EMSer

happy her life was snuffed out??
you must be a psychopathic sadist. i suggest you call a therapist first think tomorrow morning
the cop did what he thought was going to protect his life. a car is a lethal weapon. he shot in defense. it's unfortunate for the woman and the cop. how about the trash on this forum get some class...

Personally, I don't think anyone should ride for free. Even though my father has been a detective down there for 30 + years, it's not right that they keep raising it for the public, but let them ride for free. I'd say let them on for a reduced price, or make their own card that FDNY or NYPD has to pay for monthly or yearly. Even though its a train, it's still public transportation, and can't find that without a fee, and i think that should go for all.
Speaking of trains, bridges also let PD and FD go through the tolls for free. Now, I could see why if there is a jumper or a emergency in the middle of the bridge( that goes for trains too, if theres a stabbing or a fire on the train, then it'd be fair), but to go someplace you really don't need to go to, or do, theres a fee, and it should be paid for all who use it, no matter who you are.
Just my opinion.

Abortion isn't about privacy. It's murder. On a forum dedicated to people who save lives this topic is a disgrace.

You're going to see a whole lot more when the REMAC & REMSCO mandate that a bus roll within 3 minute of dispatch takes effect ( see policy statement 11-02 on the remsco website).

VAC - Paid personell??? That makes no sense....

I am sure that Barry can answer the manning of each apparatus (Engine Company and Ladder Company in New Rochelle, but I believe that NRFD has the following:
Station 1:
Tower Ladder 11
Engine 21
Rescue 4 (Not full-time unit - Staff with crew of TL11 when needed)
Station 2:
Engine 22
Ladder 12 (Now in Brownout situation due to Fiscal Cutbacks - Could be placed out of service permanently)
Station 3:
Engine 23
Ladder 13
Station 4:
Engine 24
Station 5:
Engine 25

"As a taxpayer I want economy but I want to be safe too."
You can have both - Its called a TOTAL 100% COUNTYWIDE CONSOLIDATION

Just one thing Cap... plenty of Muslims born here these days... Nation of Islam and their ilk? So that don't always apply.
I have to say, I've never heard about Jews rioting at Playland because they can't get on certain rides with their hats & skullcaps.
As for immigrants, I'm one of them. I still get my balls busted at times for the Scottish accent. But I'll tell you this, I'm American now. Not Scottish-American or some other damned hyphenated thing. American. I came here for a reason, maybe some others need to remember why they came here. And if I don't like the rules or system I'll do what any American does; b**** about it, and get involved in the political process and try to change it to how I think it should be.
Mike

If each VAC/FD got out of their little Silos, and started to work together, be dispatched together, set the same protocols together, same training, and actually participate in effective county drills with a good post-drill critique at the end (none of this, good job everyone, heres the free food), then I could see some progress take place.
But hey like you said, I'm thinking again. Those 52 PSAP points in Westchester county, and single agency dispatching protocols have been working for 50 years. Why progress now? Hell a consolidation study was even done back in 2001 by the county recommending that all PSAPs be consolidated.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/pdf/efop/efo33158.pdf
edit: incorrect PSAP Number change - and google is a wonderful tool

the title of this topic sounds kind of perverted lol

THAT MAKES 2 OF US...

such a tragic lose of life---young 18 year old -my heart goes out to his family and the Department. Do we finally learn form this?? SLOW DOWN BUCKLE UP over 25% of firefighter deaths have something to do with driving.

May he Rest In Peace and may his brothers and sisters take comfort in our support.
Its a tragedy that needs to be stopped. Not specific to his incident because I dont know how or why he crashed, but I see it too often up here. People drive recklessly to calls in their POV so they can make the truck and be first in the fire...Why...
I hope the family and friends are coping, all my best to everyone.
STAY SAFE...

I'm going to say this: norestriction is accurate in what he's saying.
History is deeply important and should be preserved, but not at the cost of accomplishing the fundamental goals of an EMS agency, mainly providing actual emergency medical care. I can think of a lot of great things an EMS agency can do with $100k and restoring that vehicle would be about last on the list, especially for one stuck in rough seas. The board made the right call for that agency, at that time.

ALS is spot on. This isn't a matter for the board, most especially in the present economic climate.
If members felt that strongly about it, they could have had a whip-round or formed a charitable trust to acquire the vehicle privately. That this didn't happen suggests a lack of enthusiasm amongst the membership.
I'm all for preserving history, and I put my money where my mouth is; I have an entire garage and basement full of ancient computers saved from scrapyards. But I don't expect to be supported by taxpayer dollars.
Mike

Government, should not be spending money to restore, maintain, store any antique apparatus, or tools. It is a waste of taxpayer money imo, and irks me to see departments budgeting money year after year for it. What benefit does it give the taxpayer? Nothing.

We are all entitled to our opinion...and you stated yours very well...and here is my opinion...the board did the right thing. I understand some history is important, however sooner or later they would have to find a way to store it...and that means adding to an existing building, or if they every built a new one added cost to increase the size to store it, or to pay to store it somewhere else. I've seen this happen time and time again. I also for one lose no sleep that there isn't a museum in Westchester for emergency services. Who would run it and what benefit would it have..other then getting some antique apparatus out of some firehouses or to not have the need to use taxpayer dollars to build an area to store them. Most of us need money for equipment and operational things...and sometimes its just not fiscally responsible to spend money on such things at certain times. I hope whoever bought it gives it a good future life wherever that may be.

While the person whom Barry is using as an example was completely inappropriate...it does make you wonder why they felt the way that they did. If they didn't know who Barry was or his background then they are operating on prior experience more then likely. So I can see it both ways...the provider was inappropriate...but may have had some negative interactions which led the behavior..right or wrong. And while nice in a utopia, you can't always trust the people next to you. I have more times then I can count know that I was given a vital sign that was not accurate, the only difference is now I know by face who I may not ask nor listen to all that much.
Bottom line is this..if I were to walk in to your scenario Barry...I would have still gotten another BP...but probably in the ambulance...if I did ask for one in the place....I would have simply explained that due to I intended to administer medications and one that is BP dependent, that I wanted to one more good grasp on what it is. What am I really saying...in the end...its my call to give a medication...and its also my responsibility for its administration and what can occur once I give it. IF it makes me feel more comfortable to get one....then get over it. But I can say that I wouldn't have handled it the way the other provider has. The other thing I want to point out..is that while I am a huge advocate for fire based EMS....there are still many firefighters who could care less about EMS and don't do their jobs to the fullest or think they know how a paramedic job goes which is BS. Do it the right way or don't do it at all. I'm fortunate enough to work with guys who see the heart attack just as, or if not as important as the AFA.

As is true with all great discussions, three sides are formed and disagreements arise. All sides make great and valid points. If we all agreed all the time, there would be no discussions, no need for words.

To answer it simply..no its not enough...how many fires are they truly going to? And the core business of the fire service is FIRE PREVENTION...not Fire Suppression. The Elks are going to deliver the same community "benefits" that the fire and ems services should. Fire safety, fire prevention, injury prevention..and I could go on and on.

I don't think anyone with a higher class felony should be allowed in any emergency service under any conditions...period. With action comes consequence...many wouldnt be able to get hired as a professional with their convictions..why should it not be the same standard on the volunteer side?

No troubles here brother...I give you kudos for speaking your opinion based on your experiences and to be honest...I don't think they are that far off for many people on here in regards to EMS and fire. So speak your mind..you did it respectfully and with tact, I respect that. It was with a bit of a broad brush as some have said...but while not the broadest of brushes strokes your comments...its pretty darn wide and I welcome anyone on here to try to challenge that argument.
With that said...here is where I differ from you...I'm a professional firefighter/paramedic, I've worked part time for private not for profit 3rd service EMS, I've worked for 3rd service EMS that had "VAC" in their name but have very few of the "V" part of the VAC present in a week, lone less a day. But no matter where I was...I always cared about the patch on both shoulders as a professional I represented both my agency and everyone who did the same profession as me. So even as a professional I cared about my name, my department/agency's name because we all represent each other.
Where the major difference lies is that volunteers will let pride and personal feelings often get in the way of what is obvious in regard to response issues, or how they will treat a professional provider if they come in to "supplement" or even become their service provider or even funnier the career fire service who is really just doing what they need to do to ensure the patient calling for help is getting care and service. Some of you may not like what I'm saying...but where I come from its the truth, and in my experiences in other places...it was the truth. I get tired of the individualism in one aspect, and then the pride over common sense in others that some just can't take the stone cold truth in what is happening as if its the end of the world they might need some assistance to get service where it needs to be...or someone to take it over flat out. And once you start having problems with response times and mutual aid rates...one of the first thing that happens is a drive to get new members, then get them immediately into an EMT course and if they do pass...the rushing of them on the road solo. Getting an ambulance on the road and wanting to help people doesn't translate to good service and quality care. And this unfortunately is becoming the norm..not the exception. Its no surprise that the ones who helped train me as a young EMT in a very busy VAC are the ones I trust the most and have the job done when I get there.

I can't say that there aren't those out there that may fit into the syndrome you speak of...but I can also tell you that there are some BLS providers who have extremely thin skin and can't take constructive criticism. I see very few providers in my system that will ever criticize any actions taken by a BLS provider unless it is something that didn't get done that is obvious it should have (bagging a patient who needs it, attempting to cancel ALS on a call that a patient obviously needs help) or the opposite something that was done completely wrong or ill willed (cpr on a patient with pulses/breathing, unwarranted albuterol administration). Bottom line is there are times where being professional means you have to be direct and I'm glad your answering your one or two calls this week but for me its about my 30th so I might not be all chipper and happy go lucky at that point. I have a reputation as being a very tough, staunch ALS provider. I'm fine with that as I don't belittle people, get nasty or treat them in an unprofessional manner. I am demanding...some can't handle that or don't like it...but guess what...I'm demanding because my level of professionalism allows me nothing else for my patient or my professions overall image. There is a time to be friends...and there are times that you have to get down to business. Just being there to "help someone" isn't enough when there they are in critical need for medical intervention.
The final point you bring up is a great one, as I often get complaints or bitching about ALS providers by basics. Any professional paramedic will never ever bad mouth another ALS provider to anyone but their equal colleagues no matter what the situation and approach that provider to talk to them about it. The most often one I hear is "they bls'd that patient and I felt it shouldn't have been." I always reinforce that you have the option of voicing your concern to a provider there...in the end it is their final decision, but you should feel good you voiced your issue/concern. The other thing I often ask them on calls which are often borderline or really didn't warrant ALS intervention is under what protocol should they have taken the call in or why I wouldn't have taken it in either. Again getting thicker skin in some cases just needs to be. The final thing to keep in mind is that we are all human and occassionally don't see things for what they are or make a decision based on that.

The answer to your question depends on a lot of factors. I perform my duties and as a dual role provider a hell of a lot more then 99% of volunteers...so where is my "night to celebrate" my hard work? The way I see it in my area...they get plenty as I wait and wait and wait for mutual aid. You speak as if they are doing it every day 24/7/365. Sounds like a great sound bite..but holds no merit.
Is it possible they are not using taxpayer money? Sure..but chances are they are in some way...if they 3rd party bill...some of that money is from medicaid/medicare...tax funded. Even if somehow it was by donations...does that still make it right? Go out to a parking lot asking for donations for a dinner? Or do people think they are helping with equipment costs?
And I just took the time to read some of the other posts from some of you....give me a break. Some of you need thicker skin...Firemoose if his post actually angered you that you couldn't reply..you definitely need to read my post right before this one. I feel for you and I'm sure your VAC has its funding issues...but what he posted...I see everyday...so now what? Why don't you be angry that I have VAC's around me that have more money to shake a stick at..can't over all their calls yet don't use the money to supplement their response with paid staff or do it so silly its mind blowing. But its ok..they get new ambualnces every 2 to 3 years. Smiles are great..but even if you show up an hour later and as long as you don't drop them..most people will smile. Yet again...instead of valuing someone's honesty...the cries of vollie bashing appear....if that is what is happening in his area..is he bashing? Or speaking the truth? And finally...no service is ever "free of charge." You get funding somehow.

I was not referring to taxpayers money being used...not everything purchased by EMS agencies is taxpayer money or money that people donate thinking it is for equipment.
I personally do not think that when an agency does not bill, and a patient sends a donation, that the patient is implying, "here is $100 buy some glucose." I would imagine that they more so are sending it to say thank you. And the patients who have asked how they can donate, say they want to send a donation as a thank you for our services.
I have also been n the situation where a patient takes out a $100 bill while WALKING into the ER and says, "Take this and buy your crew some drinks." OF COURSE I DECLINE THE MONEY!!!!!!! I REPEAT, OF COURSE I DECLINE THE MONEY!!!!!!! The point is that these are instances of people who are donating money as a thank you and want you to do something for yourself.
Your night to celebrate can be paid for by your income...
Im a pursuing music educator and in a year when I am working in a public school teaching music to students K-12 Monday thru Friday, my "night to celebrate" will be funded by me. There are volunteer music educators, music therapists, etc that receive donations. Is it wrong for the person to use the donation to buy dinner after a long day? Is the donator saying, "Here is $30, you MUST use it to buy valve oil?" I don't think so...
It is up to the worker to use the money he/she makes how he/she wants. IMHO the same goes for money that is not taxpayer money and is earned/saved up by the members themselves.