BFD1054

Critic...i'm soo sorry that i stated my opion, i just assumed i was entitled to it! You are entitiled to your opinions as well, but just don't reply that i'm "wrong!" You think your answers are the best and the right way to do things, maybe they are, maybe not. Thats your opinion, but don't bash my opinion! Believe me, i have been a PD dispatcher and a Fire/EMS dispatcher, and i know how hard it is and how many things are going on at once. As Seth said, i've heard many of these depts. get excited, give the alarm to 60 just once and thats it. Then Control is asking them to repeat the nature/location, but the dept. doesn't answer cause they're running around trying to get out of the house & thats totally unfair. Critic, you're right in saying that the more agencies that "get onbord" with Control, the more justified they will be. I totally agree with that, but will the County actually improve the system & hire more dispatchers, who knows? You said that when these depts. "dump-house," then Control doesn't get the credit? I really don't understand that, you want them to get a medal? I mean, i'm not knocking them at all, they do a hell of a job, but thats just it, its their job! Who cares about credit, everyone knows how hard dispatchers work and how much crap Control deals with & they all know how good they are too. Others have said leave the dispatching to the dispatchers and fighting fires to firefighters. That, i totally agree with. I must admit, when i first replied to this post, i was in a rush and didn't get to say everything i wanted to. I would love to see more depts get onboard with 60, but the county would have to hire more dispatchers to make the system work smoothly. I too feel that firefighters should just be concerned with firefighter related jobs, but some depts like the whole self-dispatching thing. It would be nice if the county just stopped them and said they either have to self-dispatch and be able to handle it fully or they have to switch to 60, but i can't see that happening. But you all made good points, i just didn't have time to truly answer this post the first time i replied. The dispatchers at 60, or wherever else, have enough on their plates. I just figured it'd be easier for them if some of the depts off-loaded some of the dispatching. But unfortunately, some of them tend to just "dump" calls on 60 and it is very unfair and becomes very aggravating. I can definately see pros and cons to this situation, but after reading other members replies, i see more pros. See Critic, thats how it works, i replied with some opinions, others did the same, and now i seem to agree with the other members. Their post have made me see that there are more pros in having 60 than having depts self-dispatch.

Watertown Fire Department WETDOWN PARTY Saturday, May 15, 2004 1:00PM to 4:00 PM Watertown Fire Headquarters 935 Main St (Route 63) Watertown CT 06795 Call For Info: 860-274-8801.. Fun & Refreshments For All !

I don't believe it totally defeats the purpose. The ladder doesn't roll on every single alarm, so he stays at HQ to handle the radios/phones. This also helps 60-Control alot because its 1 less dept. they have to dispatch or answer calls for. Other places have a similar operation. In Mohegan, the radios/phones get turned over when there is a major alarm or multiple alarms where the dispatcher is needed to respond.

Ohh man, i can't believe that was the last episode, what a bummer! It figures, i finally find a police show that i like and its already over lol? I liked how it included many different aspects on the NYPD, including patrol, detectives and the ESU. Yeah, the 47 is definately a tough precinct. My cousin is on the job and assigned to the 47. I don't know about this year, but for the past few years, the 47 has led in shootings and homicides throughout all precincts.

Just to add to this topic...Buchanan's former Utility-12 may have been the oldest in-sevice piece of apparatus in Westchester. It was a 1955 Chevy, used as our mobile air-truck. That was placed out of service this past January when we took delivery of its replacement, a 2003 E-One Cascade/light support unit. The old U-12 was a great truck for its age & is now at its final resting place at the Firemans Home museum in Hudson, NY. I believe its last call was mutual-aid to Peekskill at the Fremont St. OMD fire.

Awesome Rescue Squad in New Jersey! http://www.whitehouserescue.com/

I'm glad to see that many of you have taken the time to look at this website and haven even taken the time to comment on this whole "EMS Squad" concept. DMA stated that it sounds like they have paid staffing and the answer is yes. However, their squad is only staffed by paid personnel during the daytime. I am not sure how many paid personnel are on duty during the day shift, nor do i know their level of certification (EMT, Medic, etc.). I know they have "normal" rigs for transport, but their two rescue units are primarily for extrication and such. I believe they role both on an MVA. Also, some of you have inquired on wheather their rigs have pumps and that, i am not sure of. I will talk to my friend and ask her some more in-depth questions and get back to you guys. I actually didn't think of the water issue at first, but a line should be stretched and charged during any extrication, as many of you said. As Remember585 said, these MVAs & car fires may be timb-bombs waiting to go off! You don't know what these people are carrying in their vehicles. They could have just returned from getting their propane tank filled for thier barbeque grill or a nitrous tank for those "fast and furious" types out there lol! Anyway, i totally agree, there should be no reason why a line isn't pulled and charged for extrication. I will have to find out more and see their SOPs for this stuff lol!

ALS....good point, in your situation, the snow isn't exactly a favorable weather condition. Now in my situation, you can bring on the snow, cause the white stuff means more green stuff in my pockets (I work for the highway dept.)! The weekends are even better because its double time pay & many of the storms this past winter were on the weekends! I must say however, it does get mundane and quite irritating after a while lol! When my paycheck is almost doubled its great, but working all night, especially if i have to work my regular hours in the morning, now that sucks!

LOL, yeah Chris i said the same exact thing! I think the way they run things is actually great! My friend who is a member there saud that their members call fire trucks "road-cones," because thats all that they are used for, to block traffic! They are pretty much self-sufficient for most MVA's. Its definately a cool concept, but i'd have to wonder how it would work here. I mean, i'm a member of a VAC, i used to be a member of 2 VAC's, but i don't know how well it would work. Hell, i remember going on a call for a pedestrian struck by a train, but we had to gain access through County park land. The crew on the ambulance were like "oh, we have to call the fire department." I told them to hold that thought, went to the rear cabinet, grabbed the halligan & had the lock off and gate open within no-time lol. I just think that members in a lot of VACs are so used to relying on outside help for those not-so-routine calls. I can also think of 2 other instances where gaining entry to a patient was a problem, once in a private residence & the other in a nursing facility. Instead of using the tools they had, they automatically wanted to call the FD. I just think its a waste of resources & you don't need a parade of fire trucks & 20 firemen in full turn-outs for a forcible-entry call. I would love to see VAC's run as "rescue-squads" and carry-out extrication duties and other specialized rescue incidents.

I'd have to say that rain is definately my least favorite of percipitations lol! Rain just makes everyone soo miserable, especially those of us who work outside, including emergency services personnel of course! I was at a friends house in New Jersey last weekend and she happens to be an EMT. The squad that she rides with is unlike anything you've ever seen around here. They run 3 ambulances, 2 rescue trucks (and i mean rescue trucks lol!), command vehicles, a bike team and everything in between. Thier members are certified in auto extrication, swift-water rescue, ice-rescue & other specialized training. Anyway, her pager was going off non-stop all night friday dus to the hurricane-like weather they experienced down there. They had like 7 or so water rescue calls & that was just between 4pm & about 9pm! I was amazed at how terrible the weather was, but even more impressed with the way their squad handled it all! Anyone interested in reading about a great squad & seeing some cool pictures, i would recommend checking their website at: http://www.whitehouserescue.com/

Montrose E-121 & Car 2272 re-located to Ossining to cover the village. 1528HRS-Ossining Car 2331 releasing E-97 & E-98, Montrose & Plesantville re-leased from s/b. 1547HRS-County Car-17 10-8. 1550HRS-Croton Car 2081 advising all Croton units going 10-8. 1608HRS-All Millwood units 10-8. 1610HRS-All Sleepy Hollow units going 10-8 as per Car 2311.

Operation Safe Arrival... Intersection Safety: An Initiative to Prevent Deadly Collisions Local Sessions: Westchester County: Monday, August 2, 2004, held at the Westchester County FTC, 4 Dana Rd., Valhalla, NY Rockland County: Tuesday, August 3, 2004, held at the Rockland County FTC, Firemen's Memorial Dr., Pomona, NY *Both sessions start at 7:00pm and will end at approximately 9:30pm. Attendance is limited to two per department! Sponsored by VFIS, FASNY & Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Association inc. Register online at www.vfis.com Questions, call VFIS @ 800-233-1957

Yeah, sounds like an awesome job experience Truck4....where can i sign up lol? Yeah, as a spokeswoman for Ford, that was a rather ignorant statement to make! I was glad that Ford started installing these gas tank "shields," but it seems too little too late. I'm sure the late Trooper Robert Ambrose' family would love to read that statement! Yes, police have a highly dangerous job, they know that, but they shouldn't have to also be thinking about their patrol car exploding! Maybe the "shields" aren't good enough, maybe something more should be done! FORD - Fix Or Repair Daily, Found On Road Dead......sorry just had to add that

Wow, i know i heard E98 get dispatched to a car fire, but there was alot of radio traffic. I thought i heard mention of the field comm unit, that definately sucks! So muns, was it a total loss, anything salvagable? Most importantly, was anyone hurt? Thats definately bad news, but good to hear they are talking of replacments already! As long as nobody was hurt, the vehicle can be replaced! Keep us updated!

Date: 07-22-04 Time: 1445HRS(TOW) Location: Rt. 9A IAO General Electric, Ossining (Crotonville section) Frequency: 46.26 Units: Ossining E96, E97, E99, R14, DC-47(IC), Car 2331, County Car-2, County Haz-Mat team, Montrose VA Haz Mat 33, WCDES Field Comm-1, NYSP Helo, Millwood FD, Croton FD, Yorktown FD and Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow & Briarcliff FD's to cover Ossining. Description: Ossining operating at an MVA/Tanker truck roll-over. Writer: BFD1054, Truck4 1425HRS-DC-47 requesting DEC & County Haz-Mat to respond. 1430HRS-Ossining re-tone for additional Engine's for foam. 1436HRS-County Car-2 10-17. 1445HRS-60-Control dispatched Millwood for their foam truck (E247) to respond. OFD Car 2331 10-17. 1447HRS-Millwood Car 2252 10-17, Croton FD-EMS requested M/A to the scene. 1449HRS-CC-2 10-19, Ossining re-tone/request for E98 to the scene to hook a hydrant and lay in to E96. 1450HRS-MFD Car 2251 10-17, OFD Car 2331 10-19, taking over command. 1454HRS-E98 10-17. 1456HRS-Croton re-tone for additional manpower for EMS. 1458HRS-Montrose FDVA Haz-Mat 33 requested w/additional booms to the scene. 1459HRS-Croton 55B1 10-17. Ossining requesting E100 & E101 to man their quarters to cover the village. 1502HRS-Haz-Mat 33 10-17. 1505HRS-Montrose FD requested to re-locate 1 engine to the Montrose VA Firehouse, Millwood E247 10-19. 1507HRS-Montrose E-121 re-locating to Montrose VAFD HQ. 1510hrs- E-121 to stand down, VA has crew in quarters. 1511hrs- WC Control transmitting 10-10. 1512HRS-Haz-Mat 33 10-19. 1535HRS-Briarcliff E94 requested to re-locate Cataract Engine Co. in Ossining. 1541HRS-Car 2051, E94 re-locating. *Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow units re-located to Ossining to cover. Croton R18 to assist w/traffic at Rt.9/Rt. 9A, Montrose E121 again re-located to Montrose FDVA HQ, Montrose FDVA MA28 to the scene, Yorktown T14 & Millwood T15 to the scene. Croton E120 to assemble a crew and stand-by for further instructions. As per CC-2, News12 has been advised, they will make a public announcement as to the traffic situation in the area. As of 1730HRS, units still operating. Writer: BFD1054

This a great discussion and you have all added some great tips/points! Not to add a depressing affect to this, but maybe tbendick can add to this. I was told that when FDNY FF Thomas Brick was killed a few months back, he still had 1 or 2 minutes left on his bottle. Even after your vibra-alert stops, you may have some air left, not a whole lot, but some. Don't take your regulator off until you are possitive that there is absolutely no air left! Also, i believe that FF Brick was found with his entire mask off, not just his regulator, but his entire mask! As Cutty said, you should never do this! When you are absolutely out of air, remove your regulator and pull your nomex hood over the opening in your mask, or use you gloved hand if you have to! Also, i do not believe that FF Brick transmitted a mayday. If you are in trouble, don't have that "hero" mentality! Transmit the mayday while you still can, give the best description that you can of the area that you're in & don't give up! As ALS said, if you don't call for the mayday early, you may run too low on air and go unconscious! Just my thoughts & opinions.

Date: 07/19/04 Time: 1430HRS(approx.) Location: A&P Supermarket on Central Ave Opposite Greenville Fire HQ's. Frequency: 46.26 Units: Greenville E150, L4 & E170 from Hartsdale. Description: Greenville dispatched to the A&P on Central Ave. for a reported fire in the structure. Hartsdale E170 added to the assignment, E170 stood by the hydrant. GFD member from E150 o/s requesting the camera(TIC) & a can. E170 released shortly thereafter. GFD E150 reporting workers on premises started a small electrical fire, fire was k/d quickly, all units returning. Writer: BFD1054

Date: 07-18-04 Time: 1754HRS(TOD) Location: Rt. 9 & Jack Rd. Frequencies: 46.26, 453.225 Units: Peekskill VAC, 39M2, Continental Village FD Car 2132, 2133 Description: 60-Control dispatched Peekskill EMS & 39M2 to a reported PIAA, Rt. 9 at Jack Rd. 40-Control dispatched Continental Village FD to same. 1755HRS-60-Control advising all units that extrication may be needed, 40-Control advising FD of same. 1758HRS-Car 2133 10-19, requesting Stat-Flight on s/b & medic to expedite. 1800HRS-60-Control advising Car 2133 negative on Stat-Flight. Car 2132 10-19. 1801HRS-R39 10-17, 39M1 advising he will take in the job as well. 1803HRS-40-Control dispatching Garrison FD to respond to close down Rt. 9 for Continental Village. 1804HRS-R39 10-19. 1806HRS(approx.)-E230 10-17. 1807HRS-Cortlandt VAC requested M/A for Peekskill to the scene. 1808HRS-Cortlandt 88B3 10-17. 1810HRS-CVFD Car 2133 requesting Peekskill FD to shut down Rt. 9. E230 10-19. 1816HRS-Buchanan E161 on s/b for the City of Peekskill. Yorktown VAC 86B1 re-located to Peekskill VAC HQ to cover the city. 1942HRS-Yorktown 86B1 10-8 from Peekskill, returning to Yorktown. Writer: BFD1054

WAS, as 1075 said, 2 BLS to Hudson Valley Hospital and 2 ALS to WMC. The only injury that i have heard of so far was of an open femur fracture...ouch! I was told that it was 2 small passenger vehicles, head-on.

I happened to catch my first episode a week or so ago. I caught the last 1/2 hour of the show, but that 1/2 hour was enough to hook me! I don't watch TV much and i have been disappointed in Fire, EMS & PD shows that have come out. But this show,'NYPD 24/7,' seems to be unlike the rest! In the episode i caught, Detectives from the 67 in Brooklyn were investigating a case of abduction/assault/rape/murder. 2 men had abducted a young woman & kept her in a basement where they would savagely torture & rape her & eventually murdered her. The detectives make an arrest of the first suspect and start following leads as to the whereabouts of the 2nd suspect. Their leads take them from Albany to Atlanta, Georgia & finally Yonkers where the suspect was arrested by YPD units. I was impressed with the detectives determination, but most of all i enkoyed the no-holds-bar attitude of the show. As Seth stated, the show cuts through the BS which is real nice. It truly unlike any show out there! The people depicted on the show tell it how it is with no holding back at all! I know i will continue to watch this show (so long as i remember). If you haven't seen an episode yet, i strongly reccommend you try and catch one! Channel 7, Tuesday nights 10-11pm.

1550HRS-Mohegan paged out for their fire marshall to respond to the scene. 1552HRS-All Yorktown units have been released, going 10-8/10-2. 1553HRS-C&O 1404 requesting directions in from Rt. 202. 1600HRS-C&O 1404 10-19, Utility-40 10-8. 1637HRS-C&O 1404 10-8 from the scene. 1644HRS-As per Car 2261, all remaining units going 10-8/10-2.

als...thanks for all of the info, i'm just glad to see that the FTC is heading in the right direction after all this time! The FTC is a great resource and its great to see that things are changing (for the better) and that things are being added, such as the new propane tree. As i have said in past posts, and other people feel the same, training is everything & if you are not training, then you are not prepared! Training is something that we should all be doing as much of as possible, it can't hurt and you certainly can never train too much! The more that FD's use the FTC, the better it will get and the more they will add, that goes for Camp Smith as well. Als, you also made mention of a new mask confidence course i believe, i can't wait to see that! I think the one that is there now is pretty decent, however i think i know the layout like the back of my hand now lol! So it will be good to see a new course, maybe bigger, better? So, as you have been, please keep us all posted on the updates at the FTC, als.

ALS, you know me and i'm sorry if i came off as lashing back. I just took some comments as offensively thats all. I felt as if some comments were negative toward volunteer departments & staffing issues. I have no problem with carrer departments at all, believe me. Its just that some smaller communities don't run the call volume to warrant a career department. Comments such as "the days of the volunteer are numbered and it is time to PAY staff to cover calls," p***ed me off a bit, but i can brush it off. Like i said ALS, don't mean to lash back, perhaps i just misunderstood some comments. But as i said, you and STAT made some real valid points, which i agree with. I just got a vibe from comments made that certain people felt as though the volunteers are useless and fail to properly protect their districts. Again, i apologize if i was wrong, didn't mean any disrespect or whatever.

You all make good points, this can be a real hot/interesting topic. Yes, there are plenty of departments, both fire & ems, all over the country that have staffing issues. But lets try to refrain from bashing volunteers, because us volunteers truly care about the service we provide and we pride in our dedication! Yes, sometimes it is frustrating when you don't get a whole lot of guys out for a daytime run, but you deal with it. If its a working fire, chances are you're getting mutual aid. In Buchanan, we have a tri-village response plan along with Montrose & Verplanck. It is similar to the plan that Fairview, Greenville & Hartsdale have. If one of us gets a possible or confirmed fire, or a greater alarm, the other 2 remaining depts go on stand-by. This works great because you know that the other houses are manned, so if you need an engine, you call for one, you need a truck, you call for one and so on. You may only have 10-15 of your own guys, then maybe 5-10 from the m/a company, but it usually will suffice. I don't know, i agree with the comments made, there are problems, but unfortunately, everyones got them. But lets not criticize the vollies, because at least we are willing to go the extra mile to serve our community. We can't be there 100% of the time, but most of us try our damndest! There are some communities that just don't have the call volume to "hire dedicated people." Some communities will just have to deal with having dedicated volunteers for now. As far as the real post goes....I happen to work for the Village in which i volunteer in. Do i get mad when i miss an alarm when i am at work, sometimes, but i have a job that i must be dedicated to. Do some of our guys respond while on the job? Yes, sometimes they do, depending on the call. Work is work and volunteering is separate. Would i love to do both...yes, but we can't have our cake and eat it to!

Will Stat-Flight still provide service to Westchester? Will they still be based locally? Stat-Flight can be a great resourse, when used right, so it would be a shame to see it leave. Curious to hear further info on this news, keep us posted STAT!