Richard B the EMT

Firemedic65, is it true you're the EMT City chapter president of PETA? As for the former VP, after he shot that guy, allegedly accidentally, did you notice the other former VP, Dan Quail, seemed to go into hiding?

My bad, Gypsy. LEO=Law Enforcement Officer The alphabet soup is so we don't get caught around local names, like "Police Officer", "Sheriff's Deputy", "Trooper", "Statie" (a state police officer,which I observe seems to be used in Massachusetts a lot), "Security Officer", "Special Officer", "Constable", "Smokey The Bear", or others I am currently unfamiliar with.

I are, after all, a hy skool gragewwit. Actually, I am a high school grad, son of a NYC Board of Education Teacher (retired), grandson of an assistant principal, brother of a retired schoolteacher, and of an active College Professor of American History (who is also the president of the North Dakota Historical Society). My girlfriend is a teaching paraprofessional in the NYC Department of Education. By extension, I am, kind of, anyway, doing teaching here in the EMT City.

Soon, you'll leave the atmosphere for the stratosphere, as I make this my #3,262th posting, from I.S.S. orbit.

Matt, you used the term "casevac" now twice, and I just realized that I don't know the term. Please translate, and be ready for the sound of my hand striking my forehead (again). If a local PD commandeers a commercial armored car, they probably use a portable or military type stretcher, after someone removes the money bags. I believe the NYPD's 2 armored cars are both military Armored Personnel Carriers, using just those type stretchers, but if I am wrong, someone here will correct me, and I will welcome the update.

Blue for the LEOs, Red for FD. Is there a color for EMS? If there is, I have not been so informed.

Riiiight! Anyone else notice that there is no mention of these parents not supervising the injured person, that he or she did not get drunk in the first place? I had the luck, if you can call it that, to be at the scene, on my own time, when a drunk driver was cuffed, "Maradized", and placed into the back of the cop car. The exchange truly went Drunk Cop

Speaking of prior notices, much as I dislike firearms, I think I like the alleged security sign that states:

Yes, I have reopened an old string, but, after a good usage of the search feature, I believe it is with good reason. At the time of the previous most recent posting, I was in a loden green 1998 Chevy Venture Minivan. However, effective 1930 hours on Friday, June 12, 2009, I became the proud owner of a 2009 Nissan Quest Minivan, in smoke gray. Power everything, DVD player (which I probably will never use), backup camera, other stuff standard, as I read the manual and find out what all came along for the ride, in and on my ride.

The following is from the New York State Department of Health. ***************************************************************************** New York State Department of Health Bureau of Emergency Medical Services POLICY STATEMENT Supercedes/Updates: 00-12, 02-02 No. 09-05 Date: June 1, 2009 Re: Certification for Individuals with Criminal Convictions <H4 align=left>Page 1 of 2 </H4>Purpose: This policy describes the process for the review of applicants seeking EMS certification with a history of criminal convictions. This policy also describes the responsibilities for the applicant, the Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) and the Department of Health. Applications for Original EMS Certification or Recertification: In accordance with the provisions of the State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Code – 10 NYCRR Part 800; applicants for EMS certification or recertification must not have been convicted of certain misdemeanors or felonies. The Department will review all criminal convictions from any federal, military, state and/or local jurisdiction to determine if such convictions fall within the scope of those specified in Part 800, or to determine if the applicant for certification represents a potential risk or danger to patients or the public at large. The regulation does not prevent an applicant with a criminal conviction from attending and completing all of the requirements of an EMS course. However, it may prevent the applicant from becoming certified in New York State until the Department has conducted a review and investigation of the circumstances of the conviction(s) and made a determination that the applicant does not demonstrate a risk or danger to patients. If the Department makes a determination allowing certification, the applicant will be eligible to take the NYS practical and written certification examinations, if otherwise qualified. All applicants should be fully informed of these requirements by the CIC at the beginning of the course. Applicants will not be permitted to take the NYS practical or written certification examination until the background review and investigation is completed and a written determination is received by the applicant.. The Certification Application: All applicants applying for NYS EMS certification at any level must complete the Application for Emergency Medical Services Certification (DOH-65). The bottom of the application contains an affirmation that states "do not sign this if you have any convictions". Under no circumstances should an applicant sign this application if he or she has a criminal conviction of any type. The CIC must identify all unsigned applications and send them with the course memorandum and all other applications to the Department immediately after the second class session. The CIC should include a separate memorandum or note identifying each unsigned application. The applicant(s) will be listed on the class list but will not be issued an examination ticket until cleared in writing by Department. It is the responsibility of the applicant to understand this policy, gather the required documentation and provide it to the Department. An EMS representative from the Department will conduct an interview. This may take the form of a personal meeting or telephone interview. In an effort to permit a timely review and determination, the applicant must provide all the required documentation within 30 days of the initial Department contact. If the applicant does not provide the documentation, the investigatory review will be closed and the applicant will not be able to seek EMS certification. There is no need for the applicant to contact the Bureau of EMS (BEMS) directly. Upon the receipt and processing of the unsigned DOH-65 application form, the applicant will be sent a package of information outlining the investigative process, the required information to be supplied and the contact name and telephone number of the EMS representative. The Department will only discuss issues related to criminal convictions with the applicant or their legal representative. There is no requirement or need for the applicant to divulge or discuss the circumstances of any conviction(s) with the CIC. The Review Process: All applicants entered in the review process will need to provide the following written documentation concerning all convictions. This information must be sent directly to the Department regional office as detailed in the letter sent to the applicant. 1. A notarized sworn affidavit stating that the applicant has not had any conviction (s) for a crime or crimes other than those currently identified. 2. If the applicant is recertifying and has signed previous certification applications, he/she must provide an explanation as to why these applications were signed. 3. A signed and dated statement describing the reason that they are seeking EMS certification. 4. A signed and dated written narrative description of the circumstances leading to and surrounding each conviction. 5. An original or certified copy of the plea and sentence minutes, certificate of disposition and the pre-sentencing report (if available) from the court. A Certificate of Relief from Disabilities does not fulfill this documentation requirement. If any of these items are not available, an original letter from the court must be supplied attesting that the documentation does not exist or is no longer available. Please note that the applicant may be responsible for the cost of obtaining these documents. 6. A letter from the applicant's probation/parole officer (if applicable) documenting compliance with their probation/parole. A copy of the final probation/parole report must also be included. 7. If the applicant's conviction was related to alcohol, drugs or sexual abuse, a letter or report from the organization or individual who provided psychological counseling and/or therapy is required. The letter or report should indicate if therapy is ongoing or if it has been completed and whether or not it was considered to have been successful. The letter should also indicate that the counselor/therapist believes that the applicant is suitable to perform patient care in a prehospital setting. 8. The applicant is required to submit letters from the administration of each EMS agency with whom they are affiliated. These letters must be on official letterhead and presented to the Department EMS representative in a sealed and signed envelope. These letters must describe any involvement in EMS or other health care settings, the length of the affiliation with the agency, an awareness of the specific conviction(s), the circumstances and the agency's willingness to monitor the individual during the performance of his/her EMS duties. 9. The applicant must submit other letters of recommendation. These letters must also be presented to the EMS investigator in a sealed and signed envelope. These recommendations must include a description of the relationship with the applicant, have knowledge of the conviction, an understanding of the EMS environment, and can attest to the applicant's good character. The letters may include, but not be limited to: a. current employers; b. health care professionals; c. community leaders (ie clergy, law enforcement or educators) 10. Each applicant will have a personal interview with a Department EMS representative after all the documentation requirements have been met. A telephone interview may be conducted in the place of a personal meeting. Upon completion of the investigation and review, the applicant will be notified in writing of the Department's decision. While the investigation and review is ongoing, an applicant may attend all classes. However, the applicant will be prevented from taking any NYS certifying examination, including the challenge practical skills examination at he beginning of the refresher program, the practical examination at the conclusion of the training program and the final written certification examination, until all course requirements are completed and a favorable determination is made in writing by the Department. Applicants possessing current NYS EMS certification will be afforded a hearing in accordance with the provisions of Section 12-a of the Public Health Law if the Department seeks suspension, revocation or any other legal action

More on the difficulties of blind persons, as I have personal connections into the National Federation of the Blind, the blind person listens for engine sounds, as well as the clicking of the traffic light control boxes, to determine when it is safe to cross the street. One time, I saw a blind person waiting for more than the usual number of light change cycles. I went over to him, from my ambulance, to offer assistance. He claimed that he couldn't make out the traffic sounds, due to an idling diesel engine. I offered to escort him, and apologized, as the diesel engine was that of my ambulance. And...a note for dealing with blind persons: Offer the help, don't just grab them. Unless they are incapacitated beyond the blindness, they are capable of doing a bunch of stuff that belies the blindness. I know, one of my NFB friends works for the US Department of State, another, who is also the president of the Queens/Nassau chapter of the NFB, ran the volunteer department at the Nassau Community Medical Center, now known as Nassau University Medical Center.

Just as a reference, and possibly for mutual benefit, the FDNY EMS Pipe and Drums have a web page at www.fdnyemspipesanddrums.com/ or the Boston Regimental EMS Pipe and Drums at www.boston-ems.com/bemsrpad.html I hope that this can be helpful.

Ouch. You go, little girl!

Seems like closing time outside (Generic) Joe's bar and grill.

While nice for the longhand writers amongst us for the $60. pen, the reference to the 100 packs of BICs is for those patients who sign for the HIPAA receipt with bloody hands, due to whatever the injury they have (or inflicted). They just got a free pen that, due to the blood, you don't want back, anyway.

You'd be surprised! Welcome aboard!

The vehicle vibrations are an issue that is probably going to be addressed, otherwise, it is like artifact on an EKG, blocking what you are looking for, and, persuant to Murphy's Law, probably at the worst possible moment.

Perhaps the golden rule: Actually, I got no idea why?

I never would have guessed that (snicker, snicker).

If in the patient care area of an ambulance, I hope there is a cutoff switch for this sprayer, if someone is riding third.

I had to re-read this a few times before I decided to comment. 1) The person acting as the "wheel man", with a serious patient aboard, instead of going immediately to the nearest appropriate Emergency Department, went, instead, back to his base, with the patient in the back? 2) This "wheel man" did so to avoid working a late call/overtime? 3) The patient caretaker, in the back? Did he attempt to contact the service's supervisor, to advise of this (by me, anyway) bizarre act on the part of the "wheel man"? 4) Was the caretaker unable to attempt contact, due to actually taking care of the patient, or lack of communications gear in the back of said ambulance? Per the information I have from this string, I pronounce the following: 1) The "wheel man" was derelict in the performance of his duties, and, per my local protocols, is guilty of malpractice and/or malfeasance. String the bum up by the neck from the highest yardarm! 2A) If the caretaker attempted to contact supervisory personnel, he is not guilty of anything. 2B) If the caretaker was unable to attempt contact due to attempting continuation of patient care, he is not guilty of anything. 2C) If the caretaker was unable to attempt contact with the supervisors due to a lack of communications equipment in the back of the ambulance, the courts should direct the service to either establish such communications units, supply all personnel with a 2 way portable, or issue cell phones to all personnel. 3) If the caretaker did NOT document the event, and, to protect himself from any future charges bearing from the event, throw his partner under a bus, I can only feel that the caretaker was most likely acting in collusion with the "wheel man". Is there any more room on that yardarm for the noose around the caretaker's neck? (Note- In 1980, I nearly was fired due to an idiot partner, who, knowing he was going to violate both company policy, and the state vehicle and traffic laws, pulled the radio microphone away from me that I could not contact the base, when he drove at the extreme speed of over 80 MPH on local town streets, to the point he actually ran a Nassau County Police Department's Radio Motor Patrol vehicle off the road. Both of us were nearly arrested, I was suspended for a couple of days, and he did get fired!)

Keep us posted. I am usually off Thursday evenings through Saturday afternoons, and might be able to bring my Lady J along.

A "Provider" card? Perhaps I know it by a different name. For the moment, it is a "ZOT", meaning somebody doesn't know the definition. So... What is ZOT?

No sarcasm, just petty theft. I stole your words, which were simply what I really had meant to say.

Someone used that objectionable phrasing, again: Promotion from EMS to Fire Fighter. Similarly, in the FDNY, some people in power forgot that EMS can be a promotion track in it's own right. It's the "golden rule", again:"Them with the gold, make the rules!"