nycemt728

Agreed, the less pt info over the air the better! I'm not from W'chester, so perhaps you can explain the protocols: when does one use the HEAR system? I would have to agree w/ chris192 on this from the info presented, I probably would not have considered a note in this instance. Is HEAR required on all calls? What prompted its use on this call?

Today, after last nights heavy storms, I took a ride on the Bronx River Parkway northbound right below Westchester. The river was running high, but not at the point of onto the highway. However, at 222nd st, the traffic stopped to inching along. After a very long wait, I finally got up to 233rd streed where NYPD Traffic was forcing everybody to exit. NYPD had also closed the Northbound entrance at 233rd. From what I can gather, the road had flooded directy over the border, right where it had flooded the last time we had a big storm. Besides there being no radio coverage (but thats another gripe), I am upset that there was no warning and no attempt by any agency to close the road earlier than 233rd street. I realized the manpower involved, but it only takes one car, and there are only a few entrances that needed to be closed. With the BRP in Bronx, there are ample roads paralleling the highway, Webster Ave and Bronx Park East that can be used. If the highway is flooded, then it's flooded, why keep it open?? I would argue that keeping the ramps open creates a more dangerous situation than extra traffic on the streets: idiots backing up or going the wrong way on ramps: just asking for an MVA. (and indeed upon my return on the southbound side, there were people doing this on several ramps) Even if PD cars can not be detailed to do this, are there other options for closure? Auxillary? DOT? Sanitation? Or, how much would it take to install a simple locking metal turn gate that could be closed and locked by PD for the duration of the closure?? How do other jurisdictions and states handle this?

1. I am aware of where the BRP runs, I think a clousure at Allerton would be the best bet. At that point all the Northbound options are accessible to motorists via Mosholou, Bronx Park East, or Wesbster Ave. To close it past Gun Hill where traffic already backs up b/c of the light is useless. BTW 95 might not be a viable option for everyone! 2. I agree traffic posts normally should be manned, but I also agree that in an emergency there could be a strain on manpower. I was not suggesting cones, but more of a lockng gate like on parks or parking lots, one that cannot be driven around or opened by the public. Unless you have a battering ram, you can't really argue w/ a solid metal gate across the road. I understand the necessity to keep traffic flowing. Keeping a highway open is not an issue, so long as motorists are kept aware. Party, you say you heard on 1010 wins, fine, but I was on it and was listening the entire way up, no joy. When this happens and there are no electronic signs to give people options, thats when I'm suggesting an earlier closure. I think that if people had been aware they could only have gone to 233rd street there would have been signifigantly less traffic and the highway would have funtioned as a simple route from Story to 233rd as you are suggesting. Yes, I know the BRP can flood, and if I had known for sure I would have used an alternate route. I am simply trying to exlplore all sides of the issue and get to that point of easy traffic flow you are referring to.

Yes, our budget creeps closer and closer to red every time this happens. Totally bad! We do have contingencies. Typically, when the price of fuel goes up, my volunteer agency (we pay for our own diesel) suspends or limits non-emergent operations. When the price is really high the crew can not take the ambulances out to drive in the community. One limited meal period is allowed. When the prices are low, we are allowed to drive around and get the corps name out there and bascially show the community we exist and are still around and in service. After the the price really started jumping bout 1.5-2 years ago, a 15 mile limit was placed on the tours. They are allowed to patrol the community as mentioned above, but only put a total of 15 miles on the vehicle. When a full restriction is is place, with permission the crew is allowed to take the ambulance to a central location or community event such as a ball game and post. Bottom line high prices of gas suck for business, b/c it kills our exposure. Some volunteer squads need community exposure for both calls and donations. Every time fuel restricts us to base, usually after the restriction is lifted, we get long time commnunity residents saying " Gee I've lived her XX number of years (usually more than the 27 we've been around) and I never knew you guys were here" Now I know thats also advertising, but part of that is getting out there; we can't do that if the fuel tanks and coffers are empty!

In additition to Empire and MetroCare (who i think still has them I/S), Citywide Mobile Response (based in the Bronx, NYC) has recently taken delivery of two or three type IIs. I don't particularly care for the Demers look, but the paint jobs on the the Citywide buses makes them look nice. I'm not sure, but I think one of the other volunteer 911 hospitals in NYC also has one.

ESU is not a promotional or meirt thing per-se. From what I know, it is an application process. You have to be on the force for I believe 5 years, have a record free of CD's etc, score well at the range, shoot house etc...If you have extra training (since all ESU are EMT's) that would help your app. I'm sure there is more, but as I'm not a cop...someone can fill in the rest. When housing got folded into NYPD, their ESU guys got offered a chance to go in w/o many barriers.

I agree with Chris192 here. If there is ample room to work on the shoulder, operate w/ extreme caution, but its probably not necessary to close a lane. IMO, and this is coming from working in NYC so I undersrtand this might need some modification in other jurisdictions. Plain and simple, whoever is first onscene, judiciously do what they need to do to ensure scene safety. If that means shutting a lane, so be it. However, once PD is on scene, allow them to take over that responsibility, quickly move trucks or vehicles and allow them to continue setting up flare etc. Despite what may be said, it's really not EMS or FD's role at the scene. If there is extra personell, by all means assist, but don't create a loggerjam on the road just b/c you can. When I am off duty, I can't stand it when there are 5 vehicles parked in one or two lanes with no operations being done and everyone is waiting for a tow or the ambulance is just ready to leave. If PD can secure the scene w/ regards for saftey they should be given this responsiblity while FD and EMS continues w/ extrication, patient, care, washdowns etc. It goes right back to what Chris192 and actually the whole purpose of the site is about, putting aside our egos and doing what each our services do best to work together for the best interest of those we serve!!

Corzine Vehicle Going 90 MPH This can't have been helpful! No one, govenor or not should be going this fast! If CEVO teaches us that 90 mph is unsafe for an ambulance normally AND w/ lights and sirens carrying a critical patient, why is it safe for a politician going to a meeting??? This whole tragic incident reeks of one reckless decions after another! I don't think anything will change, but I seriously think it is time for the government and police agencies to re-think the way politicians and dignitaries are transproted. A few months back LI County Exec Tom Suozzi's SUV was also involved in an acciedent using lights and sires b/c he was late for a meeting. Think back to all the big no-no's of CEVO: Using lights and sirens frivously (b/c they make the public immune), traveling in convoys, going at high rates of speed. Its not good enough for EMS and fire, why politicians??

According to the reports, the troopers have constantly begged him to wear the seat belt, to no avail. Unfortuately, while it is law, apparently the law does not give them the power to force the govenor to wear it. If I were in government, I would say to all politicians and govenors you don't want to wear your seatbelt, fine but two things: 1. Say good-bye to your escort, car and driver, you want to take risks, the state should not have to pay for it! 2. Your NOT above the law, so your subject to ticketing (it's not there for sh*ts and giggles its there to protect you) This accident illustrates the need for seatbelts beautifully: Everyone always says I don't need to wear it, I/he/she is a good driver. Well yes that is the case. Trooper Rasinksi obviously did a commendable job in the face of circumstances not under his control. He is probably an excellent driver (hence his position) but it still didn't prevent the crash or the govenor's injuries. Someone else's stupid actions are to blame. Even the best drivers can't totally account for bad drivers. Ok all, stay stafe and buckle up, even in ambulances!!!!

Yes he is transported by State Troopers. Whether the car is the govenor's or the states is unclear, my guess is it's the states. The trooper who was driving was also tx'd to Cooper in less serious condition than the gov. I agree, I hope the high profile nature of the accident will help promote seat belt use.

Article 4/11/07

EFD184 THANK YOU for providing the proof that others did not before bashing members on the forum! After reading the document, it is clear that those who pass the regular FF civil service test are give a Spanish proficency exam to qualify for what looks like a bi-lingual FF opening. I still have some reseverations about openining an official bi-lingual FD position like this, but this answers alot of the questions. If this document refers to what the article referred to, then the reporter who wrote it is the only one who needs a lesson in English b/c the article DOES NOT represent the true situation.

Ok, from the article that was origionally posted, I concluded just as some others have that the test IS given in Spanish. Now some posters are claiming otherwise. I have only one request: if you are claiming that you know the test is given in only English, please tell the rest of us, where did you get this information? Please sight your sources so the rest of us can have an informed discussion because as someone who understands english very well (and I really resent some of the bashing going on about this), I stand by my interpretation of the article and my response!

I fail to see the purpose of this practice. I support bi-lingual employees, I also support extra pay for those who are. However, there is no reason to offer the test in another language. With no disprespect to anyone who's first language is not English, I want any responder or dispatcher to have the best possible command of English. If they still think in another language, how good can their English really be? They say that when you begin to think in a language, you truly know the language and are fluent. Well, if these people think in Spanish not English, then I don't think they're the best fit. If they think fluently in both, then there should be no problem with their taking the test in English. Further, I don't think it's fair that they get an extra chance to take the exam just because they have skill others do not. By all means reward them for that skill, but do it AFTER they are not hired, not before!

RIP, a truly tragic loss! NY Daily News Coverage

Firefighters Face Heart Risks-from MSNBC.com WOW! Talk about concrete evidence of the risks of the job! Wonder if this applies to EMS as well. Also interesting to learn that the risk increases while responding! Well what does everyone think, will this or can this help us reduce preventable LODDs?

A medic might not be justified, I would advocate for an EMT, a medic is overkill, both in money and supplies. You are correct, ALS can easily be handle by the municpal response system

QUOTE(partyrock @ Apr 4 2007, 12:55 PM) Are you serious, a full time medic for less than a call a day. Thats even less practical than a full time firefighting force for teh airport. I suspect that the one person saved by a full time medic wouldn't care that the rest of that medic's time had no calls. Those five minuts could be important. I work for a place that doesn't have an large call volume; thats not the only reason for my employment. As for a full time fire company: I agree, I think cross training personell already on staff to handle small scale incidents and initial response is a much better and more appropritate idea. If there is a lack of coordination with the responding departments, I would also emphasize the strengthening of this response through drills and clear and precise plans. I agree w/ X635, prolly not a bad idea for all airports to maintain the mobile stairs.

Was the threat an unk substance or was their a concern for terrorism?

Hatzolah technically registers their vehciles as EASVs as well. That is the only way in NYS that a POV can legally get away with having sirens or red lights. Now, do i think all those vehicles have the entire list of equipement? ( like immobilization boards, fire estinguishers and flares and the like) I truly doubt they all do. I live and work in NYC and quite honestly as much as I would LOVE to do this to my car, just based on the ambivalance on this forum regarding insurance its not worth it, nor is it necessary in a builit up urban area where the average response time is reasonable.

I have been mistaken for a police officer many times; in both good situations and bad. I might add I was also wearing a white shirt, so even less like a cop! I totally agree with whats being said, you can be Mr. Saftey and follow all your protocols and still wind up in world of hurt. If these guys act up with EMS AND cops present, they will surely act up when we have no back up. I agree its unfortunate that EMS has to vest up, but we like going home just as much as cops do. I think if I was given a vest, I would wear it working at certain agencies. I do work in NYC and have lived there my whole life, I would definitely take and wear one offered to me. Would I buy one, probably not, but thats just laziness combined with the fact that I dont work the bad areas routinely enough where I don't have back up. I guess what I'm saying is yeah, its come to a point that in certain places EMS needs to vest up, and I should probably get together with my colleagues and work on it. Be safe!

Well seing how her namesake was a US Navy Master Diver, perhaps she wanted to follow in his footsteps???

There is unfortunately not enough difference between the uniforms. The few diffrences there are are not enough. They include the diff shield shape, the word auxillary above the regualar nypd patch and the obvious lack of a gun. Even I who knows the difference has to take a sec or two to look and make sure whos who. Now, obviosuly in a crunch, a perp is NOT going to observe any of this. He is simply see the navy and think cops. I agree, it probaly done to give the appearance of more cops on the street. This is one reason my VAC has refused to switch over to navy. We routinely get calls to the projects and even in our white shirts, we stll get mistaken for cops. This is a horrible tragedy. I was under the impression they did not even attempt to stop the perp, they just were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Chris you are correct, the rules strictly say no getting involved, but I've heard some pretty wild stories. Its obvious, with little supervision, stuff does happen that doesn't always fit the rules. In this instance, i don't think pink uniforms would have made a diff, this guy didnt want to go in. My condolences to these two heros families. As far as I'm aware there is no requirement that auxillaries vest up for their regular patrols (not that this would have helped in this instance) but I would focus on this a prime saftey issue as well as the uniforms.

MALT= A ESU truck that is bascialy dedicated to lighting. Spelled out, its Mobile Auxillary Light Truck. Basicially, it carries generators and ligting rigs to create portbale quick scene lighting. MERV= Exactly what the title sounds like. For major incidents, ( I don't know the specific call types) this vehicle is basically a rolling treatment center. It has the capability to treat several patients at once and looks like a large bus. (in fact several of the older models were school buses) A perfect example is the 3 Alarm fire in the Bronx last Wednesday; the MERV was dispatched and used to treat patients and probably MOSs at the scene. I believe FDNY EMS also maintains a similarly sized vehicle dedicated to respitory/ashtsma emergencies. If memory serves, the BX MERV is based out of Batt. 20 (Jacobi Hospital) and Manhattan's out of Bellvue. FDNY TSU: "The many large storage compartments of the Tactical Support Unit truck hold specialized tools and equipment not usually carried by other firefighters, such as: special chainsaws for underwater use, powerful electric generators, portable pontoon boats, a telescoping light tower, and night-vision goggles." from the FDNY Firezone website

heres another two: are illegal!