FireMedic65

Granted, to scratched off all your skin I wish I had pizza.

Your apparel is not to impress the patient. It is to protect yourself. We aren't talking about being in uniform. We are referring to PPE. Wearing a turnout coat or extrication suit when involved in an MVC.

It's not a matter of what "could" happen in real life. It is still first and foremost safety issue. Did the instructor explain why you were failed? If not.. that does not help you or anyone else at all.

They aren't there to be mean to you. These things happen in real life. More often than not, much worse things come up. You can't be tested in an environment with perfect conditions. You have to be ready for that curve ball. Learn from this. They aren't mistakes. They are just trying to do what exactly had happened... overwhelm you. This is a stressful profession with every situation being different. Get used to being put through the ringer. Good luck.

Nothing makes it right.

Sorry for not spelling out things more clearly. "random computer class" was said because the classes vary from program to program. If you want my to list them so you will be happy, I will. My post was stating that the more education you get, the better. No matter what the class.

You misinterpreted what I was saying. A degree program does make you a better medic in the long run.

Don't ask me, I don't make the laws. Call your local Labor and Industry office and ask them.

Well put, thanks.

Because that would be against the law My point was, those who want to learn, should be taught. Even if it is just sitting there and watching.

I like that!! Let us know if you find one!

Very good thoughts. Safety meetings definitely should be mandatory for all employees. If you are not properly dressed in appropriate PPE for the situation at hand, you should be told about it. Possibly removed from the scene, suspended or maybe punished further. Safety is HUGE. tniuqs made a very good point in wearing hi visible clothing. Wearing the proper clothing and gear is also very important. Too many people get injured for senseless reasons. Not wearing the proper PPE or any at all for the matter not only puts yourself at risk, but the other rescuers you are with, and even the patient. I see it too much, people not in PPE and actively involved in the operation. Why line officers or supervisors let this go on, is beyond me! (I have even seen white helmets not dressed properly). I hope more people realize this issue and do something about it. That is exactly what I am referring to. Thank you for the good picture. I assume it was a hot day by the way they were dressed. Regardless of heat, put on all gear! Is it comfortable, no. Is is safe? HELL YES. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire right?

Granted, you speak French, but live in India. I wish my servants wouldn't sit around all day

Granted, your new gun is a super soaker with broken pump (now you can't squirt) I wish I had a servant.

Granted, you "were" a paramedic. Now you are a nurse (sorry Terri) I wish i were a nurse

Granted, you have a waffle... but I used the last two drops of syrup that Kat gave me. I wish it would start acting like spring and be warm.

First of all, I am not trying to start an argument between fire and ems. Please don't post up your personal opinions on either. If you don't like one or the other, sorry. Anyway, my question is this. How often do we see a firefighter, rescue personal, or EMS worker not properly dressed for the situation they are on. For example: A firefighter at the scene of a car crash, or structure fire. They are wearing a turn out coat, helmet (not strapped), and wearing jeans. EMS personnel at a crash crash, involved with extrication (in the car holding c-spine) with helmet on the roof. Also wearing a uniform shirt. No heavy coat and just exam gloves. Feelings, opinions? Does this happen more often than not? How do we address this issue?

Oh yes, I remember that. Very good information. How are your EKGs coming along?

You have Mt. Dew, but it's flat and warm I wish had syrup for my grits lol

You chopped down the tree, but it fell on your house. I wish I had some breakfast.

Granted, have straights A's get put on a desk job because you would be more helpful pushing paperwork. I wish jessi would come on AIM

Very nice... you have to learn and start some where!

what thread was that?

I also have no problem with "cadets" coming to the fire scene. They can be very helpful. As Timmy stated though, I would expect them to be trained, and supervised. I DO NOT agree with them riding on the engine though, or another first in vehicle. Leave those seats to people who know what is going on. Here in PA, you have to be the age of 14 to join as a "junior" or "cadet". They are not allowed in the operations location of the fire scene. When they turn 16, they can throw ladders and help out with getting equipment, but by no means can they pick up tools and cut open a car or run into the building with the hose line. Must 18 to do that. Also, you DO NOT have to have any prior training to fight a fire in PA. You can join, get a call and immediately jump on the engine and go fight the fire. Most departments put in their own rules though, where you must be trained to do these things. Same goes with EMS. You can take the EMT-B program at the age of 15, but must be 16 upon completion and day of certification testing. This however, does not mean you can jump on the ambulance and treat patients A LONE. You must be accompanied by a "senior" EMT, someone the age of at least 18 to ride on the ambulance and give patient care in the role of an EMT. Again, some companies or departments may require the age of responders to be older, but never younger. This does not apply to "explorers" or ride-along. Those ages vary from place to place, but I think the minimum age is 14. However, I feel that still may be too young for someone to be on an ambulance in certain situations. You never know what will happen, even if you go out on a routine stubbed toe call, you may get dispatched to something much more severe and not have the chance to drop the observer off.

Very true, every place is different. I was just giving an example of my location. I also believe L.A. SWAT does similar. Or more likely we do similar to them. They move in, do their thing, bring patient to EMS. It isn't very clear to me why they need medics to be part of the assault team, other than to treat on scene until it becomes secure. I guess like a field medic in the army?