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I can't imagine that being abused b/c thats one well guarded secret, never heard a thing about it. It's a great concept, I wonder how much the theatres ate in tix? Once again however, from the way it was described, EMS is left in the dust as ususal. That part really bugs me but I'm glad someone at some point thought to do this. I wish they would continue it; anyone w/ concrete evidence where it does or does not exist?

The photo archive link at the bottom of the list still does not work.

Truly tragic! Thoughts and prayers to the brother and sister EMTs and the pt's patients and all the families.

Not taking sides here (even though I would like to) but I think the major difference there is those vehicles are those who are duty at the time.

I have worked in a camp setting for a few years. I was never hired as medical staff, but I was payed extra for my experience and in some instances was given extra duties based on my knowledge. I was never allowed to execute any patient care, I (and all staffers, for that matter) were required to bring anything medical to the nurse. In the camp setting, (both overnight and day) I believe that it is best to have a nurse at the helm. Yes they are more expensive, however b/c so many campers come w/ meds, and seeing how some of these drugs do not fall with the EMS scope, there is a grey area with EMS holding and distributing these drugs when needed. I defintely believe that EMS can be a useful and valid tool in camp settings as first response and assiting with overflow (camp nurses offices are very packed) As for documentation, many camp nurses and clinic settings use a sign in/log book for basic record keeping. If an EMT is in this situation, I suggest the best method is to document every visitor in a log book and if it is anything above a CFR boo boo type call or is there is consideration for a transport, a full PCR or medical report (available at sporting good stores) should be written. Camp work is alot of first aid statition/first responder treat and release stuff. If the situation requires more, always cover your a** with documentation, and by all means contact the parent to gain consent and or guidance; they are a resource to be used in these settings.

Wow, in-house dispatching for 10,000 calls a year is no small task. Some things I can think of right off the bat would be suffiicient space to hold the necessary equipment and personel;, base station radio(s) (if nextels are not used) and other M/A radios, an appropriate number of phone lines with the features set up such as call waiting, forwarding etc..., backup plans and equipment, a written communication plan and manual for those working dispatch, a recording device if you wish to record your calls and transmissions for legal and or training reasons, and finally some sort of log or record keeping system. My squad (which has a signifigantly smaller call volume I might add) utilizes Emfotec Information systems. This program is very user friendly (compared to some other programs on the market) and can be tailored to the organization. Its only downfall is it might not be as good for realtime tracking of mutiple units, but it is still a handy tool. Heres a link to their site. Emfotec Information Systems I know this is kind of broad, perhaps if you posed some specific questions, I and the other members on the forum could help further. Good Luck!

Great example of being alert to your surroundings and some good publicity for EMS! U.K. Police: Terror Attack Thwarted

Truly tragic... Rest in Peace!

Rest in peace!

Couldn't agree more; you hit it on the head!

I agree wholeheartedly. Anyonw who has ever take a private ambulance knows what the real deal is. Every time I see a private screaming down the street harder, louder and faster than a 911 bus going to a MI, I wonder, what are they REALLY going to, do they really need to do that? I agree that the image of EMS suffers, we truly become the ambulance driver, not the EMT who went through months of training. I don't know how such a movement would start, but I agree it would take alot of work. Just as we designed wheelchair vans, we can design a stretcher van w/ o2 capabilities; no lights, no sirens.

Obviously, the person doing the stabilization and assisting w/ the flag would be the driver, not the tech already involved w/ pt care. When doing this, you must obviously consider whether your driver is qualified (ie a EMT not just a CFR or driver) and if this can be done safely w/o jeopardizing pt number one. It's not abandonment if the EMT never leaves the pt.

If the pt is stable, you are permitted to stop and stabilize the pt at the scene of the accident. With regards to coming back, I know that the tri-state area has agreements that allow EMTs from the bordering states to operate in their states w/o applying for receprocity for the purposes of interstate transports. I believe this extends to flagdowns. At the very least, stabilizing/prepping for tx should not mix too many standards of care. As far as I can tell, most states say an ambulance is an ambulace, and so long as it is staffed and equipped, they should assist as possible. With regards to tx to an ED, I would suggest leaving that to the locals so you can get back to your job and they can get to the closest facility. (I know that when I go interstate tx, I don't know the facilities or streets around my route or destination.)

Wow, that's sad, and totally unprecedented. I ran track for four years (never used it though) and now work at track meets; I wonder if this is going to change years of entrenced dogma about Icy Hot and the like; I know plenty of runners who refuse to run, even in practice w/o applying a good amount. Has anyone encountered any problems with this? I am very curious to see any subsequent studies and response from the companies.

Here's NYS 800.21e (An ambulance shall:) display on the exterior of both sides and the back of all ambulance and emergency ambulance service vehicles the name of the service in letters not less than 3 inches in height and clearly legible. The logo provided by the department shall also be displayed on both sides and the back of every ambulance and shall be removed upon sale or transfer of the vehicle; I don't recall any other marking requirements, specifically regarding proportions. I do recall that if the ambulance is run by company for someone else (i.e TransCare operates White Plains EMS), that relationship has to be clearly dispayed on the ambulance.

Is that one of those traffic control lights on the top middle that changes the lights to green?

This situation is ridiculous! 1. We all need to do whats best for the pt; put the money and the egos aside. Whoever is O/S first treats and transports unless the secondary unit is higher lever of care. In terms of continuity and good standard of care, how could we as EMS do any different??? (and yes I realize this is idealistic and is not quite how it happens) 2. ALS is right, whatever the pts wants, pt gets. If someone called a bus other than the municipality, so be it. If he wants to go w/ them, so be it. Unless there is a medical need, neither the pt or first crew o/s should be challenged. I have worked for a volly squad that handles direct calls from the public and is not the municipal response. If we get a call and we're the first ones o/s then fine, no one takes the pt but us unless they're higher level; if we're second o/s, we assist but don't challenge, even if we rec'd a direct call from the public. This situation is baffling to me, to legislate that an ambulance , private or otherwise, cannot respond if called seems irresponsible and bordering on infringement of rights. As a citizen, I have a right to call 911 or call a private ambulance. Second, if it saves lives, no way I'm gonna make it law that only certain ambulances can respond. That's like saying x school can't use the ZOLL PAD it bought b/c the city purchased Lifepaks... I would be interested in seeing follow-up/debates and further reasoning behind this b/c right now I'm at a loss for a good explanation.

Wetdown: Tradition in which a new vehicle or apparatus is sprayed/hosed down with water to bring good luck and celebrate the arrival of the new unit. Anyone with more specific details or examples, feel free to add on!

I am not a FF, but just based on common sense and the flames on the right side of the roof, I would have to say only w/ extreme caution or no for roof opreations!

I have asked around other EMTs in the past, and some leave primaries on as "hazards"; to suggest to motorists that they have a pt on board and that the vehicle may go slower and to be cautious. Whether this is effective, warranted or in some rule book somewhere I don't know.

Yes its real; have seen it myself many times! As roofsopen said: Seaman and Cumming is one block west of broadway and one block north or Dyckman street in Manhattan

So alpha out of curiousity, whats your position on ff's having badges then? Or bounty hunters perhaps? Both of these professions can equally be questioned....what does everyone else think?

Look, this issue has been discussed many times. Most get them privately, some agencies issue. There probably isn't a right answer to this question, hence all the discussion. There are pros and cons to EMS having them, and I'd point out that not all-as in most EMTs abuse their badges and sometimes cops and firefighters are guilty of that offense as well!. For orgs whose IDs look like a person could have made it at the library w/ photoshop, the badge can add an extra layer of credability. If on the slim perchance someone stops at an MVA or id's themselves at a medical emergency(since this appears to be a thing of the past), what is more believable in the public's eye-to wave around a little piece of paper from an org or the state OR calmly presenting that with a badge stating the same thing as the paper? Putting aside the potential for abuse, ideally it is a signal of authority and traiing that can help assure the public that we are trained and ready and willing to help. Again, NOONE should abuse their badge and I would advocate for the arrest and prosecution of anyone who does. However, on the whole I don't think it's this big crime/horrible idea for EMS to have badges. The shape and design is a whole nother issue; to large to re-open here.

I don't think its appropriate for Con Ed to install lights or sirens. By all means, keep the ambers and scene lights for saftey. If they have lights or sirens, whos training all the people who get to drive them? Who in the public is going to respect this? Regardless of importance, is the average joe raelly going to pull over for a Con Ed truck? I don't think its smart to keep adding to the list of things that have lights and sirens. (The canteen trucks are a whole seperate issue) These trucks would preemptively seem to have a high potential for abuse. The more use of lights and sirens, the less responsive the average citizen becomes. I realize that lack of power is an emergency but will the seconds saved and extra risk truly be worth lights and sirens? I would have to say no! If there truly is an emergeny that cannot possibly wait a few extra seconds I would much rather see these trucks escorted and accompanied by PD.

I think there are alot of knee-jerk reactions regarding the idea. While there are obvious ups and downs, I belive that this might work well on paper but be harder to implement. With that said however, I don't think that the priciple is automaticallty a bad idea. If the firefighers are compensated for the extra duty and are given the proper training and supervision, I think this might be viable solution to this town's problems. What I think we need to keep in mind is: This might not be applicable to all jurisdictions!! In larger jurisdicitions such as NYC, intergration would certaintly help alleviate the battle of the badges that occur b/c of the duplication of services. I know to some degree, federal agencies mix job titles like this; perhaps they could sevrve as a model (A scary idea I know)