My apologies for not speaking up while attending an informational meeting concerning the possible Med-evac service to Wetzel County Hospital. The majority of opinions voiced were in the negative with reference to the noise and safety record of med-evac helicopter services in general.

As I expressed to George Couch concerning my own experience at Wetzel County Hospital. In 2000 I experienced a heart attack and arrived from New Martinsville School ambulatory and was placed in a room with hospital supplies and cardial monitoring systems, I received excellent trauma care from the staff.As I walk by the hospital each day with Reilly, I’m excited to see the construction of an expanded Emergency services section.

In relation to the proposed helicopter service, I think of the “Golden Hour” of cardiac and stroke patients who need advanced trauma services which would be greatly enhanced by this local function. Each of us must ask “What if…” and give our whole-hearted support to the county commission in adding this service to Wetzel County Hospital.

Ralph K. Strippel

New Martinsville