x635

Regardless of this patients history, we have to deal with patients like this. The way to properly handle patients like this is to have a bariatric response and treatment plan in place. I believe UMDNJ-Newark's Heavy Rescue specializes and carries equipment to make moving bariatric patients easier. They have it down to a science. Many agencies are starting to wake up, and provide bariatric care. If he truly suffered injuries because the FD was proven to not have handled him correctly, then that is poor patient care. I don't know about FDNY, but in many systems that don't have bariatric training or equipment, patients are handled very roughly. It's not fair to make fun of a patient because of his situation. We have to deal with everything, no matter what. As far as the comments about guys with back injuries, it's no different then getting hurt at a fire scene. Some idiot most likely caused the fire, but how often to we blame them for the injuries suffered at a fire scene? ANOTHER MAJOR ISSUE: EMS Providers in general, aren't the greatest shape.

Isn't that techically part of the FDNY fleet? What are they going to use for aerial protection now? And that seems like quite a bargain for a '93 Pierce 100' Tower that's been barely used. $75,000?? That's a little ridiculously low in my eyes. Especially that it appears in excellent condition and has a pump.

Alternative airway devices are great and all, but still NOTHING tops direct largynoscopy. RSI is only working to help that, where the systems have it in place. There are extreme situations where you may not be able to get an airway, but there are also many different tools to assist with DL and make the placement easier. Every agency should invest in devices, especially ones like the Bougie, a form of stylet that is used widely in Europe, is cheap, and easy to use. You slide it in the airway, it is designed to go right into the trachea. After that, you slip the tube right over that and into the airway. Another part about intubation is the bagging....the situation, adreanaline is pumping, and we tend to bag WAY too much. Remember, proper ventialtions (10/min), HELP the patient. 30/min adversly affects the patient. Except in head trauma. Also, let's not forget the Bag valve mask with OPA and 100% O2 is also a great way to maintain and airway worse comes to worse.

Westchester County DES is close to completion on it's "Support Services Building", or as it's known in the field, "Station 7". This building is located on Bee-Line drive, right on the corner of Dana Rd. (used to be a wooded area just east of current DES building) This building, when completed, will have a large warehouse (that in my hopes can be converted into living quarters down the line). On the far end of the picture is a large parking lot for training, with stairs actually close to the classrooms (no more of a long haul with gear). The main feature of Station 7, is 7 bays. Has an emergency generator. It is slated to house: -Engine 7, 2001 International/E-One -Ladder 7, 200? HME/Smeal 100' RM -Technical Rescue 77, 2001 Spartan/Saulsbury -Hazmat 1, 2007 Spartan/Hackney -Field Com 1, 2007 Freightliner -Support 7, 2001 Freightliner Straight Moving Van -????? They have built a new pump test facilty by the pond. So, the old garage will then be converted into an audotorium and additional classrooms and practical skills space, last I heard. Photo by me today:

That's called System Status Managment, and what I was referring to up above, although I should have been more clear about it. SSM is a whole 'nother monster that I curse whoever invented it! Empress EMS in Yonkers employed it, or at least it did when I worked there. Everyone I know who works SSM hates the "post shuffle". It places tremendous wear and tear on the bus, and significantly reduces its lifespan. It taxes dispatch resources. It consumes thousands of gallons of fuel uneccesarily. It spews pollution into the air from run down diesel engines. It leaves the ambulance out in the cold and heat, and the crew shoved in the ambulance the whole shift. Basically, the system is wringing every possible dollar they can get out of the crew. It has its plus sides, like response time (in most cases), but those are few and insignifcant when you consider a proper EMS system. Again, you wouldn't put firetrucks on streetcorners in busy systems and reduce staffing because of it......the firefighters would have none of that, and niether would the commnity.

What a great video, and a GREAT rescue. Timeless. Great find, I had seen it before on TV and video but it's nice that many more people can view it now that it's on YouTube. If I'm not mistaken, the firefighter involved in this rescue was involved in another rescue like this during his career, and possibly was killed on 9/11? If anyone can confirm...

Thoughts and prayers are with Officer Ballman, his family, coworkers, and friends, and the entire Kirkwood community. INFO FROM: http://www.policeone.com/news_internal.asp?view=1659344

Thoughts and prayers are with the Sgt, his family, coworkers, and friends and the entire Kirkwood community. INFO FROM: http://www.policeone.com/news_internal.asp?view=1659346

(Please see my post relating to this issue in the "EMTBravo Site News" forum) I had to learn through Joe Pinto's column in the Jan-Feb edition of Fire Apparatus Journal that Mount Kisco FD is keeping the Mack CF that was recently replaced by a new Pierce, and redesignating it as Engine 102. It will be used as a spare, as well as in parades and as a public relations piece. That is AWESOME news! A beautiful Mack CF preserved, and not eventually destined for the scrap (or rust) yard!

Interesting article on the Federal Signal Rumbler.

Condolence to Keith and the entire McCartney family. Sounds like Donald lived a rich and fufilling life. I only know Keith, but from reading the article above, a lot of his father's spirit shines through in him. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Last night, Fairview (Greenburgh) FD, and this morning, Scarsdale FD, demo'd an LA County spec KME Severe Service Predator. William McGuffey, the area KME rep, has the apparatus to demo it to several departments. Word is that he will be going up to the Albany area to demo the rig later today. Both Fairview and Scarsdale are looking to replace Engines. I caught the rig on Scarsdale FD HQ's apron this AM, while the Chief and his members were looking it over. Sorry for the shot, it was poor lighting. This rig is exactly the same as the LA County Predators, and are part of a "add-on" program to that contract (which is for over 100 pumpers for LA County). These pumpers truly are built for severe service, and easy maintanence. I have seen this rig up close and in depth with the mechanics at the LA County shops last year when deliveries first started and two weeks ago, and they really are nicely laid out and built. IMHO, perfect for departments like Fairview and Scarsdale, and many others in this county. From KME's website: Here's a photo of an LA County one just delivered, photo taken by me two weeks ago. There are some minor differences.: Anybody know if this engine was demo'd elsewhere in the area? Thanks to a good friend for the tip!!

Mack makes its return to Yonkers!! Yonkers FD has taken delivery of a brand new Mack for assignement to the Special Operations Division. http://www.emtbravo.com/SpyShots/YonkersFDMackGranite.html Spy photos at the link above taken by me today, Wednesday February 6th, 2008 at 1000hrs

With the recent Chapter 11 filing of American LaFrance, I pondered what the future could be for one of the largest fire apparatus manufacturers in the nation. Then I though about Mack. They are a financially healthy unit of Volvo Trucks, and I feel if they got back into the fire apparatus market, they'd make a killing off the name alone...provided they could keep up the quality. Mack could use American Lafrance's infastracture, including their brand new factory, and combine two legacies in fire apparatus to make for a potentially very powerful fire apparatus chasis and body manufaturing company.

I can't find anything either. Hopefully, one our Scarsdale members can fill us in. *fingers crossed* I just hope it's a Boomer!! http://www.fireboomer.com/boomer/ Seriously though, Crimson builds REALLY nice apparatus. It's nice to see their presence in Westchester (hopefully_

I "digitally kitbashed" this truck, primarily using Bethel, CT's Mack Granite/4 Guys front bumper and placed it on this rig. I love Bethel's custom 4 Guys bumper, and this proves it looks good on any granite. And, of course, had to add the bell! Hope you enjoy, again this is a FICTIONAL rendering!

It was aqquired for free via US Military surplus. It's for use during disaster situations or where water supply is needed in situations such as a water main break or a large extended fire in the "tree streets" area AKA Nodine Hill, where the hydrant pressure can be very low. It can also be used if hydrants are out in a dense area due to construction, etc. It's also available mutual aid to communities that need it. At least that is the way it was explained to me.

Yes, it will be outfitted with lights, sirens, radios, striping, toolboxes, and other equipment. It was just delivered on Monday, and Yonkers FD has many new Support Services pieces going into service, so with that it should be ready to go within a couple of weeks. This will tow the Hackney USAR trailer when delivered later this year. It's also capable of towing the new FireBlast Mobile Fire Training Simulator delivered last week, as well as the water tanker and other YFD trailers.

The Airbus A380 is an amazing aircraft! I can't wait to fly one oneday. There is an awesome aviation photo website called http://www.airliners.net. I'm sure many of the aviation buffs on here are familiar with it. Anyways, a search of their massive photo database came up with several photographs of the A380 flight deck: Click Here To View

The City Of Yonkers Fire Department took delivery this week of their new Fireblast "TS Fireflash Trainer" Mobile Live Fire Training Simulator. This unit was funded by a grant recieved from FIRE ACT 2006. Spy shots can be seen here: http://www.emtbravo.com/SpyShots/YonkersFireblast.html More about this awesome unit can be found here: http://www.fireblast451.com/portable/fireflash_trainer.htm It would be great if the County, or even the state could get something like this....bring live fire training right to local FD's.

Should be delivered this week. It could be taken to the career FD's, who can't always afford to leave the district to train at WCFTC. Also, it could be left at a department for a couple of weeks (with the proper training staff in place), and the department would be able to use it multiple times during the duration of it's stay. For example, it could be used to certify that each member has live fire training at least once every six months. Don't forget, this simulator also includes a mask confidence course, ventilation simlultaor, bailout trainer, etc. A lot of departments want "their own" training center, and I think this is a great solution for those departments as well.

I open the cover of Firehouse Magazine, and it's a Pierce ad with a litte red circle surrounded by water droplets that says "What The PUC?" Says it will be announced at FDIC on April 19th. Anyone have any idea what this may be?

This is cool! Hopefully, they'll start accepting the Metrocard onboard at some point as well! FULL STORY: http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS02/801300343

It seems to me that DES is really rapidly expanding. It also seems that with this, 60 Control is taking on more and more work, almost 500% or more what they were doing 10 years ago, with the same staffing, same pay, and same facilities. I'm wondering if it's anywhere in the County's agenda to compensate the Communications Operators and Supervisors at 60 Control with what they deserve, a fair salary that's comprable with a Police Officer or firefighters. I also wonder if there are any plans to add staffing so that they have a reasonable and manageable workload, given they have one of the toughest dispatching jurisdictions in the world, and the call volume keeps increasing year after year? Also, is a new facility in the capital budget for any upcoming fiscal year? I was shocked that the Chief Of my Fire Department makes more then double what the Chief of 60 Control makes (according to Westchester Magazine). The Chief of 60 Control has a LOT more responsiblity on his plate, and less staff to help him, then my department's Chief. The whole retirment is a State thing, but Westchester could definetly push for it and set an example.

Congrats! I'm a newlywed, and loving it. Marriage is awesome, and make sure to enjoy all the fun things leading up to your engagement. The wedding day flies by fast, I can't believe it's been 7 months! PS Nice ring!