Dear Editor:

After the experience this week of a family member in our summer community of Sprucewold, on Linekin Bay, I have high praise for both the Boothbay Region Ambulance Service and for Miles Memorial Hospital in Damariscotta. On a recent rainy evening, my sister-in-law, Jody Lorence, slipped on a wooden step going up to her cabin and suffered a broken wrist. Those of us who were with her initially envisioned driving her to Miles, but it was quickly obvious we’d need help and we called 911. The ambulance arrived in less than 15 minutes and the two paramedics got Jody’s arm temporarily stabilized and gave her pain medication. They also contacted Miles to be sure there was an orthopedic surgeon on call; had there not been, we would have gone to Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, where specialists are always available.

I rode with Jody in the ambulance, and her husband and my husband went to Damariscotta by car, giving me the opportunity to learn a bit more about the medical situation in our community. The BRAS is professionally staffed 24 hours a day, and they have four ambulances. Mike, the paramedic who dealt most closely with Jody, is certified at the highest level, and he’s also a lobsterman. Theresa, the driver, was equally competent and is finishing RN training. She works both at the Ambulance Corps and at Miles.

The Miles ER facility is surprisingly large, and the medical professionals are both competent and people-oriented. The surgeon arrived once all the initial assessments had been done, and, with an obviously broken bone, he opted to get it back into place by manipulation if possible. “We’ve got a great surgery for this, but if I can avoid it, I will,” he said. “It’s better for the patient.” He clearly made the right call, treating Jody’s break noninvasively and sending us home in record time.

To finish the story, I’d urge all of us to lend our support to both the ambulance service and Miles. While we may always lament the closing of St. Andrews, we’re still in very good hands. I’d like to give a shout out to medical care in the Boothbay Harbor region!

Mary Otto

Sprucewold