N1Medic

But what is being done to de-fuse the bomb?

I understand that part obviously. But it's not as simple as you put it. For example, let's say Engine 134 was on an EMS assist at the Beach Shopping Center and Engine 131 was out of service because that firefighter was on an ALS call in Mohegan. During this time, a structure fire with entrapment on Welcher Ave came in (the opposite end of the city). How would the Peekskill Fire Chief explain that the closest fire engine (Engine 130) was out of service because they weren't out on an ALS call, but riding in a BLS call because the VAC couldn't get anything but a driver. Who will be to blame when that time comes?

I think FirNaTine scores the point on this one... Man who recorded fatal police chokehold arrested on gun charges http://news.yahoo.com/man-filmed-nypd-choke-hold-video-arrested-weapons-234046410.html

Do the Fire Medics stay in the City Of Peekskill, or do they cover the entire Cortlandt territory as well? Do Peekskill taxpayers know that they are paying for ALS for other communities? So the Medic ride in BLS calls? A fire comes in, or someone is having a legitimate MI, and that firefighter/medic is stuck doing a BLS transport because the VAC couldn't get an ambulance out? What happens to that person who is trapped in a fire, or having an MI? And the department's only Rescue truck goes on just about all EMS calls for an EMS assist. What happens if there's a bad wreck on 9, and they need the jaws. Plus, since it covers the entire city for BLS assists, will this truck get the most wear and tear?

Where do they fall in the command structure of the department?

I, too, hope you never have to. However, whether that Engine company goes to the call or not is a crapshoot, as is the training, certification, and medical competency of the members on board. You're also hoping Yonkers FD Dispatchers think that you actually need the Engine Company, and that those Dispatchers don't "forget" to call Empress.

But what type of questioning do they do to determine that the sprained ankle isn't a result of an assault? Or the simple transport doesn't have more circumstances involved? So, basically, the fire department only goes to calls in which they think are important, and that is decided on a case-to-case basis with no nationally reconized and proven, industry standard training and protocol, like NAEMD? If the fire department is so critical to EMS in the City Of Yonkers, then why don't they go to every 9-1-1 EMS call? I'm interested to see Mason's insight....as he was an Empress Dispatcher before he went to work with YPD.

Well, how does the fire department determine what calls to respond on and what not to respond on? Is it up to a dispatchers discretion, a protocol, or do the YFD Dispatchers have formal training, such as EMD?

Here's a link to a News12 video with the Mayor disputing YFD's claims: http://westchester.news12.com/news/independent-arbitrator-to-hear-yonkers-firefighter-case-1.4397050 Why would firefighters who aren't certified get a $2,500 stipend meant for those who are? YFD responds to only 46% of EMS calls, why not 100%? And why would the Union run straight to court instead of trying to sit down with the City first to see how they can work together to cut costs and still be responsible to the taxpayers? Seems like the mayor has some valid points, and states he still supports the FD, just wants to cut the fat and is asking for some cooperation from the union. He also states YFD is going to be hiring a large class of new firefighters at the end of the month. And how does the first response program affect staffing levels, and why? I don't think I've heard of any other city where the first response program affects staffing.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20110803/NEWS02/108030326/Westchester-Medical-Center-s-planned-psych-emergency-cuts-take-effect

Thanks for the info, Paramedico! Didn't know there was so much conterversy going on about this- when I went to look at the IAEP's website, I found this: http://transcareknowthefacts.com/ And their statement regarding the Mount Vernon contract: http://transcareknowthefacts.com/docs/Did_You_Hear_About_Mt_Vernon_EMS.pdf Transcare is bragging on that site about how them winning the contract results in lost jobs for the Empress IAEP members. They make a strong anti-union case, and it seems they are going at it agressively. Seems the Mount Vernon contract was won just for them to prove a point.

Congrats Ed!!!

But, wasn't he employed at the same "VAC" you were/are employed at?

Best of luck to all!

Pittsburgh EMS just took delivery of these 2 new Pierce Arrow XT Rescues. A friend emailed them to me, photo by Bill Stuart. [attachmentid=2672]

Happy birthday to the black cloud!

Have any of the radio buffs seen this site? http://www.hamsexy.com/cms/index.php Surely, someone local has to be on here!

I don't see the purpose of this?

I heard it was a BLS bus?

This article regards the drowning of the man at Playland on Tuesday.... From The Journal News 7-6-06 I'm sure there's more to the story then the Journal News is letting on....like, um, maybe it was a critical patient, or the wife was hysterical and would have been a hindeance in the ambulance. Some citizen will be reading this, and it will sound like EMS was just being cruel.

I've heard that in addition to Empress people, Mohegan EMS got 23 tickets, Mamaroneck 10 or more, and Somers FD about 15. Should be quite an interesting mix of people on board if everyone shows up.