Richard B the EMT

Wendy, I am sure we are not the only ones, although for some reason, despite living in New York, I don't enjoy CSI-NY anywhere near as much as the other 2.

My PCP is a woman, who has been my doctor for something like 20 years. She must be good, as she has become the doctor in charge of the local medical office of my HMO, IMHO. (Play on initials intended)

An 18 wheeler truck (lorry?) carrying Viagra was stolen from a freight forwarding service at Kennedy International Airport. The Port Authority Police and the NYPD are now looking for 3 hardened criminals.

Count one groan each from myself and Momma B.

After you've been here a while, you'll follow up with the information that some countries will call anyone, with the local minimal level of training for working on an ambulance, a Paramedic. My level of training is EMT-B. Basic instruction in New York State, USA, is at least 125 hours, and Paramedics go above and beyond that by, easily, an additional 1000 hours (I may be underestimating the number). Refresher (every 3 years) is, for BLS, 45 hours, and for ALS, is at least 125 hours. There are some countries represented here in the city who tell me that basic for being on the ambulance is a 2 year college degree in medicine.

I saw a Public Broadcasting System show on fighting wildfire, and they interviewed some of these Inmate-Fire Fighters. Apparently, they were working under the guidance of a former program member, but all of these ladies seemed enthusiastic that they'd get employed by the Forestry Department as Fire Fighters. Yeah, that's fire fighting under Forestry Service, not EMT or Paramedic.

Perhaps the agency feels that they are an actual active part of Homeland Security? Also, I understand that there are some state level offices of Homeland Security, which they might be covered under.

Sounds to me like somebody attempting to "protect their territory", and it is going both ways.

I think the concept was, you would move the patient to the wheeled stretcher by whatever means, but not move the patient in relation to themselves transferring from the wheeled stretcher to the ER examining table. These slat type stretchers? I have vague memories from the early to mid 1970s of seeing them in the Dyna-Med catalogs, way before they became a part of Galls. Someone told me, something like 3 decades ago, the Ferno "Scoop" is actually a design called a "Robinson" stretcher. I'll let someone else research that one. However, NY State and City protocols don't allow them to be used in place of long backboards for spinal immobilization, as there is no direct support under the spine. You can use the device for as needed extrication, but at the earliest possible time, put the patient onto the long backboard.

Considering me being BLS, but holding up my end of much of the same...

I had to go back and look at the video. I had not initially noted the vehicle had those words on the rear hatch. Perhaps my paranoia is showing, but if I were a bad guy with an IED, or RPG, seeing those words on a vehicle would put it in my cross hairs.

Just premered Friday on CBS Television Network. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, who already brings us, also on CBS, the "CSI-Crime Scene Investigations", "CSI-Miami", and "CSI-New York" shows. Me? Couldn't quite follow it, but will try again next week.

See what clean living can get you... (Interupted as he falls into a mud puddle)

Medic Texas: Please don't put me into the middle of an argument with anyone. Looking at my response in the other string you referred to, I now realize that we are not just talking local jurisdictions, as Kiwi is in another country, on a different continent, even. I suspect, due to conditions of area(s) served, Kiwi might actually be able to educate me in things HEMS, snake bite, and other things. I'm more city oriented, and no more than 15 minutes away from the nearest ER thru out the city, whereas Kiwi might have a few hours transport time. Apples and oranges! Besides, if I get into an argument, I'll do my own arguing.

We already have battle lines established here, for Fire Service based EMS, and against. While I have not seen it displayed too openly here, I suspect there is a similar battle going on for Law Enforcement Officer's service based EMS as well. What the article describes seems to be a "Battle of the Badges". I hate this type battle. To me, the only Battle of the Badges I want to hear about should be sanctioned by the agencies involved boxing matches, Soccer games, baseball/softball games, hockey games, ski races, bicycle races, or car races (at legal car racetracks or drag strips) that benefit families of LODD personnel.

Welcome to the Mad House! By the number of my postings, you know I'll comment about almost anything at BLS level, sometimes comment through observation of the ALS level, and freely admit when I haven't a clue on a specific item. All of us here for any amount of time are willing to help newcomers, both to the city, or to the ranks of Pre-Hospital care-givers. Again, Welcome Aboard! (Oops, nearly forgot: I'm ambulance involved from when I was 19 years old, and am now almost 25 years with the Fire Department of New York City Emergency Medical Service Command. Clarifying that, I am now almost 56 years old, and volunteering or getting paid for the work for 37 years!)

I have a feeling that those of us who actually post to these strings, and a majority of those who just read, or simply lurk, join you in that lack of tolerance.

Admittedly, they would want to sell you a system featuring their radios, but contacting, first, a radio and/or system manufacturer like Motorola, Johnson, or Bendix/King might be an excellent idea. Then contact any of your local companies using a "Community Repeater", like a car tow service, or a radio dispatched taxi service, for references to who supplies their radios and/or radio services. Next, contact your area RACES, or ARIES, Ham Radio emergency communicator groups, and the local Citizens Band REACT groups. The Ham groups might be accessed by contacting the American Radio Relay League, at http://www.arrl.org , and REACT International at http://www.reactintl.org/public/ . I close this entry with 2 mentions, first, the radio manufacturers I mentioned are not endorsements, they are just 3 that I remember off hand, and second, don't restrict your searches for information to any of the groups I mentioned, either collectively or by name. There's probably a bunch more out there.

That picture referred to? Was it published on April 1st?

I wonder if this boy is related to the 2 children of the Air Traffic Controller who let them speak on the radio to several aircraft? http://www.nytimes.c...%20tower&st=cse Investigating Tiny Voices at Air Tower By MICHAEL WILSON Published: March 3, 2010 Children love airplanes! It probably seemed like a perfectly good idea to an air traffic controller at Kennedy International Airport to bring his children to work last month — heck, this country has a whole day set aside for that sort of thing. Related Video From MSNBC: Audio of Child But one idea led to another — "Dad, can I help the nice planes take off?" — and a young boy was heard clearing three jets for departure on Feb. 16. The child spoke to five pilots in all, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The next day, officials said, the same employee let his daughter speak to two pilots over the air traffic radios. The recordings were released on Tuesday, and now a probably well-meaning father is in trouble. There are still several weeks before Take Your Child to Work Day, on April 22, but it is never too soon for New Yorkers to heed this cautionary tale and plan ahead so as to not find themselves under federal investigation or writing a giant check for a big "oops" that day. There are plenty of places in New York, after all, where children acting their age can become a six-figure situation in no time. The controller and his supervisor have been suspended and are the subject of an F.A.A. investigation. On the recording, a young boy tells a pilot he's "cleared for takeoff," and the pilot tells him he has done an "awesome job." Another man, presumably the child's father, says, "That's what you get, guys, when the kids are out of school." Not surprisingly, the F.A.A. this week banned bringing children or anyone else into air traffic operational areas. "This lapse in judgment not only violated F.A.A.'s own policies, but common sense standards for professional conduct. These kinds of distractions are totally unacceptable," said Randy Babbitt, the administrator of the agency. "We have an incredible team of professionals who safely control our nation's skies every single day. This kind of behavior does not reflect the true caliber of our work force." Consider other city occupations that could, in the unpredictable and innocent world of children, become the subject of a discussion that begins with the words, "In hindsight..."Children love dolls! But best to keep them away from the colorful dolls on display at the exhibition "Five Thousand Years of Japanese Art: Treasures from the Packard Collection" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Sackler Wing Galleries. Among the 180 pieces are three Kakiemon ware figures of valuable porcelain. To make matters worse, one of them is a cute little dog. "You don't really play with it," said Naomi Takafuchi, a senior press officer at the museum. "If it's broken, it's very dangerous." Not to mention expensive, although just how much was unclear Wednesday. "We don't discuss the value," Ms. Takafuchi said. "Kakiemon type is a very famous type of porcelain made in Japan," she added. Children love chocolate! But perhaps not a great idea: giving young ones unfettered access to large quantities of expensive chocolate. There are at least 14 boutique Godiva chocolate shops in the city, according to Godiva's Web site. Turning your back on a child in any one of them seems unwise. It is unclear how many of the shops carry the Milk Chocolate Pearls with Caffe Latte, but each cute little box of 18 pearls — in a shiny box, no less — costs $71.10. And now, freshly amped on caffeine, the children will be ready to seek out the chocolate holy grail, the "signature assortment of classic Belgian chocolates," the Gold Ballotin. Price: $150.Children love fire trucks! Some even love fire, and who would not enjoy a turn at the business end of a fire hose? Sorry — not in this town. "The Fire Department's a big family," and children are no strangers to firehouses, but that's as far as it goes, said Frank Dwyer, a spokesman. "We're not bringing them along on calls. They're not going out on emergency situations. We have a no-ride-along policy."Further questioning revealed that the policy goes for big kids — i.e., reporters — as well. A version of this article appeared in print on March 4, 2010, on page A26 of the New York edition.

What I found on a Google search was the following, from DMAT, linked to MA1, under requirements: http://www.ma1dmat.org/join/requirements/ MA-1 DMAT Metro-Boston Disaster Medical Assistance Team Home About Past Deployments Photo Gallery [*] Join MA-1 Requirements Personnel Info [*]News[*] Member Resources Uniforms Packing List Packing List 2.0 Day Pack Main Bag [*]Equipment Sources[*]Training[*]Reference Material [*]Contact Us Complete the Federal application and credentialing process Complete ICS 100a, 200a, 700, and 800b Pass a Federal suitability and background check including FBI fingerprint check Comply with medical credentialing requirements Maintain a current, unrestricted license, certification, or registration in the appropriate specialty you practice in, and/or position you hold on MA-1 DMAT Maintain all necessary immunizations Complete an OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire Maintain a current and unrestricted driver’s license and US tourist passport Perform the duties and responsibilities of your respective position in an austere (field) environment Notify your primary employer and immediate supervisor of participation on MA-1 DMAT Attend at least one (1) team-training weekend per year Attend team-logistics work sessions Conduct yourself in accordance with the ethical principals of your respective profession(s), and with courtesy and respect towards patients, colleagues, and any groups or persons who interact with the organization Maintain communication ability with the team via email and text messaging either by pager or cell phone Maintain regular communication with your Command Staff and Branch Leader Meet the following physical functional standards and guidelines: You should be physically and mentally able to safely perform the usual acts of daily living without requiring the direct assistance of another or elaborate mechanical devices. Must possess sight/hearing senses, with or without prosthetics use, which will enable these senses to function adequately. Must be able to negotiate level or uneven surfaces with or without the use of assisting devices. [*]Must be capable of independently traveling safely to and from a duty station by private or public transportation.[*]Must be capable of traveling on official business without assistance using public transportation.[*]You should not be severely limited in musculoskeletal mobility or exercise tolerance regardless of the physical requirements of the projected assignment. Ordinary physical activity should not cause undue fatigue, shortness of breath, pronounced muscular weakness, or pain, which is severe or ominous.[*] Must possess the ability to lift, push, pull, or move equipment, supplies, etc., in excess of fifty (50) pounds, with or without the use of adaptive devices.Must not require medication or medical devices to be able to perform your duties unless the following criteria are substantially met: After an adequate period of observation, medication or device adequately controls the underlying medical problem. You have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate responsibility in taking the medication or maintaining the device, if applicable. Frequent medical attention requiring limitation in geographical assignments is not necessary. The duties of your category and specialty are not such that failure to take the medication or failure of the mechanical device would likely have effects, which would occur without adequate warning and could endanger the lives of co-workers or the public. [*]For all pregnancies, a current evaluation from a physician stating expected date of delivery, no previous history of complicated pregnancies, and no complications to date will be required. In addition, a statement from the physician that there is no restriction in the types of duties or geographic location of the assignment is also required.[*]You must be capable of being assigned or reassigned as necessary to meet the needs of NDMS. You must not have an acute, progressive, or recurrent disease or disability which will or may require frequent or prolonged periods of absence from duties, or which substantially restrict the types of duties you may be assigned or the geographic location of your assignment. This applies even though you may be functional at the time the determination is made. Such illnesses include malignancies, progressive neurological or muscular disease, certain psychiatric or endocrine conditions, etc. © 2010 MA-1 DMAT Webmaster Home > Join MA-1 > Requirements >

EMR-ISAC CIP INFOGRAM 13-10 Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) INFOGRAM 13-10 April 1, 2010 NOTE: This INFOGRAM will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response- Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by e-mail at emr-isac@dhs.gov. Preventing Thefts at Fire and EMS Stations Thieves recently broke into two fire stations and stole narcotics from locked cabinets within ambulances, according to an article by The Denver Post. The chief officers of victimized departments shared that similar station break-ins and thefts occurred at no less than four other fire departments in the Denver metropolitan area. “The would-be thieves were either watching the station or were listening to scanners and knew the moment the crew was gone.” The deputy chief of one of these departments stated: “This is compromising the public safety services we provide, and the perpetrators need to be stopped.” Recognizing the interdependent relationship between critical infrastructure protection (CIP) and physical security, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined the basic measures of a time-efficient, cost-effective, and common sense approach to bolster physical security by Emergency Services Sector (ESS) department and agencies, and to eliminate the thefts discussed in the preceding paragraph. The following is a summary of preventive actions from various sources for the consideration of ESS leaders responsible for any type of physical location: · Inspect randomly the security and condition of all facilities and storage areas. · Keep all doors and windows closed and locked unless continuously monitored. · Use appropriate locking systems for all access points including cabinets containing medication. · Obtain a monitored security alert system for locations not always occupied and in regular use. · Avoid providing security codes or combinations to unauthorized persons. · Change security codes or combinations at frequent intervals. · Guarantee vehicles, apparatus, and equipment at exterior sites are always locked when unattended. · Initiate and enforce a reliable identification system for department personnel and property. · Conduct a regular inventory inspection of emergency equipment and medications. · Prepare a Standard Operating Procedure containing physical security policies and practices. The EMR-ISAC offers some guidance for improving the physical security of emergency facilities, vehicles, and equipment, which can be seen at the following documents: Department of Homeland Security Physical Security Performance Measures (PDF, 631 KB), and the U.S. Geological Survey Physical Security Handbook. Social Networking and OPSEC Social networking sites (SNS) such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and others are very popular for establishing professional connections as well as for social relationships and personal purposes. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) observed that these Web applications connect people and information in spontaneous, interactive ways, which can be quick, useful, and fun. However, according to a US-CERT Cyber Security Tip, “the nature of these sites introduces security risks.” In its presentation, “Social Networking and the OPSEC Threat I,” the Operations Security (OPSEC) Professional’s Association cautioned that some malicious people are drawn to SNS because of the accessibility, availability, and amount of professional and personal information. These sites can provide adversaries such as miscreants, criminals, and terrorists with critical information needed to disrupt your mission, harm you physically or financially, or disparage you in various ways. To protect yourself, family, friends, and organization, the Interagency Operations Security Support Staff (IOSS) listed in several different briefings the following things that should not be shared on social networking sites: · Names and photos of you, family, friends, and co-workers. · Home addresses and phone numbers. · Usernames, passwords, and network details. · Job titles, locations, salaries, and security clearances. · Social security numbers, credit card numbers, and banking information. · Home and business physical security measures and logistics matters. · Business mission capabilities and limitations. · Professional and personal schedules and itineraries. · Hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc. · Permissions for individuals who are not known and trusted. Practicing OPSEC, which is the protection of sensitive, but unclassified information, can help you make informed, reliable decisions regarding the use of SNS. The EMR-ISAC recommends the use of the IOSS Safety Checklist (PDF, 149 KB) to reduce or eliminate the possibility of being victimized when enjoying the benefits of SNS. TRANSCAER Update Transportation Community Awareness and Emergency Response (TRANSCAER) is a voluntary national outreach effort that focuses on assisting communities to prepare for and respond to possible hazardous material (HazMat) transportation incidents. “TRANSCAER members consist of volunteer representatives from the chemical manufacturing, transportation, distributor, and emergency response industries, as well as the government.” It promotes safe transportation and handling of HazMat, educates and assists communities near major transportation routes about HazMat, and aids community emergency response planning for HazMat transport incidents. When examining their brochure (PDF, 943 KB), the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) verified that TRANSCAER provides the following specific services: · Planning assistance to local communities for HazMat emergencies. · Classroom and hands-on training. · Drills and exercises to improve the response and handling of HazMat incidents. · HazMat safety training to communities in states along rail corridors (“Whistle Stop Tours”). · Reference and training materials about chemicals and transport equipment. · National conferences and workshops sharing best practices, new programs, and resources. · State coordinators to help local responders connect with chemical and HazMat carriers and shippers. The TRANSCAER Outreach and Special Programs Director informed the EMR-ISAC that the organization delivers high-quality training at no expense to Emergency Services Sector personnel or their departments. Visit their web site to acquire more information about TRANSCAER. Caution at Vehicle Fires The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) published a “Highway Vehicle Fires” Topical Report in October 2008. The document provided the findings of the National Fire Incident Reporting System revealing approximately one in six fires was a highway vehicle fire between 2004 and 2006, resulting in about 258,500 responses by firefighters. According to an article in Fire Engineering, “vehicle fires continue to remain an integral part of fire department responses.” The author stated that there has been a downward trend in the number of vehicle fires over the past decade; however, the hazards associated with these incidents have been consistently elevated as vehicles have become more technologically sophisticated. He further indicated that a vehicle fire can produce toxic smoke, launch projectiles, and generate heat upward to 1,500 degrees. For example, the EMR-ISAC noted the outcome of a fire department response to a vehicle fire last month. As firefighters doused the flames an explosion occurred when water hit burning magnesium. Protective gear saved them from serious injury. The incident reinforced the necessity for emergency responders to follow personal protective equipment safety practices when extinguishing vehicle fires, including full protective clothing with self-contained breathing apparatus. Considering other similar experiences throughout the nation, the EMR-ISAC agrees that vehicle fires should not be routine, but should handled in a cautious, safe manner commensurate with a “size-up” and risk assessment to ensure the protection of responders and success of the mission. See the paper “Over-Aggressive Attacks on Vehicle Fires” for more information on this subject. DISCLAIMER of ENDORSEMENT The U.S. Fire Administration/EMR-ISAC does not endorse the organizations sponsoring linked web sites, and does not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. FAIR USE NOTICE This INFOGRAM may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. EMR-ISAC personnel believe this constitutes “fair use” of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Reporting Notice DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov. The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm. For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov. When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact. Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes. U.S. Fire Administration · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Emmitsburg, MD 21727 · (301) 447-1325

I don't, either.

Most people in EMT classes are getting the training for use at a service provider. I know of a few took the training for enhancement of their training as nurses, health science teachers, and even a few gym teachers.

Welcome to the Madhouse! (from an EMT-B of 37 years experience) Where are you taking the classes, and at what agency are you going to use the skills? For reference, I am in the FDNY EMS Command, having started in a community based Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and volunteered there concurrently with 5 private ambulance service providers (Inter-Facility Transfer, usually referred to here as ITF), then the NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation EMS, prior to the merger into the FDNY. The VAC went under in 1996.