ComputerGuy

http://detroitfirefilm.org/category/videos/ Be sure to check out the "Helmet Cam Teaser". Some of the best raw footage of a working fire that I have ever seen.

http://detroitfirefilm.org/ If the film is even half as good as the trailer, I can't wait to see it. I knew Detroit was not in good shape, but I had no idea of how bad.

To clarify my last post. This is not a battery issue, but an operating issue. From Medtronics view, the device must be at least 32 degrees to properly operate. Bringing it from a very cold vehicle into a warm house does not count, the device itself is still to cold to operate. They go on to say that the device may be stored at -22, without batteries or electrodes. Reading between the legal lines, a lifepak below 32 degrees should not have a battery in it. If it does not work, the manufacture has no liability. That being said, I'd rather have a cold AED then no AED.

Lifepak 500 Brochure: http://www.aedsuperstore.com/assets/images/pdf/aedbrochures/Medtronic%20LifePAK%20500%20AED%20Brochure.pdf "Operating temperature" is between 32 and 149 degrees.

Not to get to off topic, but according to Fire Bell's web site the shields were original issued by FDNY, giving them access to fire ground. I assume this is no longer the case, anybody know?

Correct me if I am wrong, but the APCs were probably produced in response to desperate calls from the US Military. The Humvees were getting pummeled by IEDs. We needed vehicles that would survive the blasts, and we needed them fast. A number of heavy equipment manufactures that never made any military hardware started producing APCs

Yes, the trailer was purchased by the County.

Scarsdale VAC would be more than happy to talk to you about joining. We do allow non EMTs to drive the ambulance. But, we do stress that a driver is also the second member of an EMS crew. I was also very nervous in the beginning about coming across a gory trauma, but training and experience have eased by mind. I find on traumas, you concentrate on the problem at hand and really don't have time to think 'oh this is gross' Our training entails a three month probation that includes training in ambulance ops and basic medical. You then can proceed to our driver training program that last between 3 and 6 months depending on the candidate. PM me if you want more info. Be happy to give you a tour of our new facility

I am not saying that just O2 is definitive care by any means. I work and live around the town that I serve, and many times find myself right near the location of a call. Our average response time for an ALS ambulance is about 4 1/2 minutes. Which in reality could mean anywhere between 1 and 10 minutes. Administering O2 while I wait for my Medic helps in many cases, even if it is just a physiological effect. That is all that matters.

Someone goes down in front of me (it has happened more than once), I should leave them and go get my ambulance? I don't know about NH law, but in NY that constitutes abandonment. A few minutes of O2 does not make a difference? Tell that to someone having an anaphylactic reaction or severe asthma attack.

I inquired about this, I was told that since is it a Med, you must be certified to carry it. i.e. an EMT.