In the wee hours one night in October 2015, I started downstairs for a drink of water, but I fainted near the top of the stairs. I came to 20 minutes later, sprawled on the front door mat with a bad cut on my forehead where it met the steel recycling bin. Nauseous, dizzy, fuzzy-minded, not sure if I’d need stitches, I called 911. Soon, a paramedic was there to evaluate me. Later I was passed to EMTs for transport to the hospital.

It was very reassuring to receive such rapid and professional care. Later I learned that that mine was the third call on that busy pre-dawn Saturday. One of my EMTs was a volunteer who had responded to a page after my call came in.

Two simultaneous aid calls occur on Vashon about four times per week, engaging all emergency responders on duty. About twice a month, three or more simultaneous calls exceed the staffing levels and off-duty staff and qualified volunteers must be called. Those responders may be able to add their support, they may be delayed or they may not be able to respond at all.

The population on Vashon is adventurous and aging — about 80 percent of Vashon’s 911 calls are medical emergencies. Over time, our emergency medical needs will increase. Passing Proposition 1 in the November election will increase responder staffing, so that a third call like mine will still get a rapid response. But if Prop. 1 doesn’t pass this fall, responders’ capacity will be cut to one call at a time. This will mean serious delays, or worse.

Stopping that fall with my head was not too bright. But supporting rapid, high quality emergency response for our community is a no-brainer – I’ll be voting yes on Prop. 1.

— Vicky de Monterey Richoux