xfirefighter484x

I have heard in the past of some other alternative restraints for crews in the back, such as a full point harness attached to a medic/EMT on either a retracting or just static line attached to the body of the bus inside. While it is a good idea in theory, if the rig rolls, they are basically a big yo-yo, or just like a pendulum on a large clock. Like I said before, many things are good in theory, but then again, there can be some drawbacks.

First off, I don't want anyone to get the idea that I am bashing anyone affiliated with EMS or anything, I do have the utmost respect for you all, these are just a few of my little observations. I will give credit where credit is due. A lot of thought and effort went into designing this bus, but there is never any perfect situation. As well as those racing-inspired seats in the back may be designed, they must be used to work properly. For example, as we all know (or some of us at least), performing CPR can't be performed too well from a seated position, one is most easily able to do so leaning over the patient, unfortunately. Of course as well, during a CPR call, one is going code 3 to the hospital, more than likely traveling very fast, and if an accident were to happen then...just like any other ambulance, the EMT/Medic would be unrestrained. Like I did say though, elminating sharp edges, corners, the hard floor will help in a lot of situations! I do like the setup they are said to have for baby car seats and the recessed compartments and such, many good ideas finally being put together! [and now I brace myself for the onslaught of criticism I am bound to receive for bashing a positive article]

Theres idiot-proof......then theres Firefighter-proof......my question....which one was this NOT?

"Honest Chief....i smell something burning somewhere....."

Up here in East Fishkill, there are 3 words that we all fear hearing. I-B-M!!! During the big blackout a few summers back, right after we lost power, we got toned out for a smoke condition with a chemical conditions in one of the buildings. Ended up somehow, I believe it was Sodium Hydroxide that got released into one of the buildings, thankfully with no humans, or any other life I know of affected. We did a room by room search of the majority of that section of the complex for any other hazards, with nothing found. When we ask our officers what they really have contained in there, all they will say is, "You don't wanna know. Lets just say the 'rule of thumb' applies in this case'. Lots of Methyl-Ethyl-bad-stuff." Needless to say, i was all gung-ho for going to that call during the blackout, being a newer member. Still relatively new in comparison to the majority of you respected senior guys, I grew wary of reality REEEEEEEAL quick after that one!

Date: 7-10-05 Time: 0011hrs Location: Shenandoah Rd Description: Driver fell asleep at the wheel, went off the road and through some brush for approximately 100 feet, and woke up just before hitting a tree head on and was able to cut the wheel, avoiding the tree. Car proceeded to clip the tree, putting car up on to 2 wheels. Car then slammed into a built in garage of a split level ranch, taking out concrete center post, and damaging 2 cars in the garage. Minor structural damage, and none to a load bearing wall. Driver was RMA, and all units cleared at 0100hrs. Writer: xfirefighter484x

Boy, you can sure take your pick from my department. Between our Haz-mat trailer, 6 wheel ATV, Hose Truck (5000' of 5"), "Boat" (yea, a rowboat), i would be amazed if they rolled to 5 calls total last year.

Haha, yea, I am with you 648. I guess some people just like to stoke the coals.

Date: 6-29-05 Time:1145hrs Location: 86 Beekman Road Units: East Fishkill, Beekman (w/34-11) Descritpion: While enroute to first lightning strike, East Fishkill was toned out for a second lightning strike to a house. Power traveled 3 different ways through house, into the basement. 3 separate fires in the walls of the basement. Writer: xfirefighter484x

Date: 6-29-05 Time:1130hrs Location: Woodcrest Drive Units: East Fishkill Descritpion: Lightning strike to a house. Traveled through dryer vent, discintigrated vent w/slight extension into floor. Towels and clothes on vent also burned. Writer: xfirefighter484x

Date: 6-06-05 Time: approx. 2300hrs Location: 115 Miller Hill Dr. Description: approx. 2300hrs, PD, LaGrange and East Fishkill dispatched for a reported house fire at 115 Miller Hill Dr. PD arrive on scene reporting all occupants out of the house, fully involved p/d, 2 story colonial. LaGrange Command calls on scene, reporting fire on the deck, extending to the house at a high rate. Units: LaGrange, East Fishkill (1 Engine from EFFD St. 1, and 2 Tankers), Union Vale w/1 engine, Pleasant Valley w/1 engine, rescue with FAST, Beekman w/1 engine, 1 tanker, Millbrook w/1 tanker 2318hrs - Union Vale and Pleasant Valley with 1 engine each to go on standby in LaGrange. UVFD to LaGrange St. 1, PVFD to LaGrange St. 2. 2324hrs - UVFD 67-13 re-routed from standby at LaGrange St. 1 to the scene of the fire. Beekman 34-13 to go on standby at LaGrange St. 1. 2329hrs - Dutchess County Fire Investigation Division requested to the scene of the structure fire. 2338hrs - Pleasant Valley with 56-55 and their FAST team to the scene, as well as Central Hudson Gas & Electric to the scene (CHG&E ASAP). 2342hrs - Beekman w/1 tanker to the scene. 2357hrs - No response from Beekman's tanker, Millbrook with 49-31 (tanker) to the scene. 0006hrs - Beekman responding, tanker to the scene, Millbrook's tanker to go on standby at LaGrange St. 1 0026hrs - LaGrange Ambulance transporting 1 firefighter BLS to an area hospital, unk. reason and or condition. Requesting another ambulance to backfill. Also Nichols to the scene with air truck (??). 0029hrs - Alamo ambulance to go on standby at LaGrange St. 2 0032hrs - LaGrange, East Fishkill, Union Vale, all available interior FF to the scene. Writer: xfirefighter484x

Date: Tuesday 5/10/05 Time: 1309 Hrs Location: IFO 600 Leetown Rd City/County: East Fishkill, Dutchess County Agencies: East Fishkill FD & PD, Mobile Life ALS, Stat Flight Frequency: 453.900, 453.925, 453.625 Writer: xfirefighter484x Description: 2-car head on MVA w/entrapment, 1 patient extricated, transported to WMC via Stat Flight

My deepest condolences go to the families and membership of the ambulance corps these members belonged to. Just this past month, a mutual aid and neighboring department lost a member in an apparatus mva, (Beekman FD, Dutchess County), and I saw the tragedy their department went through. God speed, and Rest in Peace!!

Date: March 26, 2005 Time: Apx 22:10 hrs Location: 2223 Rt. 9D between Alpine Dr. and (Misk?) Lane Descripition: Structure Fire Units: Hughsonville, Wappingers Falls, Chelsea Frequencies: 453.800 453.900 Writer: xfirefighter484x approx 2300 - Dutchess County FID to the scene