emt372

Hi everyone,
Thought I would stop looking around and finally start posting.
My name is Marc I have been in the EMS field for about 4-5 years, I was a past member and Captain of the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Youth Group 2008-2009. I am currently a member of Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps for a little over a year now. I received my EMT-B Certification at WCC a little over a year ago. I am a student at Pace University, studying Information Systems; I am pursuing a minor in Internet assurance and Criminal Justice and will be graduating in May of 2012 and getting my masters by May of 2013.
Nice to meet everyone,
Marc

Hi everyone,
Thought I would stop looking around and finally start posting.
My name is Marc I have been in the EMS field for about 4-5 years, I was a past member and Captain of the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Youth Group 2008-2009. I am currently a member of Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps for a little over a year now. I received my EMT-B Certification at WCC a little over a year ago. I am a student at Pace University, studying Information Systems; I am pursuing a minor in Internet assurance and Criminal Justice and will be graduating in May of 2012 and getting my masters by May of 2013.
Nice to meet everyone,
Marc

Several people have approached me asking why departments wait so long or fail to request EMS to a fire scene with transport buses and a rehab unit. I am not saying this because I am part of an EMS agency that often supplies a transport buses and/or a rehab unit, but rather because I feel that having transport buses and a rehab unit can be very important at a fire scene and can SAVE LIVES! It seems to me and to the people that have approached me about this topic, that departments frequently wait a rather long time into an incident to to call for EMS (transport buses or rehab units). I do not know why more towns do not have these units listed on the initial dispatch for confirmed, reported, or possible structure fires. Doing so would give the Chief's one less thing to focus on. If the Chief finds out it is a false alarm or there really is no need for EMS or rehab, it is very easy to put the units back in service or cancel their response. To me this seems like a very easy thing to do that can have many advantages and can greatly add to the safety of FD members.
Even small fires, should have transport buses and a rehab crew. You never know when someone is going to go down, be involved in a collapse, slip on ice, trip over a hose line, etc. Especially with fire volume being down in comparison to past years (general statement), you just never know what will happen at a scene. People are getting more and more exited when they hear the tones drop for a "FIRE!!!!!" Due to this, you just never know if someone will have a cardiac issue. More commonly, heat or exhaustion issues can happen at any scene. During colder months, cold related issues can happen when firefighters are standing around dripping wet. Having EMS and a rehab unit responding automatically or early on can be a great asset if unfortunately something does go wrong.
As far as rehab units, perhaps Chiefs are calling so late in the fire incident because they do not quite understand the concept of a rehab crew and what has to be done in terms of setting up at the scene. FYI, it is not as easy as stepping out of a truck and does require some set-up time. So if you are going to need a rehab crew, call for one early on so it can be as effective as possible.
If anyone has any insight to this, any input is greatly appreciated.
Happy Holidays!

REALLY???? That's why snot-nosed, hot-shot new Medics treat EMTs with over 20 years experience like they are the hired help and know nothing!!!! In my books, 20+ years is both TIME & EXPERIENCE which should be respected!
Sorry Lt. - I got off of your original thread also.