Letters, letters, letters

The Nugget welcomes contributions from its readers, which must include the writer's name, address and phone number. Letters to the Editor is an open forum for the community and contains unsolicited opinions not necessarily shared by the Editor. The Nugget reserves the right to edit, omit, respond or ask for a response to letters submitted to the Editor. Letters should be no longer than 300 words. Unpublished items are not acknowledged or returned. The deadline for all letters is noon Monday.

To the Editor:

"CODE SAVE."

Unfortunately this is a term we do not hear often enough. When we do it is cause for praise and celebration of life.

The term stands for the process of bringing someone back to life.

In this case, two firefighters, John Thomas and John Brown of Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District, respond to a 911 call for a victim experiencing symptoms of a possible heart attack.

On arrival the patient is complaining of chest pain radiating through the back and left shoulder area.

The Sisters Ambulance is still at least six minutes away. The patient falls unconscious, has no pulse or respiration, indicating the heart has stopped beating.

Quickly the two-man team places patches on the right shoulder and left side of the patient and attaches a portable Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

Once attached and turned on, the machine analyzes the heart rhythm of the patient and determines if a defibrillating shock is needed. If a shock is needed the machine says "Stand Clear" -- "Shock Patient."

If the patient's heart responds to the shock it begins to beat again. Survival rates are as high as 49 percent with the use of AEDs, however, every second counts.

Every minute from collapse without defibrillation the patient's chances of survival decrease by 7-10 percent. If the AED is administered in the first minute, survival rates climb to between 70-90 percent.

In this case the unit was placed in service within the first minute of the heart stopping its beat. The AED did its job in this situation and the patient and the First Responders have cause for a life saving celebration called a "CODE SAVE."

Chief Chuck Cable

Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District

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To the Editor:

It seems that most people agree that "thinning" our forests is a step toward the prevention of devastating fires. But interestingly enough, none of your readers have commented on people who choose to live in hazardous places (e.g., the urban "interface").

This would include Camp Sherman residents and the Californians who live at Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, or the brush land in the San Diego area.

Well, the State Forestry Department and the U.S. Forest Service have a great deal to say about the risks, defensible space and who really assumes the cost of fire protection.

I have chosen to live in beautiful Camp Sherman, but I can tell you, these things are worthy of thought.

Sincerely,

Jim Kennedy

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To the Editor:

With regard to your article about the Veterans Day ceremonies at the Sisters Elementary School, I'd like to clarify that I attended in uniform to address Mrs. Stengel's first grade class concerning the history of Veterans Day and what it means to be a military veteran.

As part of the presentation I was able to show the children a video of a Coast Guard search and rescue exercise involving a helicopter and small boat on San Francisco Bay in which I participated.

Indeed it was a pleasure to get together with the children of Mrs. Stengel's class and help make the holiday more meaningful to them. I want to congratulate Tim Comfort and his staff for putting together this program and to express my gratitude for allowing me to participate.

Leonard Knott

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To the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Habitat for Humanity and our entire community for their support and encouragement during the Habitat house dedications.

It is impossible, in 300 words or less, to issue "thanks" to everyone that deserves it. The help that I received on my house and the excitement to finally see it dedicated was overwhelming. Upwards to 90 people stood in the cold outside my home and shared in my joy. For that, thank you!

My heart exploded with thanks as people walked through my home, complimenting me for what I've done and being so gracious. We truly have a great community and a wonderful partner in helping others achieve their goals in Habitat for Humanity. With all my heart, thanks!

Lupe Chamberlain

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To the Editor:

The Sisters community is full of admirable people and organizations that not only aid but encourage the surrounding community. One of those groups is SOAR Taekwondo led by Master Tim Davis.

This past week, the Sisters High School Swim Team has been without a pool due to winter preparations at BBR.

With great generosity and enthusiasm, Sherri Hermens and Diane Houck donated their time and skills into leading the team in dry land practice. Monday through Thursday Mrs. Hermens and Mrs. Houck instructed the team in Punch Kick Sweat (PKS) classes through SOAR Taekwondo, dividing class time between the high school building and SOAR Taekwondo studio.

While the classes were trying, the entire team had a fantastic time due to the instructors' expertise and vivacity. The swim team would like to extend a tremendous thank-you to SOAR Taekwondo, with special thanks to Master Tim Davis, Mrs. Sherri Hermens, and Mrs. Diane Houck.

Sincerely,

Andie Lesowske

Sisters High School Swim Team