nycemt728

I don't know, on one hand I see how it was useful to the bride and I totally understand the driver's sentiment that it was nice to do somthing extra positive with his vehicle, but i can't help wonder of this has the same effect as it does in America. Sometimes emergency responders get enough s*** from the public for what is percieved as abuse, things like this certainly can't help. I know it's a different atmosphere in Israel such that emergencies are taken more seriously and everyone seems to be involved in emergency services there so I wonder if this is a non issue because responders' actions are not questioned as much as ours are here. Get Me To the Chuppah On Time

Why? Find it hard to believe that an FDNY member would want to volunteer? Find it hard to believe that an FDNY member still lives in the 5 boroughs and might want to help his own neighborhood. People stick with organizations all the time, even if they are less than functional. All it means they are dedicated, and ofcourse in need of a little help to fix the organizations obvious problems.

So I've heard several times today and even seen some articles online that report that Gov. Christie is planning on ordering flags to half for Whitney Houston. There are so many ways to honor someone, but to orders all flags in the state to half?? I'd like to point out that tihs is the same honor that is given to heads of state but more importantly those we have lost in the service to our country...a good voice yes but definitely not worth of the same statewide symbol of honor and respect. Technically, only the President or govenrnor can order flags to half, that should give some indication of that serious, solemn nature the act represents. If these articles are true, shame on Gov. Christie! P.S. for those who may point out that it was perhaps done for other celebs in the past, it was inappropriate then and it's innapropriate now; two wrongs don't make a right.

http://www.revivalhhc.org/index.php Revival HHC vs Revial EMS/Ambulance whatever they're called...99.9% sure they're one in the same. If I'm not mistaken Revival is the wife's company, AHAVA is his.

Yup, plea bargins are a big problem, just as the DA going for the the lesser charge (and consequently less jail time) to get the conviction rather than risk the aquittal. Judges have the right to (and do) reject any and all deals agreed to by the parties that are just absurd or not in the best interest of justice. I would hold the DA's more responsible than I would judges.

SeniorCare does have two 911 trucks, 31E and 31S out of The Brooklyn Hospital Center. As for Reviaval, if you look at the website for the Home Health Care portion of the company, the owner of that is Steve Z's wife...so I'd say that's a pretty big yes to that quesiton. Sounds like SeniorCare is dispatching for them, if not managing/staffing.

Here we go again...there's more to the justice system than just judges. How about the ADA who didn't choose to prosecute? How about the Grand Jury that didn't indight? How about the cops who never found enough evidence to help make a good case? How about witnesses who are too scared or choose not to come forward? How about the fact that NYS law does not allow for preventative detention? Granted there are judges who should hang up the robes, but it's an incomplete picture blame every single crime committed by a guy with a record on judges. That being said, I'm glad the officer is on his way to to speedy recovery and I hope this particular crime is enough to land this knucklehead a long tour of NYS facilities.

So, the Apellate Division ruled that there was an implied contract between the municipality/FDNY and Aviation. It would seem to me that implied contract would still apply unless the FDNY Commisioner takes some action to cancel it (not simply say they are improperly trained) or gets the court to supercede the previous decision of the AD case...

Back up that FDNY has total control and not the state. I realize they are responsible, but I'm trying to get at what specifically their powers are. Can they call the cops? Yes, but can they shut down a legit organization? IDK. Hell could they even shut down a non legit one. I'm not saying either side is wrong, I just want to know what the proper way of going about this is.

Can you back this up with anything? Even if that were the case, it would seem logical that the state would retain some sort of control. So far everyone has seen fit to bash, but has anyone actually checked on their claim that they are a legit orgainzation???

FDNY is involved because they are having the issue with that dept or as you are referring group of people. Forget how they got started, if they are legit then they need to be left alone. If they are not, FDNY needs to prove their case the the authorities in the proper venue, not play enforcer, that is my only point.

Yes EPVFD is still around and active. It covers its own area and is quite useful as the streets are incredibly narrow, many FDNY apparatuses ambulances and engines alike have gotten stuck on the streets. Now, with regards to Aviation. I agree, they've had a bunch of problems over the years. Do they need a new administration or some oversight? ABSELUTELY!! Personally, I never say a bad word against those who volunteer. If they want to help their community, let them. Ofcourse you need to play by the rules. FDNY needs to once again remember that vollys do exist in NYC (legally) and it needs to play with them...enough of the strong arming! Now, if Aviation is not properly trained or compliant or w/e the Commish is claiming, he needs to take it up w/ w/e agencie(s) certify or allow fire dept's in NYS to exist....it is not the FDNY's job to enforce anything. Both agencies exist to help people, not get into pissing matches. If Aviation wants to restore their image and do their job, they need to make damn sure they do it right. If FDNY wants to look good, they need to focus on their job and figure out a way to co-exist peacefully.

An abselutely terrible way to ring in the 2012. My condolences to Ranger Anderson's family and her brother and sister rangers in the NPS. US. News (MSNBC.com) Ranger fatally shot at Mt. Rainier National Park

NY10570 you are correct, however the Ellis construction bridge (obviously meant to carry heavy loads) was made permanent and undergoes regular testing. Bottom line, fire apparatus from Jersey City can and do respond over the bridge. There are prepositioned FDNY lockers on Liberty. I was suggesting that given the remote nature of Hart with its limited access it would seem logical to put some supplies there as well. You have to take into consideration that Governor's is in close proximity to at least two large marine companies and the GI ferry could probably fit a company or two. Hart no matter how you look it is signifigantly farther away. The islands of NY Harbor also can be recieve support from any number of NJ departments, the lower Westchester guys may have small boats none really to lauch firefighting operations. Even if Hart is being slowly demolished, it still doesn't make it any less flamable. I agree it's all about about priorties, and I think the value of a water based unit further uptown than the high 80s if that, for this situation and even the one that you just mentioned with the truck on the bridge warrant a look to not buy new resources but certainly rearrange current ones.

So, is this any justification for shuffing some marine resources around any? I understand the boats had to wait to crew up w/ the responding companies and account for tides but it seems like the marine resoures took a long time to get there. Also City Island has alot of narrow streets, if there was a fully involved fire how many units could you really fit on a block to make a really good attack? Would it make sense to train the ladder guys for the CI house (might be an excellent reason to justify keeping ladder in service) on one of the smaller alpha boats and have it staged up there? It could cover the island, the bronx and upper manhattan. Also in a situation where the units are responding from such a distance, would it not make since to crew the boat with units closer to the call in question, perhaps it would speed up response time and be beneficial. Also, perhaps it would be beneficial prestage some equipment on Hart, i.e. brush equipment, cans, hose reels and perhaps a pump? I realize the island is uninhabited but that still does not negate the fact that the island has quite a bit of flamable material including brush and unstabilized buildings. And yes that movie was filmed there.

I personally don't think anyone should move anyone else vehicle without permission, especially one w/ lights and sirens. That being said, clearly you need to read what I said again. All I said is that no one wants to be late for work and that most people, including myself would not be happy about the situation. I didn't excuse her behaivor one bit. I'm sorry if you clearly don't have to punch in on time like the rest of us, must be nice! I concluded my post by saying we all as human beings and especially as public servants should try to do our jobs with courtesy and respect for the communities we serve instead of getting tunnel vision b/c we happen to be on an emergency, do you disagree with that too?

I agree, the woman was 100% wrong for entering and moving an emergency vehicle, and then downright selfish for being further late for work to complain about the officers and techs. HOWEVER, let's all remember we're all off duty at some point or another. Even though someone's life/emergency should take priority, can we all honestly say that we wouldn't be a little ticked if we couldn't get to work?? My point is this, yes we can and should park where we need to and do what we need to do for the safety of our patients but if we can do it with a little courtesy so as not inconvience the rest of the world, lets do it. I am in NO WAY saying jeapordize patient care, but the emergency services world is not black and white, there is room to play. There is no reason to the abuse the priveledges we have when there is alternative that works for everyone. IE if you can pull over a little and not block the road when you're responding to a residence, do it. If you are blocking someone and you, a boss or colleague can move the truck if someone needs to get out, do it. If you can shut off your truck in the nice weather while your sitting on a residential street or by a home, do it. A little courtesy goes a long way!!

The problem would seem to be the bypassing of the gag reflex and the rate at which it absorbs into the bloodstram, not the amount.

Boy did you touch on a huge issue. To boil a huge, never ending debate into a nutshell: The vollys of NYC are not dispatched by FDNY. Some do have MARS radios of which the primary frequecy is monitored at FDNY dispatch, however vollys have been informed should they need ALS or further assistance on a call that they are to call via land line, not use the radios. There was some flip flopping as to whether squads were permitted to call the division directly or whether we would be forced to call 911 as a civilian, it's changed many times in recent years but it has happened that squads have requested ALS and received a CFR company, then BLS before ALS is finally sent. The squads to do have commmunity hotlines. Readers, complain all you want but unfortunately FDNY wants total control and will put lives at risk by not even utilizing volly units if they are closer to jobs. As for funding again, no official support from the city. Many do receive grants from federal, state, and city programs and politicians. Other than that, they are on their own for funding, which yes does include insurance.

So I caught a new show on the Travel Channel tonight, Off Limits. It shows the host getting access to all sorts of places not generally open to the public. Really awesome concept, I would love to have his job. Anyway, tonight's show was about New York. One segment had the host exploring the Saw Mill River under Yonkers. Yonkeres FD provided technical support as the host and crew waded into the decently fast moving river. At FD's reccomendation, no one tied off to anything before wading in. From the non swift water expert's standpoint, it would have seemed preferable to tie off than not. I'm not questioning the decision. It clearly goes against what appears to be common sense in that sort of situation, so I'm curious as to why that type of decision would be made. At what point does being tied off become a hazard rather than a help, what factors go into that decision...the current? terrain downstreem? purpose of being in the water? Anyone with swiftwater training care to help out? Here's a link to the show: Travel Channel's Off Limits

I support the guys supporting charity, as it should be. However, uniform policy is meant to be followed. If the shirts weren't approved it's unfortunate but they perhaps needed to find another way to support the cause. Personally, I think many public servants take the their uniforms too lightly...I am sick of seeing jeans from volly squads on a set tour, backwards yankee caps on the privates and a t-shirt from whatever union or Joe Schmoe Annual Golf tournament on the local engine crews. Last time I checked, in most cases uniforms w/ the exception of the vollys uniforms are provided or paid for and there are rules about wearing them. Regardless the skills the wearer may have, it detracts from public opinion, and degrades us all a little when folks throw non-uniform items into the mix. Bottom line, support whatever worthy cause your heard desires, even on the job..just do it in a way consistant with the rules!

Agreed, same here. Still 100% volly, no billing. The services offered have little to do with the name, a VAC can offer classes, screenings, community outreach etc just as easily as a Rescue Squad, EMS, or any other fancy name you can come up with. Personally I think as long as some tours are covered by volunteers, you still have the right to call yourself a VAC. I understand we are in a business, despite being volunteers, paid etc but at the end of the day I guarantee you people don't worry what name the people walk in the door call themselves, it's how they conduct themselves and the quality service they provide. I actually worked under a chief once who admonished us for knocking on the door and announcing "EMS" as opposed to "volunteer ambulance"...suffice it to say my crew had a WTF moment. Bottom line, take pride in your work and your organization and let the titles fall where they may.

I agree, there does not appear to be any law and for sure common sense, there is no where to go so why drive people nuts or scare them by sitting on the siren?? That said, I do know that that TBTA PD have asked ambulances not to use sirens on their bridges. I'M not sure of the reason that was given...but again common sense the most bridges on are narrow enough as it is, why give yourself another headache?

The camera is in a constant state of recording so to speak...it then saves the 15 (or w/e it's set to) seconds before and after it's tripped. They can also be set off manually.

Well, the new stadium is nice...finally cup holders in every seat and mildy edible food. That being said, ABSELUTELY there was no need for a new stadium! It was totally about the money. The modifications made had very little to do with the average person's experience. What changed most was the teams facilities...more elaborate offices, locker rooms and training facilities and more luxury seating. Remember, the stadium actually has fewer seats than the old one, and nearly double the amoundt of luxury boxes. I love history...so to me seeing the stadium I grew up with demolished was depressing. On the other hand it was signifigantly chaned from the "House that Ruth built" during it's last renovation...so not as tragic as one would think. As for the space it origionally occupied, it is currently being developed into some of the parkland promised to the city. For those who don't know/remember the new stadium is built on NYC park land, specifically Macombs Dam Park. The space where the old stadium was was to be developed as a park w/ sports fields to replace the ones displaced by the new stadium. As of today, two baseball fields have been sodded and sprinklers installed. Alot of work still needs to be done in terms of landscaping. The park is long since overdue to be completed, and while progess has been made I don't think it will be open before mid summer.