In reference to the Whidbey News-Times article from Dec. 7, “Whidbey woman gives birth in speeding car.”

As a paramedic/firefighter and a resident of Whidbey Island, I am deeply concerned about this article. Fortunately it has a happy ending, the child was born, the family is well, and no island citizens were harmed. It could have just as easily had a different ending.

The article says the family lives in downtown Oak Harbor. Why was 911 emergency services not used, especially when it clearly states the wife had to be carried to the vehicle. There are very few places on this Island where EMS cannot get to in a timely fashion. It also quotes the husband as saying he drove his vehicle 100 miles per hour.  This placed his (at the time) unborn child, spouse, and every other person on the road in danger. I would assume that in order for the child to be born, the mother was not wearing a seatbelt. Is this not an admission of guilt in the speed of the vehicle and therefore subject to a citation for reckless driving an/or endangerment?

The article ends with the mother being quoted as laughing about them being a crazy driver. This in my opinion is no laughing matter. Reckless endangerment of the community has no place here.  Please utilize your emergency services. We are trained to handle emergency conditions including child birth, and driving a vehicle in less than optimum conditions.

Tim Wright

Oak Harbor