Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Skill of doctors saves lives

Friday, July 5, 2002 | 3:10 a.m.

Doctors have the skills necessary to save lives. I know, because of fast and good work by surgeons my life has been saved. Therefore, the respect I have for them comes from my heart.

What bothers me is the willingness of about 50 of these people with special skills leaving the UMC trauma unit on one of our nation's bloodiest weekends. Without getting into the debate about insurance premiums, lawyers and doctors, I find it difficult to accept doctors leaving the trauma unit this weekend. These are men and women blessed with the ability to produce modern medical miracles. Miracles that insurance agents, lawyers and people like me can only dream about.

If I were a skilled orthopedic surgeon, there is no doubt I would be at UMC today. Just having the opportunity and skill to save a life would be the only incentive needed. Having saved lives during combat are experiences I will never forget.

My efforts to save lives were crude and done with little thought or skill. The doctors who saved my life saved several lives every night for months at a time. I'm sure that if they were here today, they would also make certain the trauma center remained open.

The dedication of the Capt. Michael Lewis Hyde Nevada Veterans' Nursing Home last Friday was a memorable affair. It was done with dignity and the enthusiasm Nevadans have come to expect of Boulder City. The entire dedication, music and talks were first class and was moved along by master of ceremonies Capt. Ray Alcorn, USN (Ret.)

It was a good time for those of us who knew the late honoree to talk about him and his accomplishments. Driving back to work that day, I was thinking about what could have been if Mike had survived combat and moved on up to wearing the stars of a general. Maybe he would have returned to civilian life and been a success in one of many fields open for people with talent. We will never know.

When looking at the Vietnam Memorial Wall with the name of Hyde and several other Nevadans on it, we should all pause and ask ourselves, what if? Yes, what if these people hadn't lost their lives doing what so many others refused to do? What if the people who died in combat in past and present wars hadn't made the supreme sacrifice?

In military cemeteries around the world there are markers over the graves of heroes who, if they had lived, would have made great contributions in literature, medicine, law, agriculture, religion, education, economics and industry. We will never know the extent of the contributions they may have made.

But what if they hadn't fought and put their lives in danger? What if our country hadn't challenged the abusive power and pain that comes with dictatorships and governmental philosophies which see no value in the lives of individuals? We have reason to believe that if these wars hadn't been fought and won, the world could be a place with little room for the values and scientific advancements we can take for granted today.

During this Fourth of July weekend we again celebrate the birthday of a great nation. We are a super power with a heart after more than 200 years of evolution made possible by citizens willing to defend us and our freedoms. Those who gave their lives for this cause have made contributions that we can only measure by what we have today. It's our responsibility to protect and strengthen the democratic values and accomplishments we have because of their sacrifices.

Henderson's Michael Hamdan reported that his cell phone picked up the conversations of people speaking Arabic. Because of his knowledge of the language he listened and heard a disturbing discussion that could be interpreted as a terrorist threat to Las Vegas.

Later he warned the FBI and has since come under fire because that agency doubts the credibility of his claims. Now there is neighborhood talk that Hamdan may be prosecuted for giving the FBI false information.

I don't know Hamdan, but realize that life has been uncomfortable for him in recent days and weeks. The entire truth isn't known by me, but if his public treatment is an example of what can happen to a person reporting a possible problem, then don't plan on too many more people stepping forward under similar circumstances.