WAS967

Curb time and contact time should indeed be separate data points and monitored separately. Just like dispatch time and responding times should be monitored separately. Just because a unit has been dispatched doesn't mean they are responding (don't we all wish). Chute times are important to track as well. Some agencies also track times on scene and with over a certain time on scene (20 minutes perhaps?) you have to document a reason for the delay.

Here's a link to the "collaborative protocols" including a training module that should be used for it's roll out. Dunno if that's what we'll use down here or if they will make their own or similar. That remains to be seen. http://www.remo-ems.com/emergency-medical-services/protocols/ Here's a video someone did relating to the transition from the HVREMAC protocols to the new consolidated protocols. I have yet to see the documents he shows in the video posted anywhere publically that I can find however. If someone has a source, please share. http://www.emsseo.com/2013/07/hudson-valley-ems-protocols-webinar-review/

The so called consolidated protocols were voted on and approved at a recent REMAC meeting with the exception of the interfacility transfer protocol which I believe WREMSCO will make their own addendum for. It is HOPED that they go into effect the first of the year, but if history is any indication, it will probably take longer. Frankly, I look forward to it. Think about this - you can be an ALS provider anywhere from the border of NYC to the border of Canada and have the same protocols. Some things are a little wonky and make you go "huh?" but others make a lot of sense. IF it moves us forward, then it's a good thing in my book. NJ has had a statewide protocol for ALS for years. Go figure they actually did something right ahead of us.

Google is your friend. http://focusventuresllc.com/portfolio.php Also, can anyone tell me when the REMSCOs approved transfer of the operating certificate(s) from one entity (Empire Ambulance dba whatever they are this year) to another? Cause if EMStar bought the company in July, there has yet to be a proper transfer of the certificate to them. There WAS a transfer of operating authority done just recently for the transfer of Park Ambulance's CON to a company known as Medic East (d.b.a. SeniorCare). For those keeping track at home their principles are: Kenneth Rosenberg, Jeremy Straus, and Michael Vatch. If they have any connection with Richmond County Ambulance it's news to me. Source: WREMSCO Meeting available at the website.

What about for EMS personnel?

Let me know if you guys go back. My uncle pretty much runs the place.

Any and all up to date information SHOULD be here: http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/national_education_standards_transition/

So now that they have their ALS back, are they servicing any of the areas they covered for 911 again, or were those losses a little more than temporary?

LOT of people with thoughts directed in Bill and Gigi's direction, especially with this being EMS week. The story has gone national and tons of prayers will be with them both. Glad to hear Gigi is home and recovering. Hoping Bill has a speedy recovery.

Where is Ft. Edwards? And what do they do with the sediment once it's dredged? What is it contaminated with?

The single comment below the video is spot on. You get more flies with honey than vinegar. Yes, we didn't see what happened before hand, but the Captain could have been a little more chill. If people become a problem, get the PD involved FIRST. Don't go playing cop.

Actually, per NYS DOH policy statement 10-01, epinepherine and defbrillators (both of which require a medical director to carry) are REQUIRED by part 800. http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/policy/10-01.htm

Clear your cache or use a different browser. They should allow you to read 30 storied before forcing you to subscribe. It's easy to work around.

Srs131: You guys do 12 leads at the Basic level up there? Very cool. I don't know too many commercial services that would foot the bill for 12-lead capable monitors on BLS trucks.

MoFire: How do you belt the parent and child together?

You would be correct. 1013 is for carbon dioxide. http://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/unna/1013

Did someone slip something in my drink or is her (the anchor woman's) shirt psychedelic?

I'm a firm believer that if someone ignores a mandatory evacuation order, and then comes to need emergency assistance, that responders should not be forced to risk their lives/safety to save them.

One of the BIGGEST reasons I've seen in the recent past for calls not being EMD'd is the improper transfer of the call from the PD operated PSAP to 60 Control. Usually if 60 is unable to EMD due to call volume they make a note in the CAD saying such. I'd imagine that would come into play with the whole required QA/QI part of the EMD plan and can be used as a tool/ammunition for the powers that be at WCDES to argue for more dispatchers. Nobody can argue against the need for a few more chairs in there. What are they running, one supervisor and three or four dispatchers? Two good incidents and the rest are answering phones with their feet.

How does one balance the SCBA and the beards/facial hair? Are there special SCBA masks that work in these instances? Wondering the same for respiratory masks for EMS workers - we used to have "hoods" with a hose attached to a HEPA filtered air blower for those who couldn't pass the N-95 testing because of unusual facial anatomy or other reasons.

Goose brought up another issue that drives me nuts. Only half of the EMD system is really being used by 60 Control. Why does WCDES not use the priority dispatch system?

What would be cool is if every operator on the HazMat team has helmet cams that feed back to the computer monitors so command is sitting in the rig kinda like in Aliens and able to see video feeds on every operator. Oh....and a big honking gun turret on the top that folds down for those low overpasses.

And for those who have more experience with the "cards" than I do (never seen em): Is there any part of the EMD protocol that actually says you can tell the caller that they don't require an ambulance???

The way I'm reading this plan, it's not really concerned so much with the operation of the PSAP but they dispatching of the medics. To simplify the language, it is basically saying that all EMERGENCY 911 ALS units in the county must be dispatched by an EMD certified dispatch center. I guess this really aims at the agencies like Harrison, PCRVAC?, Eastchester, MEMS?, WPEMS, MVEMS, OVAC, YVAC, MVAC etc who are (or maybe - some I dunno honestly) dispatched by PDs. And the goal is to make sure those PDs are properly performing EMD pre-arrival instructions. Agencies like Empress, Greenburgh, CPP, WEMS, TC of NR should be okay as their dispatch centers have EMD capability. It's too bad the powers that be don't have the power/balls to enforce proper transfer of EMS calls to 60 Control (or whomever). It's ridiculous how often it's not done.

What ALS agencies in Westchester provide PSAP dispatching and don't do EMD?