RE “LURID ads reveal deep tensions - and test Flaherty’s mettle’’ (Editorial, Oct. 22): The assertions made by Boston Fire Fighters Local 718 have nothing to do with the mayoral campaign other than timing. They are about elders lying on the floor longer than necessary, citizens with trouble breathing waiting for oxygen.
Victims of a shooting or stabbing are a small percentage of ambulance calls. There is merit to what James Hooley, acting chief of Boston’s Emergency Medical Services, says, but why not give the person on the street the benefit of the doubt with a quick response to stop a patient’s bleeding or provide ventilatory support.
Ask any citizen who isn’t a Menino coat holder or a Boston EMS employee who he or she wants to see in an emergency. The answer would be: trained and equipped emergency personnel in the shortest amount of time possible.
Brian Dasey
Dorchester 
