Taking Note
On the eve of Memorial Day weekend, when for many of us on the East End distractions and frustrations abound, we would do well to think of those for whom the holiday was intended — the many servicemen and women lost in the country’s armed conflicts. But it should also be a time for thoughts closer to home — of community, culture, and the environment, and what we can do by way of support.
Many service organizations here have dedicated members, but those who are perhaps the most critical, who can touch people at all stages of life, are our emergency medical providers. These are the unsung heroes of our community, who undertake hundreds or more hours of training, then leave jobs or warm beds at a moment’s notice when duty calls. Paid paramedics have been added to the roster of most local fire departments to help meet the ever-increasing number of calls and deal with the worst cases, yet the ordinary volunteers form the backbone of the ambulance companies and associations. Helping them help us can take several forms, including donating to fund-raisers and keeping alert while on the roads to their flashing dash lights and pulling our vehicles over to allow them to pass. More recruits are always welcomed. Just ask.
Helping ambulance squads can mean also being smarter about calls. Too often, volunteers say, people call 911 for minor injuries or when someone else is available to take a patient to the hospital. Measures of a true emergency include threats to life or limb, a sense that a patient’s condition could worsen, and if moving a patient without skilled assistance might cause harm. Lists of symptoms to watch for can be found online, and they include loss of breath or consciousness; sudden dizziness, severe headache, weakness, or change in vision; neck or back injuries, and severe bleeding. When in doubt, call 911, advocates say, but thinking first if a situation is a true emergency is important, especially if another call comes in about a victim in worse shape.
On a lighter note, summer here means that all our cultural institutions open their doors. These include charming, little known places, for example, the Eastville Historical Society’s Heritage House, and the heavy hitters, such as the Parrish Art Museum and Guild Hall. Visiting at least one will enrich your season, provide some surprises, and help give the organizations a dose of support.
As to the world around us, the South Fork would surely lose its luster without its soft sand beaches, woodlands, and protected creeks and harbors. Finding time for a walk or two amid the frenzy of friends, barbecues, benefits, and what have you can provide a sense of calm and respite that will last long after the outing is done and the season changes. Consider joining one of the several environmental groups, museums, or trail-hiking clubs. Their modest fees help fund efforts to keep nature at the top of public officials’ minds.
We live in a wonderful place; we really do. As the madness of yet another season-starter looms, think about all the East End has to offer and how you can give back — and get far more in return.