ems-buff

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Posts posted by ems-buff

  1. Posted

    I don't see an agency advancing the cause of the workers. Transcare is the 2nd largest employer of 911 units in NYC and they're last in employee compensation. I have never seen an industry that benefited the employees by consolidating. Bottom lines and executive bonuses all go up, but the employees usually get the shaft. Change will come once unionization spreads. I would love to see Empress employees picketing against a facility or community that chose another company over their services. I would happily join the lines and I'm sure many others would too. I really believe now is the time to push the issue. The economy is shot and now is the time to prepare for the turn around.

    I have been watching this topic, and have read the replys. There has been alot of look at empress being they are the only unionized ems agency in the area. So let me say a few things being I WAS a union member of IAEP LOCAL R2-20, as well as other members of this forum..

    Yes, the starting pay for emt and paramedics are very low, but they also have a guarantee 15 percent increase over the next 5 years with a union contract. Where at other non-union places will give you rasies thru there normal standard practices. The union fought very hard to get what they had in their contract. A union is also good for standing up for employees rights, while not getting into too much details, this union has overcome many, many legal issues that if they were not in place, empress would not be a nice place to work. T-mac brought up a valid point to be a strong union and for that to happen every member must take part of it. there were many meetings that I went to where only 10 people showed up out of working force of over 200.

    sadly empress union is not a strong as it could be, but the idea of having a unionized in the system works well if everyone comes the table, owners, and employees alike.

    I left Empress for personal reason, and went to transcare. Where they are not unionized. I am happy here as well. I guess I just love the job. Wether Transcare ever goes union or not. If your a good employee, do your job, and have comonsense. I have seen your job is not in jeopardy with a non- unionized company, and even if you're in a union job it maybe in jeopardy, just harder to let someone go.

  7. Posted

    In this new day and age everyone, from the 5 year in the baby stroller to grandma and grandpa, have access to a video/camera phone. Most recently we seen this type of raw footage with the Brooklyn firefighter burned yesterday ( god bless and best wishes on a speedy recovery), but when is enough is enough mentality come into play?

    Today I saw a Facebook post by the JEMS website that had me thinking why? You have a pt of unknown age being transported to a hospital after being involed in an MVA where he was on his way to school. Yet the EMS crew allowed the pt to flim his own transport . Is that appropriate? Do you think if you were the person in-charge; would you allow it? Being he is your pt, do you think there is some form of HIPPA violation that you, your crew, the company you work for can be held liable for. Are there waivers that you have your pts sign in cases like this. Heres the big question.. If it makes you as the EMS professional uncomfortable can you legally have him stop recording..

    I just wanted to hear everyone elses thoughts on this subject. I posted a link below..

    JEMS Article

  8. Posted

    Tonight over 100 new firefighters recieved the honors of getting a firefighter 1. Their names are listed below

    CLASS 11-75 (18 Graduates)

    Michael Gallagher, Bedford FD; Eric Cardozo, Bedford Hills FD; Christopher Sordellini, Bedford Hills FD; Bruce Buchholz, Croton Falls FD; Edward Miller, Elmsford FD; Thinley Wangchuk, Greenville FD; Matthew Cornish, Mamaroneck Village FD; Jason Pulcino, Mamaroneck Village FD; Greg Bobay, Mohegan Lake FD; Jesse Servidio, Ossining FD; Daniel Carr, Pocantico Hills FD; John Shaul, Pocantico Hills FD; Adam D'Agostino, Pound Ridge FD; Vincent Zafonte, Pound Ridge FD; Harrison Staple, Purchase FD; Thomas Glading, South Salem FD; Ethan Smith, Vista FD, and Jonathan Mullen, Yorktown FD

    CLASS 11-80 (22 Graduates)

    Zachary Grossbaum, Bedford FD; Andrew Rowan, Briarcliff Manor FD; Timothy Bloom, Chappaqua FD; Frank Chiarulli Jr., Chappaqua FD; Brian Gaffney, Croton FD; Rocky Consigliere, Harrison FD; Patricio Cubillos, Hartsdale FD; Sagar Setru, Irvington FD; Brian Jessamy, Mamaroneck Town FD; Marrissa Castellano, Mohegan Lake FD; Kristina Rosselli, Mohegan Lake FD; Steven Ray Jr., Ossining FD; Veronica Velez, Ossining FD; Michael Sniffen, Peekskill FD; Robert Suhre, Port Chester FD; Steven Bencosme, Sleepy Hollow FD; Shelly Florence-Glover, Sleepy Hollow FD; Curtis Benge, Somers FD; Christopher Garcia, Tarrytown FD; Dominick Santario, Tarrytown FD; Sean Cassidy, Vallhalla FD, and Keneth Knowles II, Valhalla FD

    CLASS 11-95 (18 Graduates)

    Dan Norwood, Briarcliff Manor FD; Matthew Eichler, Buchanan FD Danielle Moray, Buchanan FD; Frederick Gambke, Croton Falls FD; Martin Franzem, Mohegan Lake FD; Michael Johnston, Mount Kisco FD; Matthew Pucila, Mount Kisco FD; Ramon Castellanos, North White Plains FD; Josue Porteus, North White Plains FD; Kevin Castro, Ossining FD; Omi Ibarra, Ossining FD; Christian Millas, Ossining FD; Roberto Morel, Ossining FD; Stephen T. O'Brien, Pound Ridge FD; Patrick J. Porteus, Somers FD; Roberto A. Rosario, Verplanck FD; Dominick Mangone, Vista FD, and Jirolamo Barbagallo, West Harrison FD.

    CLASS 11-105 (13 Graduates)

    Ryan Cullen, Dobbs Ferry FD; Jeffrey Jones, Fairview FD; Matt Lowrey, Fairview FD; Bryan Rigano, Mamaroneck Town FD; Dean Vacchio, Mamaroneck Town FD; Jason Vacchio, Mamaroneck Town FD; Brianna Keesler, Mohegan Lake FD; Bryan O'Keefe, Mohegan Lake FD; Hugo Coyt, Port Chester FD; Manuel Coyt, Port Chester FD; Ian Kelley, Tarrytown FD; Kaitlyn Tuohy, Tarrytown FD, and Raymond Tuohy, Tarrytown FD.

    CLASS 11-107 (15 Graduates)

    Alberto Pancrudo, Fairview FD; Sandeep Salva, Greenville FD; Chuck Hall, Mohegan Lake FD; Brian Bell, Montrose FD; Scott Cole, Montrose FD; Brian Nicholson, North White Plains FD; Jaime Farez, Ossining FD; Cesar Mejia, Ossining FD; Sundar Natarajan, Pleasantville FD; David Green, Port Chester FD; Samuel Hernandez, Port Chester FD; Jason Bernz, Yorktown FD; Avery Katz, Yorktown FD; Robert Mirabal, Yorktown FD, and Dany Salgado, West Harrison FD.

    CLASS 11-111 (18 Graduates)

    Reynelson Diaz, Elmsford FD; Christian Fernandez, Elmsford FD; Matthew Bruno, Greenville FD; Samuel Brecker, Hastings FD; Roger Manley, Hastings FD; Alexander Myagkiy, Hastings FD; Brian Usher, Hastings FD; Vincent Nienstedt Jr, Larchmont FD; Warren Campbell, Ossining FD; Matthew Godbee, Peekskill FD; David Branson, Pound Ridge FD; Mark Frank, Scarsdale FD; Jason Kutticherry, Scarsdale FD; Gabriel Frolock, South Salem FD; Rich Miscioscia, Tarrytown FD; Maurice O'Connor, Thornwood FD; Ryan Perucci, Thornwood FD, and Richard Thomas, Valhalla FD.

    peterose313, Spartan052, JM15 and 2 others like this

  9. Posted

    Why is rehab an EMS function? Providing Rehab at fire scene's thru EMS could be a detrimental issue for a lot of FD's. My reasons are this. If a firefighter reports to a Rehab area being provided by EMS, it would equate to (turnout gear) being completely removed for cooling down purposes. Very rarely will firefighters agree to removing bunker pants. This is needed for the cooling application of the body. Next, most firefighter vital signs could be elevated upon entering Rehab thru EMS. My reasoning is this. If elevated BP's or elevated pulse rates would require us to transport to a medical facility. How about body temp's? Heat exhaustion? It is a very physical demand placed on the body. Truthfully, how many firefighters would have periods of elevated vitals and would require long duration Rehab time in EMS/Rehab area. What would be the norm for a stable firefighter condition. Elevated vitals would dictate to me for immediate transportation to a medical facility. I have seen this time and time again especially at Hazmat's for pre entry vitals to be accomplished. We would recommend to the IC that the firefighter vitals are abnormal. Then to be told the firefighter feels ok to enter and it would be ok. Cmon. What would you expect us to do when we document all this and the firefighter and chief blow it off? What i'm saying is let the FD provide what rehab services should be required for their personnel and performed by the FD. When EMS is required for medical reasons, then get us involved. If i provided Rehab you would loose half of your onscene firefighters. This would be because i'm required to transport (you) to a medical facility. Lawsuits run the gamit nowaday's. I would have to protect you and me. Be SAFE.

    Larchmont FD is I believe the only FD Rehab in the southern part of the county.. We have a complete set up of cooling chairs, mistfans, water, gaterade, and protein bars.. While some members are EMT's we believe to use the combine efforts of the onscene EMS as well as our members and equitment to provide proper rehab.. A majority of the sound shore chiefs know of our unit, and i would hope they use us..

    As far as the EMS stand point.. alot of members have made vaild points.

    In my experience there should be at a minium, 2 ambulances at the scene. with the 1st arriving unit to be dedicated to the scene . With one of those units being ALS..

    Also on a side question.. Do you think the Fire IC should be incharge of EMS at the scene.. Meaning he asked for what he needs.. or should that be done by the 1st arrival EMS crew/supervisor/EMS officer?

  10. Posted

    I'll add mine.. I will have to give alittle backround thou..

    2011 has sucked for me.. Losing both my parents in a 6 month span, losing a dog, the day I buried my father, to losing a very great girl from the stress of it all, to even now figuring out how a 25 year old can save his parents house from foreclosure. Alot huh...lol

    With all this that has been going on, I've thought about quiting EMS, maybe even serving the public all together. Then I realized that, I have been helping people people since I was 16. Countless hours of giving, spending time away from those I loved especially the one's who just recently passed. Did I really want to give up all that time now they the two people who felt most safe around me when they got sick were gone.. I thought long and hard about it. Then two calls came by me that made me think wow.. This was my parents telling me to keep going..

    Everyone who know me outside this forum know I have guity over my fathers stroke.. I still to this day say to myself, what if I didnt work that overnight before, and wasnt so tried.. maybe I could of seen signs before it was to late, and it was irreversible, but anyways it was a call I was on where the person had the big one in terms of strokes.. Me, and my ALS partner just worked so insync. That we got him back, and I could help but think to myself. I could save my own father, but I made a difference in someone else's life so that they can have theirs.. Thinking like that made me happy, that even thou I didnt get to save my own fayhers life. I got a chance to save someones elses to make them smile..

    The second call, reminded me of my mother.. The call came in as CPR in progress. We get there to find a vent, in PEA.. ( strangely enough the same rhythm my mother was in the first time she went into arrest) We worked on the person, got them back to a NSR. Even I was shocked.. Then I said to myself.. This is my mother telling me, your good at what you do. Dont give up on your dream job, just because you missed me.. So even thou I have had a real shity year. There is some good that comes out of it.. Making a difference in someones life is sometimes better then a paycheck, when your faith needs alittle restoring.

    I will close by repeating a saying Bill Rosthchild ( sympatheticmedic) told me while when my fathers death was recently new. He said " EMS is a thankless job, Its even hard when the world expect you to bring clam, and understand to a scene when you, yourself's world had no meaning, and is spiraling out of control, but if you are a true professional, You can adapt and overcome"

    Thank you bill, truer words have never been spoken my friend..

    SRS131EMTFF, helicopper, Bnechis and 4 others like this

  14. Posted

    Once again, members are reminded to stay on point, and on topic. The posting of "rumors" that an engine responded, when people on scene confirmed it did, or questioning someones ability to lead fellow emergency service providers, to taking things personally, needs to stop.... We as staff members are trying to be objective, but if members dont calm down and "QTIP". The topic will be locked.

    Let me make this clear.. This is a learning site, there are issues in every department, not just the ones mention here. This topic where there are issues of who responds and manpower come into play. These are real issues, but "cheap shots" at these departments, will not be tolerated. Also stop this paid versus volly crap. Every time a good discussion comes around, someone always brings it up. We all live in a combo department county (westchester) wiether fire, or ems.. Grow up and look at post objectively. If not, then dont read it, but this has to stop...

    Other then that, to the members who have been contributing constructively. I thank you.

    Happy Halloween, and stay safe..

    ems-buff

    moderator

  15. Posted

    Memebers,

    While this topic was orignally started with questions about the opperations of the ryebrook fire department, it has evolved into a heated discussion about the need of the department. This is fine as long as a line the respect is not crossed between eachother. With that said, keep it going, but keep it respectful. Any member found being disrespectful to eachother, or going around the filter, after my post will be handled with accordingly..

    ems-buff

    moderator

    M' Ave likes this

  20. Posted

    To all,

    Let me 1st by saying, this is my 2nd time attending this event, and Valhalla FD, has been great hosts, to other members of differant departments, and the public alike that attend this event. I hope the Valhalla chiefs, B.O.C., or members dont get mad that I am posting this.

    I am personally calling on all departments in the county to come out, and support this event. If you want a free hair cut (lol), come on out, and start collecting donations with the link I will provide below. This is a great event, for a great cause, and could be great PR for your department. The more departments/people we get involed, the better the event can/will be..

    The link to read about the event, and/or sign up to help is:

    St. baldrick's event at Valhalla FD

    Thank you all for your time read this, and I hope to see you all there.

    ems-buff

    Emtbravo staff

  24. Posted

    Thank you everyone. I'm truly touch by the kind words.. May god bless him, and all of us. "Blessed are the humbled, for they shall inherit the earth" we as emergency service providers, are humble people, and well I thank all of you for letting me be part of a great group of emergency service providers for the County of Westchester. At least he got to see me get my life save awards last year, and I made him smile..

    Once again god bless you all

  25. Posted

    We all know, the staffing at pelham is dangerously low. Do we have a count on how many volunteers came out? How many alarms did it go to, to have such a huge m/a respones? Was it a progress alarm respones because of the lack of man power, or due to the progression of fire, or both? All, and all, great work by both pelhams (who do more with less, all day, every day) New Rochelle, Greenville, Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, Larchmont, and Empress EMS