Oswegowind

Thank you for posting this.

Although I appreciate the fact that I am thought of now and again, I have to pass on commenting about this. I still show up to work and do my job as well as I ever did and don't plan to change that, I have stayed away from EMTBravo for a long time and don't feel like entertaining a political debate. I ask that those involved fight their own battle and remember that the dispatchers are people with families, lives, and homes too.
Respectfully,
Kris Mason
Public Safety Dispatcher, Yonkers NY

Although I appreciate the fact that I am thought of now and again, I have to pass on commenting about this. I still show up to work and do my job as well as I ever did and don't plan to change that, I have stayed away from EMTBravo for a long time and don't feel like entertaining a political debate. I ask that those involved fight their own battle and remember that the dispatchers are people with families, lives, and homes too.
Respectfully,
Kris Mason
Public Safety Dispatcher, Yonkers NY

Although I appreciate the fact that I am thought of now and again, I have to pass on commenting about this. I still show up to work and do my job as well as I ever did and don't plan to change that, I have stayed away from EMTBravo for a long time and don't feel like entertaining a political debate. I ask that those involved fight their own battle and remember that the dispatchers are people with families, lives, and homes too.
Respectfully,
Kris Mason
Public Safety Dispatcher, Yonkers NY

Although I appreciate the fact that I am thought of now and again, I have to pass on commenting about this. I still show up to work and do my job as well as I ever did and don't plan to change that, I have stayed away from EMTBravo for a long time and don't feel like entertaining a political debate. I ask that those involved fight their own battle and remember that the dispatchers are people with families, lives, and homes too.
Respectfully,
Kris Mason
Public Safety Dispatcher, Yonkers NY

Although I appreciate the fact that I am thought of now and again, I have to pass on commenting about this. I still show up to work and do my job as well as I ever did and don't plan to change that, I have stayed away from EMTBravo for a long time and don't feel like entertaining a political debate. I ask that those involved fight their own battle and remember that the dispatchers are people with families, lives, and homes too.
Respectfully,
Kris Mason
Public Safety Dispatcher, Yonkers NY

Well, with all the work this truck has seen, I'm surprised it's lasted this long!

Is it really all of us who don't get it, or is it just you? It's been clearly established you were wrong. Just plain wrong. Yet, you continue to want us to take your side over this calltaker, who it sounds was just doing her job, and doing it well. Why should we blindly side with you over your unwarranted and nasty criticisms? Just because your "on the job"? Your not impressing anyone here. Everyone here is "on the job". You keep doubling down, yet you remain in the wrong. Why should we side with you? You have the nerve to come on this forum, call out this dispatcher, and now, in retrospect, we see it's for no legitimate reason. In all your posts, you have failed to identify how this woman was incompetent.
As for your last thought, I'm glad I don't work with you either, because you seem to have a poor attitude, no attention to detail, and a short fuse. I would have a miserable time dealing with that full-time. Additionally, if while driving "55 mph on a highway" you can't see the MPM, then you may have serious vision issues. I don't want someone like that backing me up. I also don't want someone backing me up who doesn't have the integrity and fortitude to admit when he or she made a mistake. Finally, I don't want anyone working with me who sterotypically believes workers may be inferior, just because they are female. So for once, you said something I agree with, I don't want to work with you either. :-)

Well, given your own admission that you were breaking her chops, I couldn't possibly imagine why she didn't bend over backwards for you. Did you tell her on the call she was "mildly retarded"? If you did, you should probably call and apologize, as your description of the location was wrong. I wonder, does that make you "mildly retarded" for giving an imprecise location?
Now that I think about it, the TMC would have to be, what, eight stories high to actually see where the Taconic/BRP interchange is? So, if she did take an elevator to the eighth floor (which doesn't actually exist), then maybe, yes, she should have been able to see the Kensico Dam and the location you were giving her.
Now, if you told her the location was where the Taconic meets the Sprain, you'd be onto something! Because that's the interchange which is right in front of the TMC.

Are you talking about by the Kensico Circle or by the Hawthorne interchange??? Maybe she knows exactly where the Taconic meets the Bronx River but wanted to make sure that you knew where you actually were. Asking for a mile marker narrows the "search area" dramatically because people call reporting that they're on the Sprain at the NYC line or the Bronx River Parkway at Jackson Avenue quite often. Sounds like it was a reasonable follow-up question to me.
What's the big deal?

I think cops pull too many cars over. I'm staging a protest on I287.
Morons...

Recently in another thread someone mentioned "Westchester Battalion Chiefs" which was later pointed out was a misnomer and that the correct title is "Battalion Coordinator"? Wouldn't each of these individuals have an up to date and complete list of the capabilities of his respective Battalion, and in fact, all of Westchester County at least?
In Yonkers, our Operations Division maintains an inventory of what is (realistically) available to us in this region. By realistically I mean the equipment actually does exist and is functional, it is able to be brought to the scene in a reasonable time frame, and it is operated by an adequate number of qualified personnel.
I think you have identified a critically important issue which has not been addressed properly by those who are responsible for doing so. However, I don't agree with your solution. Anyone can post anything on the internet. The information obtained from this thread may or may not be accurate, and it will almost certainly be incomplete. Why not just write a letter or make a phone call to Westchester County DES asking if this information is readily available and if not, suggest that it be collected and made available?
I will state in advance that it was learned the hard way in the days following 9/11/01 that the capabilities of many individuals and agencies can be greatly exaggerated and that these claims must be vetted and credentialed in advance of any event.

And when they become a chief or IC for that matter they too will have to follow the law and comply with the respiratory standard (2in 2out).

Here is the original question
What are they?
How does one request them?
What is the response time?
Who responds with them? ??????????????????

Yeah like the vendor that reported the Times Square vehicle borne device should have MYOB. Thats why if you see something, you should say something.

ANI ALI on a cell phone is good for? And on a VOIP phone?

Exactly what does "open book" mean now-a-days? With the advent of that new thing from Al Gore's desk called the internet, open book to me takes on a whole new meaning. In fact, more often than not, when someone needs something looked up, well they call the radio room...lol So asking someone where an answer might be, corroborating to get the correct info, researching to get the correct answers, in my book this is not cheating...it is using the world as an "open book".

I just have to. First every cardiac arrest is usually predisposed by some other form of event or illness...even "sudden cardiac arrest" is usually preluded by an underlying arrythmia so that's your first weak argument. Secondly give me a percentage wise of how often you can "never rely on dispatch information." My agency does over 3000 ALSFR and BLSFR responses a year and I bet 99% of the dispatch information is correct. So that's your second weak argument. If your agency is having an issue..you need to address it with your dispatching agency. But spoken well like what I hear from most uninformed, more opinion then fact buffs, but based on your age category I can't hold you over responsible for your comments.
Fact is you only save seconds with an emergency response. Or lights and sirens. Maybe you can give me a good excuse as to why when I TOT a job to BLS they opt to go lights and sirens to the hospital? Is there any BLS level issue that a medic turns the patient over to BLS that's a true emergency? I haven't figured that one out yet. Lets hurry up and get there..only for a good aggressive ALS provider to get good care underway...then if that provider is worth his/her salt...take a nice easy ride to the ER. So does that make sense? I don't use lights and sirens to transport cardiac arrests to the hospital. Problem there? I think not. On average...20 seconds quicker. Not worth my life for the one with less then 1/2% chance of survival and even less at that point as we do all of the same stuff they're going to do in the ED and often pronounce less then 5 minutes when we come through the door.
Knock off the excuses. Lights and Sirens are over used and sooner or later luck runs out. They should be used for True Emergencies and that we all know is less then 1% of what we're doing.
Experienced providers know there is a major difference in driving skill for a driver when using lights/sirens vs. not. With them on..braking and acceleration control often gives causing a jerky ride. Don't think so..pay attention next time when you take off with a trauma or severe medical emergency. If you were gonna use them..have them leave them off...then after a minute tell them to turn them on and see how your ride changes. Your brain processes about 400 items of information/decisions a minute when operating a vehicle with lights and sirens engaged...something has to give. Keep in mind you might not get into an accident..but you can cause significant numbers and severity of rebound accidents of other vehicles.
Bob Faugh always said it best in his lectures...saving seconds...costing lives.

Yes, we are called that but the reality is that the overwhelming majority of our work is not, in fact, an "emergency". It may be perceived as one by the caller, someone may be out of control and need us to help restore control to them in a situation that overwhelms them, but don't for a minute think that everything we do is an emergency. The sooner you embrace that notion the more rewarding you'll find your career.
It has never ceased to amaze me when a 22 year old claims to be "burned out" in EMS. I know 40 and 50 year olds who still love their job in EMS. Why? Because they have realistic expectations and understand that what we do isn't an emergency FOR US!
If your profile is correct and you're really just starting out please try to remember this - and remember the guidance from other people who love the job - because if you go down the adrenaline junkie road you're bound for disappointment.

While I agree that you need to always keep your crew and patient safe I completely disagree that EMS calls are always an emergency... maybe where you live people only call for an ambulance when needed but in Yonkers, people in the hood call for stomach aches, bloody noses, vomiting, back pain or the ever popular "I've drank too much and want to go sleep it off at the hospital so come get me" . People are under the impression that A. They don't have to pay for an ambulance and B. If you come to the ER by ambulance that you will be seen right away, obviously both falsehoods. Just because it's called the emergency medical services DOES NOT MEAN it's an emergency

I know the family from East Fishkill and am thankful that they are okay and that this person has been arrested for these heinous crimes. Good job to the detectives investigating the events.

"as told to me" and "Last I heard" is very strong proof that your facts are all correct. So did they do 2,000 calls but 80% or 8,000 calls were given away? I don't think so or did the recieve 2,000 calls (which sounds about right for the population) and they gave away 80% or 1,600 calls.
Lets assume the 1st. they did 2,000 calls and they billed $400 per call (average) the collection rate ranges from 50% - 75% so your $800,000 is closer to $400,000 - $600,000.
If we assume the 2nd, then they did 400 calls and collected $200 - $300 per call or a total of $80,000 - $120,000.
So whats the correct amount:
a. $800,000
b. $600,000
c. $400,000
d. $120,000
e. $ 80,000
f. None of the above. The information is such a wild a** guess that there is no way to calculate it.
New ambulance cost more than $100,000. And you left out insurance (liability, vehicle & workers comp) which are substantial.
Because it is illegal.
Because it is illegal. And if they had not broken away and started hiring EMS staff (which was clearly needed) then they would be increasing the tax levy on you.

Wow, alleging money laundering and grand larceny? Pretty serious charges. Any offer of proof???

I have my views as you have yours. Prior to 9/11 I never would've thought that someone would fly a plane into a building, let alone 3 or what could've been 4. And before that no one could've convinced me that using a 20' bayliner with explosives on board would damage a US Navy ship like the USS Cole, but I believe that already happened. They have used car bombs all over the world. I am not saying that this was performed by terrorists of Arab decent, but it was an act of terrorism none-the-less. My point is that no one should ever become complacent. We should take a thorough look at every event and prepare for the next time. This should be a wake up call, or a reminder.
Oh, and by the way, this is not the first time such a bomb as was located in Times Square was found undetonated.
Car Bomb in Haymarked in UK, January 29, 2007
And again, in 2007, the Glasgow incident...the bomb was the same. Take it as you may.
Those incidents were in 2007. In 2008 on more than 1 occassion a primary IED was used to disable pieces of military equipment in Iraq and Afghanistan. The only difference is that there was in fact a delayed secondary IED that was triggered and killed the first responders.
Secondary IED uses on Youtube
I'm not trying to make it worse than it actually was, I am just trying to be realistic about what it was. And I do believe that people have a different sense of fear when they see uniformed persons killed doing their job. It may be caused by the media, but it happens. People are shot everyday, but when a police officer is shot it creates the "awe" effect.

Guys, I think we got lucky on this one. This could have gone much much worse. Times Square is an international target, just as were the World Trade Center's Twin Towers. They are gone, terrorism is not. Times Square is the "crossroads of the universe"! If you have any doubt that this wasn't supposed to blow up and cause massive worldwide terror, you are completely ignorant. I am a firm believer that terrorists will not rest, and that they intend to destroy our way of life. I also believe that too many Americans have forgotten 9/11 or just don't believe it will ever happen again. I want each and everyone of you to carefully formulate your own opinions, but base those opinions on fact.
A bombing in Times Square would have international collateral damages. Not just Americans are the targets at that specific location. But also people who have traveled here because the "West" appeals to them. They didn't attack the New York Stock Exchange on September 11th, they attacked the WORLD Trade Center. They also attacked the Pentagon, the institution in charge of America's military, which is working with Country's all over the WORLD that have mutual interests with our Country. We saw bombings of buses in London, those bombings weren't just aimed at Londoners, but who uses buses when in London? Tourists that don't drive over seas, some of which may have been American. The English are our friends, they support us as we support them. Terrorists attack targets that not only terrorize you and I, but as many people who support our way of life or mirror it in some fashion.
I believe that not only the reporting person, Mr. Orton the Vietnam Veteran street vendor, but P.O. Wayne Rhatigan of the NYPD were instrumental in setting off the massive response and evacuation that insured public safety. Although, they may have become the first casualties had this device operated properly and not have been detected, I am glad that they are here today. From what I have read, and seen there was at least one clock in the auto that was set for midnight, did the smoke trigger a response that the terrorist(s) were not counting on? Was there a specific delay? This we will not know until the person(s) responsible are in custody and hopefully they speak. Kudos to the crews that responded from all agencies to the initial incident. Now what? I am confident that the FBI and the NYPD are more than capable of following leads and will hunt down the person(s) that tried to influence our world again.
Here are some links I have gathered so that you too can follow up on this incident as I am:
(MSN Video from NBC detailing bomb description)
From that link you can see other pertinent videos about the incident, including the interview with the original reporting person.
(Google search results for Times Square Bomb Threat)
Some points of fact that I have developed about this incident:
A. The vehicle was left running, with its "park anywhere" (hazard) lights flashing.
B. The Improvised Explosive Device located was conceived with an interesting detail. Reports are that there were 2 gas "cans" in the rear seat portion of the vehicle and 3 20lb gallon propane tanks (barbecue grill size) with fireworks (incendiaries) and supposed timers, one of which was set for 2400. It is reported that the propane tank valves were left in the closed position.
Now, my opinion:
A. The vehicle running and hazard lights flashing is an everyday occurrence. It was a distraction! It was saying, I'll be right back to move my car. They were betting on everyday people to keep moving and not notice because they are going from place to place. They were hoping patrols would just pass on by and not investigate further because it happens every single day. IF it were not for the smoke, this would have been completely different. How many times do we just walk by and say "a******" in our minds? If the vehicle was parked in a no parking zone, there was a chance it would have been moved by towing. But by leaving the motor running and the hazards flashing it may only have been ticketed! I believe this was done purposefully to make it look like nothing was actually wrong with it being there, other than some moron just parking there and putting on their flashers!
B. The IED was designed for 2 fashions. The gas cans were to explode causing a massived fire injuring many people and damaging property in the area as well as causing a major fire. The propane tanks in the off position tell me that they were not meant to explode immediately. I have seen other propane tank explosions demonstrations and incidents in videos. The valve as reported in one of the news feeds will resist heat, and they are saying that they may not have ignited immediately. I believe that this was done specifically and that this was actually 2 devices in one vehicle. The first would cause an explosion and fire, it would create havoc and panic, and it would also bring an influx of emergency personnel to the scene. IN MY OPINION: The propane tanks were intended to kill police, fire, and EMS personnel at the scene. The fire would have eventually broken the heat seals on the propane tank valves as is seen in other propane tank incidents such as Tacoma, Washington were a foundry blew up. They would have exploded when first responders had arrived to mitigate the incident. And if they didn't, maybe that is why there is a timer on for 2400, to explode while people are helping/investigating! Killing people is one thing, but killing those responding to help is another. Not only would it scare people that their life is in danger, but it would instill a fear that uniformed personnel are not immune. Just like 9/11, the biggest impact was seeing PD/FD/EMS units and personnel killed. Consistently we talk about the 343 or the 37 etc. Thousands of civilians were killed too. We are always talking about pulling out our military because we have lost uniformed soldiers. A person dies, it is one thing. When the person that is meant to protect us dies, it is another. There are psychological effects from both, but I believe that everyday people think it is much worse when those who are there to deal with the situation in their uniform die. It instills a deeper fear.