SRS131EMTFF

Couldn't disagree more. While your statement applies very well if you are working in urban/suburban like here in Westchester, the fact of the matter is a first response system saves lives in rural area which comprise more square area than any urban area. First responders in many communities are the first tier of EMS response that dont have PD or FD responding too. In VTEMS D3 where I have worked extensively with FD/EMS first response, many of these members are EMT-Bs or EMT-Is with full jump bags and equipment including O2 and IV kits who respond code 3 to the scene. They have everything that would be required of KKK certified ambulance except duplicate sets of equipment and an EKG machine. In this area, which is the most populous in all of Vermont, despite all ALS ambulances being staffed 24/7, response times to the scene are still as much as 45 minutes one way. The first response system has saved many many lives, while it turns the ambulance into a glorified taxi, more saves are done in the field by first response then by the ambulance crews simply because first responders are on scene longer and have prolonged patient contact. As I have witnessed, this prolonged contact can allow for the differentiation between stroke and intoxication, diabetic emergency and EDP, heart attack and indigestion. First Response has both a faster response time and a greater ability to stabilize and assess patients increasing positive and beneficial outcomes for the patients.

Agreed

Additionally, why is MKVAC, an agency with an essentially brand new PL Custom selling their 2009 PL Custom (the new one)? http://www.adirondackfire.com/2009%20PL%20Custom.htm http://www.1strespondernews.com/webpages/vehicleforsale/vehicle_detail.aspx?id=d7da9ce6-7fa3-4e23-ac9c-f8b1b525f103&VID=&MID=&DID=*

Are you referring singularly to your experience with MKVAC or in general? I have ridden on 5 different PL customs with 3 different agencies in 2 different states, all built within the past 7 years, and each and everyone of them has been a bigger piece of garbage then the one before it. In fact, one of their recent deliveries (within weeks) has the rocker switches that you describe and they too have had problems. At least one of the places I have been replaced their PL Custom within 1-2 years with a different brand due to total dissatisfaction. I am merely stating my opinion based on the experiences I have had in the various different and unique setting and situations I have found myself in the past 5 years.

I guess I meant construction material and quality of the box and systems. Such as electrical systems, cabinets, paneling etc and not the chassis, however with Fords.... Sorry for the confusion.

Let me just say Thank You driver for today we are discussing the incident and lamenting the loss of a fine piece of equipment instead of mourning the four LODDs/LODIs that could have been....

Agreed. Too little, too late. I hope our brothers, sisters and their residents in T-town remember this BS when they vote for Mayor again. Rest In Peace FF Kelly and FF Ruggiero.

Agreed, PL Custom seems to be your go to, low bid for the EMS world, kinda like how E-One used to be, very cheap build and construction. Many, many services have bought PL Customs and I can't name more than 1 that I know about has been satisfied with the results they have received from their investment. In fact I know of several that have sold theirs early (1-3 years after delivery) because they were extremely dissatisfied. As you said, they spend a lot of time OOS and always seem to have a problem that can not be fixed no matter who tries. But then again, many of the problems lie in the specs and not the building, most of the time....... Like I said, Croton EMS, good luck, hopefully you will have no problems.

looks great, good luck with it. When is it expected to be delivered/in service?

RIP

Bear in Kisco now too: http://www.lohud.com/article/20101005/NEWS02/10050386/Bear-reported-in-Mount-Kisco

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/nyregion/04fire.html I am curious to hear what FDNY Queens firefighters have to say about this. Exactly what calls will get this "go slow" or "respond on the quiet"? Lock outs, Lift assists, water leaks? The point about sitting in traffic was one aspect that I felt was slightly downplayed, especially if you have ever been stuck in traffic on the various highways and byways in Queen, especially by the Airports, but thats just me.

While it may be true that some of the rarer invasive species maybe lost from hurricane damaged zoos, it is far more likely that someone had it as a pet and when it got too big or it was too expensive or they were moving, instead of finding a home for the animal, most commonly people just let them loose in the wilds of Florida. The zoos maybe had a few that escaped, but if every year people release unwanted pets into the ecosystem that is a far bigger source. The boas that we see invading the everglades are just that, former pets and I am sure most of the Iguanas documented including the one pictured above were former pets.

I think there is an image of what you saw on firehouse.com http://www.firehouse.com/showcase/photostory/pink-heals-tour-honors-women

First the article states they are rescue dogs then later states as you mentioned above as search dogs.

The Benz ambulance is the same chassis as the Dodge Sprinter Van only with upgrades under the hood from what I am told. I have seen the Benz van as an ambulance in Lancaster, PA some number of years ago.

Its some form of Iguana, certainly non-native and invasive. Most likely a Green Iguana, I don't have to tell you but it some probably someones pet that got too big and they just let it go. Florida, especially Southern Florida and the Everglades have large problems with all kind of invasive species. http://myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_GreenIguana.htm

American Citizens In being such we allow government to derive..."their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." - Declaration of Independence July 4th, 1776 Thats who we are....

Excellent....finally

If this cheating scandal was such a little problem why did the assistant director of DC field office "retire" due to his involvement in this affair? How come 5 of the 22 agents accused of cheating (22%) are supervisors? Not only did the 22 agents cheat of a test, they lied about it too (question 51 on the test was did you cheat on this test). How can anyone be expected to believe the integrity of these individuals when they so freely compromise it. It suggests a culture of short cutting, cutting corners, dishonesty and playing fast and loose with federal regulations because honestly, that is exactly what happened. As it was mentioned above, it was an open book, open notes test. If they need "help" from their buddies, a cheat sheet or computer programming error on an open note, open book test then maybe they should go back for some more training on what our rights actually are and what rights they don't have. Again, being honest, this test was not about the extent of our rights but more the limit of their own. “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” -Thomas Jefferson “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” - Benjamin Franklin

Core Motto of the FBI: "Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity." Can't have much integrity if you are cheating/lying...

If its an inter-facility Neo-Natal or critical care transport that requires advanced equipment beyond that found in your standard ALS rig, some hospitals have fleets of extremely large ambulances. Fletcher Allen Coordinated Transport is one example, they have a fleet of 4-door International 7400 ambulances that have enough space in back for two full hospital gurneys and doctor teams and equipment. http://www.fletcherallen.org/services/emergency_department/specialties/fletcher_allen_coord_transport/

If they are willing to cheat/lie on a test what else are they willing to cheat on/lie about?

Terrifying is more accurate. Don't ignore what this cheating was on, it was on a test regarding the limits the FBI can lawfully surveil a private citizen accused of no wrong doing. One can be lead to believe that the agents in question do not truly know the extents of my rights and the limits of theirs, thus setting the stage for potential violation of key sections of the 4th Amendment. This is much bigger news then LILO if you ask me, the FBI and the Justice Department When the US Department of Justice Inspector General, US Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, Congress and the ACLU have a problem with what these agents are doing and aspects of FBI culture then maybe its not just a "slow news day".

http://www.cnn.com/2010/BUSINESS/09/27/uk.segway.death/index.html?hpt=T2 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/technology/28segway.html?hpw Sounds likes its not designed for scaling rock faces and does not float. Good to know. Truly irony defined. RIP to the Family. It can't be easy.