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The outpouring of member support via this thread and email has made me reconsider. However, I am in debt from last months bills, and still need to pay for November, December, and yearly license fees. I don't have that money, and short of a flood of donations, and new advertisers, my hands are tied. The rest of the stuff stressing me out, I don't even have time to reconsider, figure out, or take a breather while the staff handles things. This site needs to be paid for and if I don't have the funding, it's the end of the road.

I would like to thank the members for their really kind, supportive, and encouraging emails about this site. I've gotten over 50 since making this announcement. I just want members to know that I've always felt obligated in a good way to keep going, no matter what, with this site. I know how much it means to so many people, and how people depend on it. I know that staff could take it over for a while. Short of a significant flood of donations and advertisers to meet the goal displayed on the main index sidebar, my hands are tied.

I just want to make a clarification. I don't want to do this to the members. I wish I had the several hundred dollars needed to keep this site afloat through November and December so I could figure things out and step back a little. I doubt I can raise those funds or get new advertisers, I doubt new people will step up, and I don't want to ask anymore. The stress of worrying about funding this site month after month has taken it's toll, and was the major blow. Considering I'm unemployed due to health reasons and have a new baby, I don't have the disposable income like I used to to cover the deficits and the debt. I'm emotionally and mentally beat up, partially because of this site, partially because of personal issues. For the record, this is NOT because of the whole Dutchess saga, and I've been thinking about and fearing this for a while. This has me really upset. I DON'T want to do this,I feared this, I'm going to miss the site as I enjoyed visiting it like a member too, but I'm broke and burnt out and this is my only option I feel right now.

Well, another fire service collectibles store bites the dust. Sad, they had a great selection and excellent customer service. I kind of saw this coming with the massive liquidation and all. http://www.fireandcopshop.com/

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23887963-last-chance-for-deal-as-london-firefighters-vote-to-strike.do

http://www.nyfd.com/history/23rd_street/23rd_street.html

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/10/17/2010-10-17_emergency_workers_practice_for_grand_disaster.html#ixzz12cx9xArU

I've moved members that haven't logged on since 12-31-2009 into an inactive members group. There's several logistical and technical issues that factor in if I was to straight out delete members. As for a trial period, there's a number of things I can do, which I'm considering. I can limit the members posting ability for a certain amount of time, and limit the amount of posts they make until they hit a certain mark. I also can make them pass a moderator approval before their content is visible for a certain time period. As mentioned, I'm trying to figure out which options make the most sense. I am also reconsidering instituting the Verified Member program.

I've seen some of the stuff mentioned a while back...pretty cool. Worth stopping by if you're in the area. http://www.lohud.com/article/20101014/NEWS02/10140326/Local-fire-police-history-on-display-in-White-Plains

This is why every EMS bag that goes into a residence should have a Carbon Monoxide monitor. There is a big section in JEMS on CO this month. Looks like they are starting to intergrate it into the Zoll's and Lifepak's. It's really important to monitor this in a patient, especially high risk ones, like firefighters. Great topic.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20101013/NEWS02/10130335/Merger-of-Westchester-police-emergency-services-put-in-doubt

I know that Columbus Day is a popular holiday to celebrate Italian heritage, but did he really discover America? I know there's a lot of academic debate, but the Native Americans were here first. And (the British, etc) basically destroyed their culture and land. Shouldn't it be "Native American Day"? Or, can't we have a "Patriot Day" like Massachusetts and Maine do instead? Just some thoughts after reading an article saying this is the "least celebrated holiday" and some states aren't even observing it anymore.

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words. Sometimes I don't even think people really care.

Does anyone feel this site is responding faster? Slower? Notice any bugs?

Photos reposted with permission. Thanks to the submitter and the original photographer for sharing this wake up call. Struck by tractor trailer while at a scene on Interstate 95. HME "Ahrens Fox" stainless steel body. More details in the Incident Alert: http://www.emtbravo.net/index.php?showtopic=38703 *****NO MEMBERS WERE HURT******** Photos reposted with permission. Thanks to the submitter and the original photographer for sharing this wake up call.

The link to our Facebook page above has been corrected above as well. EMTBravo Official Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/EMTBravocom/40451344703

Updates regarding the server move can be found on our official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/EMTBravocom/40451344703 Also, other site news and information regarding the site and related events are there, too.

I just want to point out what a strong brotherhood Stamford FD has. They've fought for safety measures. http://www.local786.org/ I only hope this brings Truck 1 onto I-95 as a barrier for the Engine. Also hope they don't replace Engine with another HME! Stamford should be a Seagrave or Pierce city!!

Most of the problems with ambulances are electrical problems. You can't spec them, only pick the manufacturer with the best one (unless you are ordering a lot like FDNY or LAFD who can say exactly what they want) The trend I saw in Westchester was Horton-Braun-PL Custom and now Lifeline. All the ones I mentioned before Lifeline agencies didn't go with mainly due to electrical problems they didn't want to deal with again. PL Custom has had problems with electrical schematics in their units, with each one being different or having none at all. I think their craftsmanship is great, paint is great, innovations are great, especially looking at their flexibility including the Rescue 1 side of the business. They had very strong service for a while, but lost a grip on that. Lifeline builds a strong module, almost as strong as a tank, with a great electrical system, and excellent dealer (Eastford) service, and that's why you are seeing them more and more. Multiplexing is going to be good in the future when it's more "plug and play", but mechnics are now electricians, even with the engine and all other OEM systems, and they need to be trained that way. Most other manufacturers who build the "old school" electrical systems are smaller manufacturers that don't have a good rep. Croton's ambulance looks awesome, much needed, and best of luck with it. Is this the FIRST true "new delivery" to Croton EMS? And this is replacing the Ford/Marque? Or didn't Croton EMS get one from Mount Kisco- is that being kept? And hopefully Croton EMS will establish a replacement schedule with the village!!

Saw this Crime Prevention Unit from the Brazos County, TX PD the other day.....

At the exit of almost all Texas DOT maintainence yards...... (Photo by me January 2008)

I've heard that Empire State College will convert a lot of your fire and EMS courses into credits. Is this actually true, and how does it work? Are their other online universities that have proven they do this? Thanks for any help! Seth

The body seems to have taken a hit, as did the powertrain and frame, but the cab and pump panel seem OK from that one angle. I'm sure someone with the facts can fill us in on the damage. HME uses stainless steel, or was this aluminum? Twin Lights could probaly do a lot of the repair and probaly will, but I don't know if they'll fabricate a new body.

Yesterday, I had the oppurtunity to attend the Firehouse Central/EMS World/Enforcement Expo in Dallas. It was a really good idea combining all three events, seemed to work very well. Some really neat products out there, and it's been a while since I've been to a trade show. It was also nice because all the attendees were in the field, and it really wasn't anything like Baltimore or Harrisburgh, etc. I know many of you have been to trade shows this summer and probaly have seen this all already. I also made a couple of stops along the way. Depending on how Madeleine wants to behave today, I'll try and get some photos posted in this thread at different times throughout the day, so STAY TUNED TO THIS THREAD for more photos. I'll merge all photos into this post once I am done posting/ First up, stop at Dallas Fort Worth Airport Station 5 for a visit and to take a couple of photos. DFW Fire-Rescue not only provides ARFF protection, but all structural related incidents, rescue, etc. DFW is gigantic and is a city within itself: Engine 53, 2009 Pierce Velocity PUC. A duplicate unit for Engine 63 is currently at the Pierce dealer getting ready for delivery. Also, this engine will become a diecast model from TWH collectibles available this later this fall. Dallas PD has gone with a new paint scheme and lettering starting with this 2010 Dodge Charger Police Package: Wheeled Coach has developed this "Cool Bar", which intergrates the AC unit and emergency lighting. Pretty neat idea. Dallas Fire-Rescue has taken delivery of this Supervac Large area ventilation fan model SVU-50, which is used to ventilate large structures: More info on this: http://www.supervac.com/productdetails.asp?productid=152 Dallas PD has this rather unique light setup on the back of it's Tahoe's. New Orleans EMS will be taking delivery of ten (10) of these 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty/Medtec's: ASAP Vehicles has this 6x6 All Terrain Vehicle outfitted for wildland fire response and EMS on display: This "extrication cart" from TNT Extrication Tools was on display, pretty neat concept: Crestline Ambulance of Canada is trying to make a big push into the US market: Dallas FD Shops has this Pirsch Tiller out sunbathing: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) EMS Trauma 1 (have more details shots I will share in a seperate thread later) Braun's massive "Patriot" ambulance concept, which combines a fire suppresion system, automotive extrication equipment, and an ambulance onto a Spartan chasis. Too much in one if you ask me for an ambulance: "Miller Coach" has made a return to the ambulance market with this 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Type II: Ford and Spartan had this 2010 Ford Transit Connect on display as a non-emergency transport ambulance (more in a later thread): Dallas Fire-Rescue Hazmat Battalion: Dallas FD Staff/Admin Chief are assigned Ford Escapes: My favorite kind of stretcher, I thought they were discontinued. These were very popular in California. Also, UMDNJ I believe used them, they are great for tight urban buildings. Westlake, TX is set to take delivery of this 2010 Ford F-450/Wheeled Coach The US Marshall's Service has this GIGANTIC Incident Response Vehicle on a Kenworth T-800 chasis. This was the best shot I could get, it was a crowded area. And the US Marshall's have some serious equipment! Sorry for the lousy shot, you can kind of make it out in the background. Demers Ambulances "Enhanced" Ford Econoline grill: Inside the Demers Dodge Sprinter Type II Van (this one was built for Acadian EMS) One of Dallas FD's ladders they are in the process of disposing of: Another shot of DFW Engine 53: EMS "Vending Machine" Dallas Fire Rescue Haz Mat 3 Spartan/SVI Lights, Lights, and MORE lights! Dallas FD USAR Battalion Car 812 2009 Chevrolet Suburban Parkland Hospital ER bay, doesn't look much different then when JFK was brought there after being shot. And, yes, this is where the Parkland Burn Forumula comes from.. Dallas Fire Rescue HazMat Support 3 2010 Ford F-650 From the National EMS Museum. And the new "Dallas Style" bumper....found on all new Engine and Truck deliveries.....

(See photo below) This explains it better then I can: http://www.braunambulances.com/products/products-detail.php?cart=34169545403439&n=home&sku=patriot I think it may just be a concept right now, but intergrate into a rescue truck with a ramp, and be self powered with remote control. This allows it to get close to a scene that the rescue can't, and also have the tools right at your fingertips. I wish I got more information. It's actually the same as the Dodge Sprinter and the Freightliner Sprinters. These (Mercedes) are used commonly throughout Europe for ambulances. My thoughts are when Chrysler had the meltdown, all the companies that broke off took the Sprinter van and put their nameplate on it. They've have Merceds engines in them for a while. From my understanding, and BNechis can correct me, Miller was a top of the line ambulance at the time. They used Cadillacs. I guess this is the modern version My pleasure, I'm glad you liked them as I had fun taking them for you guys. If you or anyone else has any questions feel free to ask! Thanks!!