Good medicine

No one likes to go to the hospital. No one likes to be sick. But if one is stricken with an illness or is in need of emergency care, a small town is the place to be.

In Bigfork and rural towns like it, it is literally your neighbors who come to the rescue when you are in need of care. They are volunteers who have taken the time to learn skills in time of emergency. They could be a business owner or school administrator. Bigfork's QRU is an organization comprised of such individuals. They are caring people who serve their community. They are appreciated.

In last week's Eagle, we reported on a young man who benefited from the QRU's service. David Singleton was paralyzed as a result of an accident on Montana Highway 35 just south of Bigfork. In our effort to tell his story, we reported his recollection of events on the night of the accident. The QRU was a key part of David's medical care. They responded to the call promptly and efficiently, like they always do. They provided life-saving care in a matter of minutes. The number of minutes has been contested. We failed to double check reports and confirm the response time. In no way does this mean that we devalue the service of dedicated men and women who volunteer their time to the QRU and this community.

The thread that binds us all in Bigfork is a sense of community. In one way or another, we all strive to participate in the daily venture to keep Bigfork great. We push to maintain a small-town sensibility, and an allegiance to our neighbors. The medical community here is no exception. They make being sick easier with skilled hands and compassionate hearts. Now that's good medicine.