x635

Check out this awesome article that appeared in the NY times today about Metro North's New Haven Division. . I think it's a fascinating perspective. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/nyregion...xprod=permalink

[attachmentid=1945] Recently, I purchased "Seagrave 125th Anniversary- A Pictoral History Of Seagrave Fire Apparatus" by Matthew Lee. This book is AWESOME, and very comprehensive. There are some great photos of Seagrave apparatus from the begining up until now It's available from the FSP Books And Videos, the BEST exclusive fire and EMS bookstore on the internet. Here's the link: http://www.fire-police-ems.com/books/bs6398.shtml

I read some more of this book today, and Seagrave's history is quite facinating. There are several local apparatus pictured in this book. Seagrave has been around for quite a while, and reading and seeing their history is amazing. They've produced quite a variety of rigs, and many of the major cities in the US have had a Seagrave at one time or another. Quality issues or not, I still think Seagrave builds a tough truck from many years of experience. Although they may not build the trucks with all the bells and whistles, they build simple and what works.

Well, after over a month with the new Blackberry, and after admiring HFD23's new Nextel i580, I decided to ditch the Nextel Blackberry 7100i in favor of a Nextel i580. Although the Blackberry was chock full of features, maybe even too many for my liking, I didn't like the feel of the phone- I truely prefer a flip phone. It was also too businesslike, and the layout and use of the phone features weren't nearly as convient for my taste as the i580 or my previous i730. And, as I've proven to myself in the past, I don't have the patience or drive to stick to using a PDA. Pen and paper notes and schedule work just fine for me. The new i580 is a perfect fit for me- it's a flip, and is built rugged, and the case is designed to be weather and shock resistant. It's a rugged looking phone designed to take a beating. I really like the feel and features of this phone so far. It has some really cool features that I'm looking foward to trying. I also like the simulated diamond plate on parts of the phone. It's also neat because it is a cameraphone, although I carry a camera everywhere all the time, I think it may be a neat tool. I also got one of those obnoxious mini hands-free bluetooth headsets, which should make things easier. I considered the new Nextel "hybird" dual mode phones, but after reading some reviews, I'm going to wait 'til the technology develops some more. Plus, I don't want to have to have two seperate plans for one phone. Thanks to HFD23 for helping me out with selecting this new phone. (The Blackberry is going back to Nextel or is for sale at the right price) [attachmentid=1839] [attachmentid=1840]

Date:2-10-07 Time: 0100hrs Location: 735 Anderson Hill Road Purchase College, Natural Sciences Building, by "The Well" Frequency: 46.26 Units Operating:2411, 2412 (Alumni Village then Natural Sciences), R30, E238 (Alumni Village then Natural Sciences), Harrison EMS and New York State University Police.Description Of Incident: Student fell 10 feet into well. Purchase FD extricated victim from well. Writer: NOR1219, x635 Time of call: 00:56:18 On Scene: 01:02 Under Control: 02:10 Cleared: 02:22 2nd call simultaneously to Alumni Village for a commercial alarm. Upon arrival to the Natural Sciences Building, we found the patient, conscious and alert, roughly 15 feet in “the well”, after a 15-20 foot fall. “The well” is a 10 foot cylindrical structure, attached to the outside of the Natural Sciences Building, that descends another 5 feet below ground. We investigated a vent at the bottom of the well. When arriving in the boiler room connected to the structure, we discovered the vent was connected to an HVAC exhaust unit; the patient was inaccessible this way. We had one firefighter repel into “the well” who collared and harnessed the patient. We set up a 2:1 rope system to extricate the patient. The patient was lifted out of the well at 02:10 and transported by HEMS to Westchester Medical Center.

Today, while photographing the fire in Greenville, a thought reappeared in my head that I've always had. There's something dramatic about a fire that ordinarily draws a crowd of spectators. It just seems natural. But part of me feels guilty, here we are photographing these peoples houses burning down and their lives being turned into ashes. Worse are those who come just to watch. I know fire buffing has been around a long time, and I'm a part of it, but I have mixed feelings. One side of me feels that fire photography shows what we do, there are people who want to see it, ways photos can document the job that we do and what happened. The media is going to cover it anyways. It is also a hobby. And then there's part of me that feels bad that there's numerous people watching and photographing this like it's a spectator sport. Although I'm not sure if it's wrong, is it disrespectful? Mixed feelings I guess. I mainly look at it as photojournalism that's specific to our profession....just like the media covers wars, etc. It;s human nature to want to know what happned and even more see what happened.....especially in this line of work.

I must say, Nextel's customer service and reception sucks, but they sure (with Motorola) build a rugged phone. My new i580 recently took a heavy impact, and was then submersed in mud and water....and still works like new. Don't know what would have happnened had it been another phone, which most likely would have broke. On a side note, just ordered the bigger battery with the battery door to accomodate it.

Although I posted in another thread, I want to reiterate that it doesn't get any better then an In N Out Double Double: [attachmentid=1903] I'm sure there are several on this board who know what I'm talking about!

So, I've been watching a lot of TV lately. One of the shows I caught on the National Geographic Channel was "Ultimate Factories". The episode I caught was the factory of the Peterbilt 357 in Denton, Texas. It's quite awesome to see the process that goes into building one of my favorite trucks. Other "Ultimate Factory" episodes include the John Deere Harvester factory, the Harley Davidson V-Rod factory, and the Budwesier factory.

This enraged me when I heard the story while I was in WMC. This establishment has been there for years, and is a landmark in Greenburgh/Yonkers. All of a sudden, it's a problem for Greenburgh. I guess they want to build another high end furniture store, bank, senior housing, or church there- since that's seemingly the only types of businesses Greenburgh wants. We lost Barnes and Noble, we're losing Carvel, and now Greenburgh is forcing Mickey's out. What's next? Must they break everyones balls?

That oldie is beautiful. It was sitting inside LAFD's triple shop when I was there a couple of weeks ago...it was covered in tarps so I couldn't get a great shot of it. I was told the story about it, but I'm having trouble remembering it. I think it has something to do with the museum, and is a public appearance piece.

I'd love to know the deal as well....I haven't heard about this either.

This is one of my new favorite rescues! It looks AWESOME! I hope when I'm feeling better I'll be able to catch some photos of it during my springtime New England photo hunt.

100 photos from my January 2007 Los Angeles trip this past week can be found here: http://www.x635photos.com/LosAngelesJan07/x635LAJan07.html When I have some more time, I'll elaborate some more on the photos. In the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to ask. I have so much I want to tell about them.... [attachmentid=1937] [attachmentid=1938] View more photos here: http://www.x635photos.com/LosAngelesJan07/x635LAJan07.html

What local PD agencies use the 2006 or later model Chevrolet Impalas? Off the top of my head, I know Tarrytown, Port Chester, and Bedford have all taken delivery of '07 Impalas. I wonder what the major differences that lead these agencies to prefer the Impala? [attachmentid=1767]

Just wondering how everyone communicates with the hospital for medical control and notification? Personally, I think depending on cell phones suck. There are many cell dead areas, especially when you really need it. I think I'm correct in saying that the NYS HEAR radio system is pretty much defunct and obsolete, and wondering if anyone knows anything about a new version being considered. In CT and MA, they have CMED, which makes it easy to get a note or med control channel via radio. In other areas, dispatchers make the notification...and by doing this in some ways, give away the confidentiality that a patient is supposed to have. Also, are there any hospitals that don't require EMS notification on everyday kind of stuff? Or is there anyone using fancy technolgy to accomplish this? Hospital communication should be quick and easy...best setup I've seen was in Boston EMS's ambulances. They have headsets, which allow you to keep your hands free and easily hear the other end, and knee and foot switches to key the mike. Also, a dispatchers connects you with a hospital when and where you request. I've also seen other systems that do it via a computer transmission to the ED's computer.....can't get any easier then that.

Just got a heads up from a good friend that the new FDNY Pierce Arrow XT and the Ladder from Rescue Me will be appearing this weekend at the Long Island Fire Expo. I'm on days

Well, passing through Bedford Hills today, I noticed the old Tanker 5 back at BHFD's HQ's. Last I knew, this unit was given to the Bedford Highway Department, and was living in their garage. Did they give it back, and what's going to be the disposition of the old T-5? [attachmentid=1768]

While looking though my photos today, I forgot I had taken this shot of one of my favorite ladder trucks (which I haven't seen recently and would love to shoot it again) Elmsford FD Ladder 55, 1999(?) Pierce Dash 75'. Replacement for the old "Quad", wish I had a photo of that! My favorite part of this truck, amongst other things, is the color scheme. [attachmentid=1889]

Apparently, according to Braun Ambulances website, or at least I can't find it on there, they no longer offer the Braun "slopeside" type ambulance. I was always a fan of these, Greenburgh PD used quite a few. I always thought they were unique and cool looking, and the inside was really laid out well. Empress EMS also used a commercial, smaller "mini-mod" version of these, that was later replaced by the "Express" line. Maybe x901 could help Harrison also still has one I think...that's got to be my favorite...I wish my camera could get a shot of it eventually. So everyone knows what I am talking about, here's Elmsford FD's (now) 58-B-2 [attachmentid=1874]

Apparently, it's old news but still news to me today that the Port Authority is taking over Stewart Aiport. I wonder if this means that Stewart Airport PD and Crash Fire-Rescue will be handled now by the Port Authority PD? That also would mean they would have to hire more officers.

The Regional Tech Rescue topic got me thinking. What about firefighting? Doesn't anyone want to form a Westchester Regional Firefighting team? How come we can form a regional "Technical Rescue Team", yet when we talk about regionlizing or consolidating departments, we get the BS that it can't be done? Is technical rescue more important then getting a properly staffed engine out the door in a timely manner with a qualified crew? Is putting out a fire less important nowadays? Do we make the rules up as we go along?

Here's another bonus photo. My jetBlue plane, "Mystic Blue" after arriving at Burbank Airport. I LOVE how you can de-plane at either end, and walk right out into the California sunshine and fresh air! [attachmentid=1907]

Exactly. Nailed it right on the head there.

It's ridiculos. Absolutely ridiculous. I've said it again and again, and I honestly don't think anyone really cares about their patients. They say they do, their intentions may be well and good, but are they really? We put band aids on problems- but only when we need to. The rest we just make believe don't exist. We're one of the wealthiest counties in the nations. Yet we can't afford decent EMS systems with guarenteed response times. I also find it insulting to the EMS profession that all the large cities in Westchester contract out for their EMS, yet pay thier own police and fire forces. Why cheap out on EMS? Why give it to a commercial provider? For crying out loud, these cities have their own sanitation departments, yet EMS is given to a for-profit provider? Is it so hard to set up a model like Boston EMS, or even better- LA City or County FD's? Somebody explain to me a good reason why we don't see a city in Westchester start their own EMS service? Some EMS agenncies don't even recieve any tax money and rely on billing to support them....and they take pride in that! It's truly a shame. Why give good paying, secure civil service jobs to our Paramedics and EMT's? Let's just let them suffer and struggle under the strong hands of the commercial entities? Let's not take the lead in Westchester, and set an example....and further the EMS profession and give the parity they deserve with Police and Fire. Heck, they do more runs then fire and PD do in most cases, yet are the most neglected! Is it fair that some of them have to sit and sleep squashed in a front seat of an ambulance on a streetcorner, in the dead of winter, for $9.00 an hour while we sit all nice and cozy in our stations. People need to give up their egos, learn to play together nicely, and get desperate victims THEIR community BLS or if needed ALS ambulance that they pay for with their taxes in a timely fashion. And don't even get me started on the negligent and ignorant communities that take firefighters and police officers off the streets to provide or supplement EMS. Another band-aid fix! People will get mugged , buildings will burn down...where were our firefighters and paramedics? Transporting an EDP to the hospital. I know there will be a day a chief will have to justify to his community why the proper staffing levels aren't there for EMS. But, at least in these communities you can get EMS guarenteed in some fashion. We also need to draw the line between BLS/ALS transports and EMS. They are two seperate, completly different things. We should put up signs that say "Warning- Politics, Selfishness, And Egos- Enter At Your Own Risk" AND, when we hear a department getting re-toned for manpower for an EMS call, and it becomes a regular thing, PLEASE let's all laugh at the leadership of that department and their members who "care", and reflect in disgust on their leadership abilties and concern for their constituents. If you see them in a parade or at a social function or "the big one", question why they are there yet can't get their ambulance out at 3AM or 12PM? As you can tell, I'm passionate about EMS, and I hope there are some that feel as strongly as I do that the bullshit needs to stop, and an agressive stance needs to be taken. Let's stand together and throw aside these morons who hold EMS back! We can do it! Somehow.