x635

Just some of my random thoughts... This is my profession, something which I have INVESTED a lot of time,energy,and pride into, and something which I make a living off of. I have been in EMS for 8 years, 4 as an EMT, 2 as an EMT-I, and 2 as an EMT-P. So I'm quite familiar with all ranks in this field. Respect with EMT's for me is not automatically given, it is EARNED. (Same goes for firefighters and cops and ESU Officers) When I started as an EMT, in a busy urban high volume system, I was automatically assumed incompetent by my peers until I proved myself otherwise, and found that to be the case in most systems. I fully agree in medicine their is a pecking order. As far as the "big words" comment, where I was trained as a medic, and where I did my rotations, I was always taught speak professionally, get treated professionally. A paramedic is a medical professional, and should use proper medical terminology. It also gains more respect from the MD's you are working with. Yes, ALS ambulances ARE hospitals on wheels....they are an extension of the Emergency Department. In general, an ALS provider can typically provide the care found in the first 15 minutes of an ED visit. Another thing is EMT's using the lame excuse that their skills are detiorating because of Medics being there!! That is a load of CRUD!! You get what you put into it! If you show intiative and are ASSERTIVE, you will get to use your skills and your will learn. I was taught this early on as an EMT, and I learned so much and got to use all my skills, even when working on an ALS bus. Also, most Paramedics I know show up in uniform. Many VAC EMT's show up in all kinds of casual clothing. Nothing is meant to offend, but IMO, not only does this present an unprofessional image, but it is hard for the Paramedic to differentiate who has what training. In addition, you have EMT's doing non-emergency medical transportation, which degrades the image of an EMT. And to answer the question that started this thread, their are still plenty of EMT jobs out there. Just gotta know where to look. Also keep in mind there are a large number of volunteers providing EMT's, so that is another reason why job oppurtunities on the EMS side may be limited. EMT's are a important part of the EMS team. Howver, I foresee their current role changing greatly over the next couple of decades. And BTW, just because someone has a different opinion than yours, or thinks differently, does not make it "bashing". I don't care if I offended anyone. I love my profession, and I want the best image for it. I love the EMT's I work with, and I always do my best to use my position to educate them and set them in the right path for this profession, just like my medics did for me when I was an EMT.

I've been listening to the plethora of wire down calls lately, and have heard many chiefs asking for ETA of the utility companies. Seems like it's the same thing over and over, day after day, year after year. Either the whole fake "1/2 hour" eta, or "unknown eta" I know from experiences with them when Con Ed gives an ETA, they will come....eventually. Repeatedly asking for an ETA does not hurry them up, they will come when the next crew is available, and wherever they may be in the WC. Unless their is a life threat, repeatedly asking for an ETA does nothing but tie up the dispatchers and airwaves, since Con Ed won't give an accurate ETA. So field crews are just forced to sit and wait for the next available crew. I was wondering what everybody else thought about this issue, and what could be done to resolve or improve it??? Now that cell phones are so prevalent.......

Since I seem to be suffering from insomnia lately, I finally had the chance to watch "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle" AWESOME MOVIE! Great spirit and dynamic of the film too, and a good underlying message. (Humor and language may be a little much for some on this board though, lol) Other movies which I liked a lot and discovered during times when I couldn't sleep include "Eurotrip" and "The New Guy". Seems like they play all the cool movies during the wee hours. "The universe tends to unfold as it should. " "Thats not a gun! It's a book!" "Did Doogie Howser just steal my f***** car?" "Now we're in Newark, of all places. You know we're gonna get shot. " Good laughs!!!

My question is....is cheap gas really that, cheap gas???? I mean, is Mobil or Texaco a better product then say Brand X? Does cheap gas leave deposits, or contribute to poor performance?? Is there anything that makes the name brands better??

Letter appeared in today's Marblehead (MA) Reporter. Kudos on the letter!

Very nicely done and interesting article about a system upstate. Hopefully, this rerouting to a cardiac center idea will make it's way down here someday.

Is that the old Rescue 18 in this photo? http://bigpicture.typepad.com/photos/firet...rd/p0003180.JPG The photos too small for me to see the lettering, but it looks similar to a photo Remember585 showed me once. From this site: http://bigpicture.typepad.com/photos/firet...truck_graveyard Awesome collection of old Macks. Too bad to see them dying like that though.

GREAT GREAT Article!! A must read!!! Excellent advice!! http://www.emsnetwork.org/artman/publish/a...cle_17371.shtml

CHIEFPHIL BSI. Danbury (Hospital) EMS is now operating under "Danbury Health Systems", a switch from BSI.

Saw this on FDNYTrucks.com 1st photo down. What is the HELP team???

Is it just me, or do the Communications Operators at 60 Control use their shield numbers less and less? I remember when I first started listening, as a young enthusiast around 8, hearing 602,614, 618 etc etc. It was so cool when I actually got to meet, and better yet, work with these guys (both were actually my tour Lt's) and put the number to a person some 12 years later. Anyways, I like when a CO ends their transmission with their shield number. It's, to me, a stamp of quality and pride in their job. I like knowing who dispatched me, and the CO's are often reffered to by their numbers in the field....it's almost celebrity-like the numbers....kind of like a stage name. Luckily, I know everybody by their voice and radio personality, but not everybody does. Plus, it's one of those GOOD and POSITIVE traditions! It seems like this practice is fading away, and fewer CO's are giving their number out less and less. I remember the day I got my number assigned....was one of the things I was loooking foward to most starting that job, and something I am proud of to this day. It may be a simple number, but everything that stands behind it, all the people I have worked with, and everything I have been involved with thats associated to that number, it means so much. PRIDE IN NUMBERS!!!!

Last night, during a rather unusually quiet night at work, spent some time looking at developments in the North Castle area. I drove through one development in particular recently hit by a fire. In this development, there are $3 million dollar homes, with intricate stonework, inground pools, all the amenties of the mansions they are. This development is still under construction. One thing I noticed missing started my mind going. This was touched on in the other thread. There were NO hydrants, dry hydrants (despite a retention pond on the property that contained water and despite a lake across the street) nor were there any storage tanks. I also recall being in one of these houses, and there being no sprinkler system. I'm not sure if these houses are municipal or well, I think municipal. Now, if you are paying this much for these houses and development, shouldn't there be some form of a water source on the property? It bothers me quite a bit that this seems overlooked. I'm wondering if the local goverment or Fire Department has any authority or ethical responsibility to obligate such things when approving a development?

Photos Photos Photos!!!! I tottally forgot West Harrison was getting a new Engine (even though it was in ACS), so this is a nice suprise! That pretty much brings WHFD's frontline up to date I guess. Looking foward to seeing it in person in Balto too! Now if only the Seagrave would return! Thanks for the info.

Bump for some answers. Harrison wants to build their own training center? That's a pretty neat idea. Probaly going to be primarily for the three Harrison FD's, Downtown, Purchase & West Harrison. But I'm sure Mamaroneck Village, Rye, and Port Chester would also benefit from this center. Where would this be located?

NYCFire.net has renovated the site and added several new features. Be sure to check it out http://www.nycfire.net/ Nice work by tbendick!

I know there are a couple of members of the board from Bethel, CT here, and I have some questions. I was in Bethel proper (downtown, I guess) for my first time yesterday. My previous Bethel experiences have been limited to Target on Route 6 only. I was curious, how affordable a place to live is Bethel? How much do houses go for, and how are the taxes? How about condos? Are there any, and are they reasonably priced? And who does ALS for Bethel? I really liked the town and area.

Thanks for the info. I really like the area.

Date: 7-21-05 Time: 1810hrs Location: FDR Park (Yorktown), Pool Parking Lot Frequency: Units Operating: NYS Parks Police, NYSP, WCPD, Yorktown PD, New Castle PD Description Of Incident: One subject threw rock at another subjects car, melee ensued between subjects in both parties group. Estimated 25-30 people involved. Writer: EMS307967, x635, Truck 4

Or as taught commonly "treat the patient, not the monitor"

ALS, I think his main issue is not being able to get in because junior members are filling spots. It's great Westchester gives the most FFI classes in the state, and I fully realize that waits in other areas are longers. But I personally feel it's ridiculous that somebody who is 18 and a full, regular member of the department can't get into a class because there are junior firefighters filling the spots. Regardless of how many classes you guys give, if I couldnt get into a course because some 16 or 17 year old is taking it, I would be quite pissed. Juniors should be offered the class on an as-available basis after the course has been offered to all adults. I do agree on the in house foundation training htough.

I agree with unleashed. Juniors should be given seats on a "leftover" basis. Priority should be given to the real FF's. In addition, Juniors should have to maintain a B+ average or better in school to be able to take these classes, and if able to take these classes, it should apply as extra credit. Unfortunetly, because of housing prices, juniors and young members are becoming more and more of many departments rosters.....so that's why they re probaly getting in. I also beleive that Juniors should not be full-fledged firefighter, but that's a whole seperate topic.

I was doing some thinking in regards to several recent incidents, and I thought of the following question....do Westchester taxpayers deserve more then what they are currently getting from us? At one time back in the day, many Westchester departments protected small working class communities, farmland, and light industry. These same departments today are protecting corporate headquarters, multi-million dollar houses, and large shopping developments and schools. At one time where Westchester taxpayers paid reasonable taxes for service, they are now paying quite hefty sums of money. So, with the changes, I feel the taxpayers deserve more. But, what do they deserve? Hey, we're there, right? That's good enough! WRONG!! These people have the right to know that their firefighters have IMMEDIATE and consistent access to an unlimited primary and secondary water supply, regardless of if they have hydrants or not. If they do have hydrants, they have the right to have them checked periodically, and consideration by their water district to add hydrants if needed or none exists, if their is a need. If they don't have hydrants, they should know that their fire department has access to a regularly practiced and standard plan to activate a water source, such as a tanker shuttle, upon the confirmation of a working fire. Water on the fire....one of the most fundamental and necessary parts of our job yet one of the most overlooked ones during training and preplanning. Do we have a plan? Do we have a backup plan? They have a right to get an ambulance in a timely manner. They are paying taxes, the school bus and garbage truck come without major issues, why do we have such trouble getting a life saving service out? They have a right to know that their firefighters are protected, and compliant with OSHA....Transmit a 10-75, FAST team comes automatically!! They have a right to a truck company. If a truck company is not available within the town, then they need to know they have one coming upon transmission of the 10-75. Truck companies on a structure fire shouldn't be special-call. They have a right to know their house is still protected just as well even if there is another emergency going on in town. They have a right to know that their house is protected with the same resources and the same staffing whether it's 3 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon, whether its the middle of winter or the middle of summer. They have a right to know that firefighters have trouble free communications system They have a right to access to pre-arrival instructions. They deserve to know their firefighters post-critique any significant incident, and takes steps to improve the next operation. They need to know their department openly accepts criticism and critique from neighboring departments, chiefs, and battalion coordinators and learns from each incident. They have the right to know the same mistakes won't be made twice. Chiefs....you think a department is doing a poor job? Send them a certified letter letting them know your concerns at an incident and your willingness to help them to a solution...don't just trash talk them among friends. Who cares if they don't invite you to their next fire or social function...that's there problem! Any REAL fire chief would be happy to know how his peers thought he could improve his next incident. After all, you don't get to see everything as an IC. They have a right to know that their firefighters are not just comprised of very young men and women 18-25, but a proper mix of personel with experience and training. They have a right to know why their fire departments are losing so many more experienced members THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHERE THE PROBLEMS ARE, AND HOW THEY CAN HELP TO FIX THEM! In another thread that has since been deleted, and in similar threads,I heard several members making comments to the likes of "Hey, it was just a vacant house" and "Nobody was hurt" so what's the big deal???? . True, but what if it had been somebody's house, and all their possessions were inside? Would you have worked any harder or differently? Nobody was hurt, but is that luck or a solid operation? On any incident, you didn't do a good job because you just showed up. Doing a good job goes way beyond just showing up and stretching a hoseline. (Thanks for the line M!) This is the fire service, this is a profession, not play time!!!! As said, taxpayers deserve more! They deserve competent, well-trained, and professional firefighters, and the right number of equally trained firefighters!!! Why should an abandoned crack house in Yonkers receive a better response then someone who is paying $19,000 a year in taxes? How can a social event be better planned and staffed then a fire? c This list can go on and on, but I'm sure you catch my drift......... It's time to step up to the plate, stop hiding and duct-taping problems, and looking for a PERMENENT solution to bring the modern Fire Service into the modern day WC. Heck, take it a step further and let's come up with our own innovative solutions! It's not fair to provide substandard service to the people, and property we are sworn to protect. It's time to make the problems known to your legislators and get the funding....the people pay taxes, the money is there, fight for it!! Fight for legislation to improve the fire service! Fight for a better fire service! Even the the littlest idea picked up by your average line firefighter on this forum can be a catylyst for tremendous change.......

mfc2257 Those are some good progressive ideas. Bedford Hills uses a box/alarm type system already. They are one of the few municpalities (excluding the cities) that I know of that use this type of system. Check it out here: http://www.bedfordhillsfd.org/content/map/ Put your mouse over the respective area, a window with the respective assignments for that area will come up. Mutual aid shouldn't be determined by who is friends with who, who won what parade, etc. Mutual aid should be determined by closest capable available unit AUTOMATICALLY.

Although I agree with you on the above statement, I created this thread with the thought in mind that everybody has "that one" place in mind that they really don't want to have to go to. So I'm aware of the above, just curious on specific places that may stick out in peoples minds more than others.