive, that short period of time felt like an eternity.

It is true that with certain injuries and illnesses, seconds save lives. Therefore, I cannot understand why the Fire Chief decided it was best to change a system that provided excellent service just to save money. Increased response time is not OK. If staffing was an issue, the Fire Department should have increased staffing. I think that it is advantageous to utilize dispatchers who are employed by the city, work in the city, and are familiar with the unique conditions the city presents.

A price cannot be put on the heads of those of us who reside in or visit Santa Monica. Our lives, and those of our children and grandchildren, are priceless. I urge City Council to remedy this issue before tragedy strikes.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 2, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060208.pdf?ref=smdp.com)