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As we start out 2014, what do you wish for your department in 2014, and why?

Here are my favorite photos for various reasons that I took in 2013, in chronicle order... thanks to all that helped me get them!

This probably should be the obvious rules during snowstorms, but it obviously isn't, at least with the agencies I'm listening too. Why are ambulance calls not prioritized during snowstorms? Let's assume the EMD process is used for more then just pre-arrival instructions. An ambulance is dispatched for a person who stubbed their toe two days ago, is a known "frequent flyer", and was properly EMD'd to weed out anything else that could be going on. 2 minutes into that response, a call comes in for a 45 y/o male with chest pain and difficulty breathing after shoveling snow. At this point, the ambulance responding is 4 minutes away from the stubbed toe, and 6 minutes away from the chest pain. ALS is dispatched to both, but the closest is going to the stubbed toe, and the Flycar from the next district 10-15 minutes away in weather conditions is dispatched to the chest pain. Also note the ambulance corps has to page out for another crew, because their standby crew is going to the stubbed toe. Why can't ambulances and flycars be diverted to more acute and higher priority calls if enroute to lower priority calls, and/or hold the stubbed toe until the next available BLS ambulance, and why send a flycar? Keep in mind, I know this is everyday in some places, but I'm referring to response times and critical care during snowstorms. And this is yet another example of when we need to let our professional dispatchers do their jobs and use their training and educated judgment.

Thanks. Moments after that shot the parapet collapsed on the exposure. Wished I had used the video feature. The 1974 Mack CF belongs to RWC130, and I believe the film will be out in early 2014.

Is anyone specifically having issues cutting and pasting from other websites onto this board? If so, let me know here. If you have resolved the issues, also let me know here. I'm currently working on the issue. Thanks! Seth P.S. PLEASE let me know if you think there is a bug or issue with the forum via the PM system - sometimes I may not know about it.

Just let me know in the future (everyone) when you encounter issues with using the site. Sometimes I don't experience the same issues and need someone to give me a heads up.

Happy New Year to all!

OK, it *should* be working again. Bnechis and wraftery, can you test it by quoting this post using the quote feature and letting me know it's working again? For some users, you may need to refresh your browser's cache by pressing CTRL & F5 simultaneously.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-ems-response-20131223,0,7894044.story#ixzz2oL0foi9i

I've noticed some new ladder plates being delivered with outrigger plates being built in. I can see the pros, but I can also se cons. One of the pros is that is saves time setting up. I know about spreading the weight, but is it necessary in every situation? (versus standard ladder plates)

The New England FOOLS Presents: Northeastern Fire Summit Spring 2014: "Where Brotherhood is more than just a word…" Date: Friday and Saturday March 21st and 22nd 2014 At the Maine Fire Service Institute, Sewall Rd Brunswick ME. Cost: $65.00 FOOLS members; $80.00 non-FOOLS member, lunch included. Once again the New England FOOLS have brought together some of the finest Fire Service instructors from around the Country for an intimate one-day seminar. Why spend a small fortune to travel to the National conferences when we are bringing the same or higher quality education right to your back yard. We look forward to the opportunity to show the Midcoast of Maine yet again why with the New England FOOLS, Brotherhood is more than just a word. Presentations will include: Friday evening keynote address by Fire Lieutenant Ric Jorge of the Palm Beach County FL FD First Due Engineer presented by Captain Eric Hankins, Yuba City CA FD Photovoltaic Energy and its Effects on Firefighting Efforts†presented by Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Hopson,Ocean County NJ Practical Tactical Command Decision Making presented by Chief John Oates of the East Hartford CT FD Whats the truck doing? A back to basics review of ladder company operations presented by Lt John Lewis Passaic NJ FD (ret) and Chief Rob Moran Brewster MA FD. This training will be dedicated to the memory of our dear friend; Suffolk County FOOLS President and FDNY Lt Rich Nappi, and all those Brother FOOLS and Firefighters who have gone before us. Let no mans ghost ever return to say that his training let him down For further information and downloadable application, please go to www.NEFOOLS.org/wordpress, or contact President Rusty Ricker. Call 978-360-4765 or email, CLICK FOR EMAIL.

You get what you pay for when your have a "free" forum. We've experimented with free software on other sites, such as SMF and phpBB, and it's not as powerful as this software. We actually started this forum using phpBB. Using our current software allows more features for our members, independence and "behind the scene" features which make this forum easy to administrate. We've used this forum for over 9 years, and it's been good to us. We have extensive customizations built into this software. And development of the "next generation" EMTBravo software is in the works. Besides, the major expense is the monthly hosting costs. We need the bandwith, speed, and storage space of a dedicated server Most importantly, we have top of the line members, and they deserve a top of the line experience.

Joe, This is great news. I'm glad to see you back, and can't wait to read more of your knowledgeable posts. Seth

This is ridiculous! Especially considering the companies are the busiest in the city, and one of the busiest houses in the country. DCFD is one screwed up department. Now they are intentionally putting firefighters into dangerous situations, and using them to make up for police. Read more: http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/24292727/dc-firefighters-deployed-in-anti-crime-initiatives#ixzz2oW6yTK9C

Full article: http://www.theridgefieldpress.com/24356/newest-fire-engine-has-a-rough-start/

I think every manufacturer has their issues. I think E-One has really improved in their quality over the past several years, but they haven't been competitive enough with marketing and their quality control at the plant has been declining. It sounds like the dealer has been responsive in repairing the issues and the town is content with it for now. By the way, who is the E-One dealer for CT? Greenwood?

Interesting editorial Full editorial: http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/grants-for-firefighters-temporary-fix/article_38effb19-73ac-5033-a5f9-18511276d35c.html

Thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this horrific and tragic situations. Let's also not forget the two firefighters who were shot and survived. It hasn't been published in the media much, but the killer's motive was spurred by his mother leaving all her money to the West Webster FD when she passed away.

I don't think Paramedics, especially those who work for commercial services, are paid enough nor have good compensation should be entering this type of environment. My safety is first, then my partner, then my gear, then my patient. If it's a dangerous situation, let the police do their job. If you're dead, you're not helping anybody. And most critical patients turn out to be a traumatic arrest, and the survival rate for that is extremely low, almost impossible to reverse. Paramedics have enough to worry about, the focus should be on better clinical care then entering these type of environments.

One of my favorite Christmas quotes Merry Christmas to all!

I happened to be upstate this past week when I was able to catch this second alarm in Rochester on Wednesday. It was a 3 story, wood frame abandoned residential structure. Operations were defensive from the beginning. You can note in two of the photos that the parapet wall collapsed onto an adjoining (vacant) building. The building was demolished after the FD picked up by the end of the day due to instability.

Thanks for the excellent info, 22 Truck. Much appreciated as I was wondering what happened to the Midi concept that I've heard about in the past. I noticed a Line Deputy Chief at the fire. What is the function of a Line Deputy Chief? I saw 2 rather lightly used looking Midi's sitting at the academy/shops. Are they going to be keeping those? I know the current Chief is stepping down, and there is going to be a new mayor, any chance the Midi's may be brought back?

FULL LIST: http://www.lohud.com/article/20131220/NEWS02/312200081/70-graduate-from-Westchester-County-Police-Academy?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7C%7Cp

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130821/NEWS/130829975