Lone Star

Church Incense: holy smoke Corporate Virgin: She no's everybody If a pig loses it's voice, is it 'disgruntled'? If a priest is 'defrocked', and a lawyer is 'disbarred'; shouldn't an electrician be 'delighted'? If a concert paiano player is a 'pianist', and the person who gives you a maniacure is a manicurist; shouldn't a race car driver actually be called a 'racist'?

Richard, Your friend, the fool, has decided to go into the animal breeding field. He told me that he crossed a giraffe and a german shepherd. When I asked him why he even considered such a move, he said he was looking to go into the security business on the side; and wanted a watchdog for the 4th floor.

The last name I remember her using was Evil Empress. I miss her not being around too...

Yeah, my kitten thinks it's a 'cat'astrophe.

As far as the referenced article, I'll concede that I may have misread something. Ultimately, the point of contention still stands. Opinions do not need fact to justify them. Because of this, we are each entitled to our opinions, and are free to voice them wihtout reprisal.

What I find 'interesting' is that I originally entered this thread with the words "I personally think..." which indicates a personal opinion; and those don't need to be defended by a logical progression of fact. I'm entitled to my opinion without this browbeating because you don't see things the way I do! Second, since you weren't there, you don't KNOW with any kind of authority what I've done in my life, or what has shaped my opinions to what they are! Whether you think I'm lying about my past is wholly irrelevant, regardless of what 'proof' you think you have. Just because you and I don't share the same ideology on certain issues is not 'proof', nor does it entitle you to belittle me for MY views. In my post about working with animals; nowhere did I say anything about not being scratched, bitten or otherwise injured? I said that we didn't have any mishaps like Sea World has had, meaning that no one lost fingers, was permanently maimed or killed. If a dog bites someone, that dog is put down for it, (especially if they've got a 'history' of aggressive behavior). If a shark bites a surfer, the only thing that spares that shark's life is that they can't definitively prove which one did it. If a bear or mountain lion attacks a camper or hiker, it's hunted down and killed. At no time is it taken into consideration that the animal might be 'hormonal', is over bred or underbred or just 'bored'; thereby justifying the attack. As far as that trainer being 'in the orca's environment', she was on the edge of the pool, which means that the orca left it's environment (however briefly it may have been); grabbed her by the hair and pulled her INTO it's environment, where it ultimately killed her. According to the story in the original post, this orca has exhibited a pattern of aggressive behavior, (which is why only about half of the trainers on staff will work with it), and has killed two other people. Yes, I will agree that there are inherent risks associated with certain behaviors, and certain actions must be taken to reduce those inherent risks (like wearing helmets when riding motorcycles, or seatbelts when driving). Whether or not she made a 'mistake' that ultimately led to her being killed, I cant say for certain. The educated person would have concluded that words like "In my opinion", "I personally believe" and other related phrases would indicate a personal view, and treat it as such, as opposed to insulting the speaker for views that don't coincide with those of the reader.

Some very good advice here! A couple other things to add: 1. Intentionally 'stirring the pot' is a good way to start collecting frowns from the general membership. We're each entitled to our opinions, but to go out of your way to 'stir things up' is generally not well received. 2. Please try to refrain from digressing to name calling. It usually proves nothing, and it more often than not precludes others from wanting to try to see things from your perspective. 3. Your homework is your homework. We don't mind helping you with it, but please don't expect us to do it for you. We've already done ours. There are some very bright minds here (I'm still wondering how that happened!); take advantage of them, you'll be surprized how many are willing to pass on what they know. 4. A little logic and common sense go a long way around here. Want to really bring the wrath of the gods to bear? Defend an action with 'because the book says', as opposed to logically defending your point..... 4a. Don't be afraid/ashamed to admit that you were wrong. You'd be surprized how far that goes toward 'credibility' and respect! Above all, jump in; the water's fine and the piranhas have all been fed (for now)!

No, they don't execute them, they just sue the shit out of them with stupid frivolus lawsuits. (I direct your attention to the class action lawsuits against the tobacco companies and the gun manufacturers). How many abortion doctors have been 'executed' because of what they did? I too have worked with wild animals that were very capable of killing me. Not once did we have any mishaps like have happened at Sea World. This orca has already killed 3 people because of his aggressive behavior. Unfortunately, just releasing them back into the wild after teaching it to become dependant on humans for food, shelter and well being isn't feasable, what other option is really left? How many more humans must die because 'Free Willy' has a piss poor attitude? As far as the 'additional responsibilities', do we not execute 'people killers'? Where have I placed this orca's rights above those of humans? THAT is what I was speaking out about.

I personally think that 'Free Willy' needs to be presented with a one way trip to the cat food factory!. Tan the hide and turn it into a truck load of dress cowboy boots. Any time any other animal goes 'rogue' and attacks or kills a human, it's put down. Ol' 'Free Willy' shouldn't be an exception. Now before all the resident PETA folks start calling for my head on a platter, let's consider the following information (obtained from the original article): 1. Tilikum has has killed two other humans. 2. Due to his aggressiveness, less than half of the trainers on staff wouldn't work with him. 3. When any other 'dangerous animal' goes 'rogue' and injures/kills a human, it's hormone levels, entertainment options and breeding habits aren't considered as part of a decision to spare it's life; and those 'criteria' shouldn't be considered here. Whether or not Sea World should use 'wild animals for entertainment' or not, is not the issue. This practice has gone on for decades (Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey, to name a few). As far as I'm concerned, the elevation of animals above humans is a practice that is not only ignorant, but assinine as well.

Ok, let's step back and take a deep breath. First off, from what I got, the OP didn't say that old people grossed him out. From what I perceived from the post was that he was stumbling for words and may have led the interviewer to that conclusion. I haven't seen the OP getting 'snippy' because they didn't get the answers they were looking for, but rather was willing to 'look into it'. I can understand being nervous during the interview and ultimately meaning to say one thing, but having it come out completely ass backwards! I once had an interview with General Motors, and I was asked if I had a problem with drugs or alcohol. I wasn't being a wise ass when I said "Yes, I do have a problem with it." The interviewer got this real 'understanding look' on her face and asked me to 'tell her all about it'. I proceeded to tell her that being a Firefighter and EMT, I saw the effects of drug and alcohol usage (refering to prior to or while driving). As I was about to continue explaining my position, it dawned on me just exactly what she meant... ...needless to say, I didn't get the job, or any other interviews with General Motors (this was before all the plant closings). Some of the responses I've seen in this thread prove the need to read ALL the words of a post, instead of just skimming through it to get the 'general idea' of what the OP meant!

Mercy Buckets!

I once saw a first aid book that stated for one of it's treatments, that you must 'rape victim for shock'.... I can't help but think, "Yeah, that oughta do it!"

Some how I'm betting that 'trickling in' beats a 'steady flow', or worse yet, they keep showing up in 'spurts'?

Congratulations on the pass! Do you have experience with the NREMT testing? I found out that the test will shake your 'self confidence', but isn't an indication that you've failed. I took the NREMT at the EMT-I level, and walked out wondering if I really knew anything at all. I found out the next day that I passed. The biggest thing I've seen people do with the NR testing is they freak out because the test is on a computer. The testing medium doesn't change the content of the test itelf.

If the little old ladies are still wobbling around, then there's nobody 'out' yet!

You know Richard, when I see you CONDUCTING yourself in such a deLIGHTful fashion, I get a real CHARGE out of it! WATT I'm trying to say is that I'm glad to see you've gotten your ALTERNATOR personality under control and have worked so dilligently to RECTIFIER the situation! With the lack of participation by the CURRENT members of this forum, I'd hate to see this thread DIODE prematurely because of lack of participation.

*gives a big sigh of relief* According to JP's chart, my tattoo is in the 'socially acceptable rebellious tattoo zone'! On to the topic at hand.... First off, you have to remember that it's the 'company' that decides what image it wants to put out for the public to see, not you. Every company that I've worked for in a professional capacity has had a 'dress code' that specifically deals with visible tattoos. If you've got 'em and they can be covered, that's good. If they can't....well you probably won't get a job with that company, and IF you do; it's probably not the position you wanted, or you won't be let out of the back room to deal with the customers. Human Resources have denied jobs to very qualified applicants because they showed up in a tank top, 'fringed out' shorts and Reebok’s that look like they've just come in from 100,000 miles of dirt road. They've also turned prospective applicants away because their 'resume' looks like it was written by a third grader. With that in mind, how can you REALLY expect to be taken as a 'professional', if you make the Human Resource Director wonder if your parents were a comic book and Pinhead? (Yes, I brought up body piercings. For some odd reason, tattoos and body piercings seem to go hand in hand for a lot of the younger generation.) I’m as ‘liberal minded’ as the next guy. I don’t care if you live with mom and dad, and have spent every paycheck since 1992 on tattoos and piercings. I don’t care if you’ve got a tattoo of a bottle of Tabasco Sauce on your thigh, and your whole back looks like a giant bag of Frito’s. I don’t care that you’ve spent $2,500.00 on stainless steel to ‘frame’ your tattoos. I don’t even care if you’ve got a tattoo of a Big Mac on your ass! But let’s be serious for a moment. The population we’re going to be dealing a good portion of the time is going to be the geriatric crowd. They’ve got their own opinions of tattoos, and while your ‘body art’ may be ‘hella cool’ around the local sports bar or strip club, you’re not going to be inspiring a great deal of faith and trust from your patients.

First off, Phil, how much 'snow driving experience' do you have? What is the average snowfall in your neck of the woods? Having lived in 'snow country', I can tell you first hand (as can anyone that lives where the average snowfall exceeds a mere dusting), that 2 wheel drive isnt always going to 'cut it'! Two of the vehicles got stuck trying to get to this guy. All but the last call was for 'stomach pain' and nothing that would clue the call taker, dispatch and the crews into the fact that the guy had a life threatening condition. They TRIED to get to the guy! Especially in these 'tough times', the city/county road commission isn't going to have the budget to get enough guys out on the roads to plow ALL of the streets! Where I lived in Michigan, I was lucky to get my street plowed twice in one season, because it was a 'side street' and therefore wasn't a 'priority'. This COULD have been the case here, we don't know.... It's really frustrating watching these crews getting crucified here, and no one knows all of the facts! I personally think y'all are taking this whole "EMS eats it's own" too far! Even the DOCTOR that called to check on them wasn't very 'concerned' about the patient's condition based on the minimal information given to him! As far as the cancellations, the patient cancelled at least once! As for the other cancellations: right now, NOBODY on this forum knows WHO cancelled the crews. All you people that are forming a lynch mob against these crews are running around half cocked, and seem to be making up stuff as you go along. How about waiting until the investigation is performed before we decide that these people are even culpable? If the investigation turns out to show that they WERE negligent, THEN you can start tying the nooses, but until then, wait until the facts are in before you hang innocent people!

Page 4 deals with reciprocity for EMT-I in South Carolina: http://www.scdhec.gov/health/ems/ReciprocityGuidelines.pdf EMT Intermediate - (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician) 1. Complete the Reciprocity Application found on page 11. (Please print clearly - or type) 2. Include with that application a copy of your current EMT credential (current National Registry Credential or a current EMT certification from another US state* or territory) at the level of certification you are requesting. Your state or NR credential must indicate that you are certified or licensed as an Intermediate. (Intermediate 85, Intermediate 99, or Advanced Emergency Medical Technician is acceptable). *For individuals who are not Nationally Registered, please complete the “Out-of-State Verification” form on page 10. Mail that form to the state or territory EMS office who credentialed you. They will complete this form and they will mail or fax this form back to SC. 3. Include with that application a copy of your current CPR credential. A copy of the card is required. Currently, South Carolina only accepts the following CPR (Provider or Instructor) credentials for the purpose of EMT certification: - American Heart Association (AHA) BLS for the Healthcare Provider - American Red Cross (ARC) CPR for the Professional Rescuer - American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) CPR Pro After all requirements for EMT-Intermediate reciprocity have been satisfied, the individual will be sent a Certificate Application Card and must return this (green) card, properly completed and signed prior to receiving a SC EMT certification. For those individuals who are not Nationally Registered, see Provisional Certification on page 02.

The only 'problem' you might run into is if SC requires I99 for their EMT-I's. Having just gotten my EMT-I in GA, I know that I'm only educated in the practices of the I85 cirricula. I've thought about 'crossing the border' into SC as well, but that will have to wait until I'm healed up and got wheels under my butt again... What neck of the GA woods are you in? LS

Take a deep breath Speedy! You know your material, rely on it! Leave the books alone the night before, you'll only end up confusing yourself. Do NOT 'read into your questions'! Take them at face value. All the information you need will be presented to you. By now, you've developed a certain 'rhythm' of patient assessment. Stick to it, and do it 'one step at a time'. Even if the station is 'timed', you'll have PLENTY of time to complete the tasks at hand. From what I've seen about the 'oral boards', ask questions, get your information and take notes if you need them. Above all else, remember this, the proctors are not out to fail you. They're only there to observe what you know; and by your own admission, you know your material (refer back to the first line after the greeting). Good luck, buddy! Be sure to let us know how you fared! LS

The call-taker told him medics were on their way, but the ambulance got stuck in the snow near the Elizabeth Street Bridge. The call was canceled after paramedics learned that Mr. Mitchell was in too much pain to walk out to them. Mr. Mitchell said he would try again later. A second request for help was made about an hour after the first was canceled, though medics were not aware that an ambulance had gotten stuck while en route the house earlier. They, too, became stuck, according to Dr. Roth's report. Now the next question would be 'who cancelled the calls'? Three of the FOUR attempts to get to the patient were cancelled. I'm sorry, but if I need an ambulance because I feel that my condition is 'life threatening', I sure as hell ain't gonna be cancelling the help! There won't be any of this "I'll try again later." stuff either! IF the call was cancelled by the call center or dispatch, that's an entirely different matter. From what I'm getting from the articles, the patient/family are the ones that cancelled the calls. Even the Doctor that called the house to check on the patient's condition was basically told that 'everything was cool'. No major concerns then either.... No 'priority symptoms' were given, and the condition was not considered 'life threatening'. (I don't know who made that determination, but I'll be willing to bet that the medics on the trucks weren't involved in that!) Those two statements can change the whole game right there. Rather than hang the medics out to dry, maybe further investigation needs to be done. Could it be that the family didn't really consider it to be all that 'life threatening', and that's why they were so willing to 'wait till later'? Poor communications comes with a price. I saw a sign in an auto parts store many years ago, and it rings true here too: The wrong information will get you the wrong parts every time; guaranteed. In this case, the wrong information yeilded the tragic results. Should the medics bear all the blame here? I think not!

That would have been his cousin 'Donny, the retard', (per Larry the Cable Guy)

Two words: DEEP POCKETS. Yeah, it's a tragedy that the guy died, but the medics had 'mechanical limitations' to contend with. I'm sure that being exposed to the elements for the amount of time it would take them to carry the guy through the deep snow back to the truck wouldn't have done him any good either. If the truck is gonna get stuck, I'm betting that it made even walking with all the gear damn near impossible as well. Then you have to contend with not only carrying all that gear back to the truck, but carrying the patient as well. It's not like these guys can fly like Superman, and swoop in and snatch the patient up and then fly him to the hospital, or back to the 'stuck truck' and then zip him to the hospital in the nick of time... Even if they DID walk to the patient and get him to the truck, it was still STUCK in the snow, so what would the final outcome have been then? Even if the roadway had been clear and dry in the middle of summer, would the patient have ultimatly survived? We will never know that.