Zappers help protect citizens
Ken Hanson's article on Compton's plan to
install automatic defibrillators was inaccurate and prejudicial.
While halfway informing readers about the
Compton City Council's plan to install these devices in locations throughout
the city, Hanson actually admitted his belief in the stereotype that Compton
is nothing but a gang infested city.
Compton city leaders are not oblivious
to the gangs in the community, nor are they ignoring the problem, as Hanson
implied.
These leaders are currently involved in
various measures to decrease the gang population by working with the youth
and constantly conducting gang sweeps.
These kinds of improvements are evidence
that officials are maintaining their responsibilities, including the assurance
of certain public safety measures.
The notion that Hanson has about possible
misuse of defibrillators by ordinary citizens is impossible.
The truth of the matter is that within
recent years technological advances have upgraded defibrillators to respond
to a patient only when a pulse cannot be mechanically detected.
The American Heart Association was present
at the press conference where the idea was formally unveiled.
The defibrillators are addressing the number
one killer of residents in Compton.
I do not see a problem with these officials
making an attempt to save the citizens they serve.
Johnna Walker is a journalism student
ar Cal State Long Beach. |
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