Paramedics play a vital role on Vashon, responding to medical emergencies that are truly life and death situations. While there are only two paramedics on duty on Vashon at any time, these responders can surely be credited with saving many lives on the island.

The agency that employs these paramedics, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR), is beginning a strategic planning process to reach out to Vashon residents to determine what level of emergency response the community wants. However, it’s notable that a major change to our paramedic system — one that could affect how quickly responders show up at our doors — was already decided on with virtually no public input.

As soon as VIFR and King County Medic One, the countywide paramedic program, can get through all the required steps, the paramedics who currently work on Vashon will become part of the larger South King County system. As outlined in a front-page story today, there are compelling reasons to make this change. However there are also serious concerns about the impact it will have on Vashon, and it appears as though the devil is in the details.

There’s a basic plan for how the new system will work, but those closest to the situation — the paramedics themselves — have cast serious doubts on whether that plan will work in reality or will leave the island at times without paramedics. When this type of emergency medical response falls short, it only takes one lapse for a tragedy to happen.

Responders want to believe in this plan, but they also, reasonably, want to see details and an explanation for how coverage will be maintained under the new system. The longer the process takes, the more concerns seem to mount.

As soon as the leaders at Vashon’s fire station have a detailed plan for coverage under the new system, they should take an unbiased and skeptical look at it with the best interests of Vashon residents in mind. They should also call a public meeting and hear from the community as well as their own staff before moving forward with this controversial transition. A top official has indicated that Vashon’s fire board has the final vote, though commissioners have seemed unaware they will play that role.

Some VIFR officials have said public input isn’t needed because their concerns are unfounded and paramedic service will be the same, if not better. After all, King County Medic One is considered one of the top paramedic programs in the country, and smart people are developing the plan for Vashon. One commissioner said public input was moot last year when there was a clear recommendation from experts.

If there truly is no reason to worry, the agency should have no problem spelling out the plan for island residents and answering questions. Before a new strategic plan is started, we deserve assurances that changes already in the works won’t put public safety at risk.