x635

If I came up in your face and consistently asked for the above, I'm willing to bet that you'd tell me exactly where I could go. And who are you to say that anyone other than yourself or members of your own department are providing an inferior service? Are you at every other fire that occurs, critiquing them in the instant moment, or do you rely solely on what you read in an effort to call another department's response and service shoddy? See? This is the exact core of the problem that I raised. Unless you're at every single instance of a fire, which is impossible, then you cannot beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt say that anyone other than yourself provided any kind of service, good or bad.

1.) See KCRD's post from 11:11 this morning. He says it, using the word inferior. I raised that issue back at him.
2.) See KCRD's post from 11:11 this morning. Again, he uses the word inferior. I substituted the word shoddy in this instance.
3.) Who appointed you, JFlynn, or your respective "boys" the judges and juries with respect to how a department other than your own is doing? Don't you think that's the business of each other departments' Chiefs, Board of Fire Commissioners, Members, and most importantly, residents themselves? Unless you or a loved one lives in a district that you know provides inferior service (again, KCRD's word), why is there the constant gripe about what the volunteers do, their staffing issues, their response times, and all the other bullcrap? I've met paid guys who are worth their salt and I've met volunteers who are worth their salt. Conversely, I've met some paid guys who are pretty useless and I've met some volunteers who are pretty useless. That said, no one can paint the opposing side with a broad brush. And that includes coming on here and demanding to know answers to questions that have been killed ten times over in the past. How would you like it if I listened to 60 one day when you were getting slammed and I came on here to raise questions about YOUR department? I'm pretty sure it would piss you off. And I'm pretty sure it would piss you off if I came on here every third day to talk smack - in general - about your "brothers." We all put the wet stuff on the red stuff, we're all "brothers;" who gives a flying crap what side of the line we're on, and who gives a flying crap about a parade? Don't you think department leadership is responsible enough to maybe perhaps CANCEL their participation in the particular parade if it came to light that their immediate jurisdiction was left short? Nobody ever mentioned that, now did they?

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all the dispatchers at Westchester County Fire Control (60 Control) for all their hard work and patience throughout the last 48 hours. It's hard enough to juggle a couple of calls at the same time, let alone multiple calls by multiple agencies for a prolonged amount of time. Great job 60 Control Dispatchers you continue to impress the responders with your knowledge and professionalism on the radio at all hours of the day or night.
THANK YOU AGAIN
Brian McGill
Chief Bedford Hills Fire Department

Vinegar??? Bad choice - it will leave a residue and eventually cause corrosion. Whenever dealing with electronics, ALWAYS use isopropyl rubbing alcohol (90% is perfect). You can actually soak the laptop in it (if you really had to) and after letting it dry for a few days, it'll work fine.
Seriously, you can soak the keyboard in it for 15 minutes (take the kbd out of the computer first).
A majority of the smoke smell is going to be located within the heat sync and cooling fins on the laptop. This is where the dist accumulates - dust will absorb the smoke.
Get a can of Dust-Off and blow out every orifice of the laptop. I suggest doing this outside. Also, do NOT use a compressor - the pressure is way too high and will likely cause damage.
I'm not making this up -- I'm a Dell Certified Tech and this is based on their recommendations. Done it all before with 100% success.

First things first, all recommendations here are assuming you have unplugged the laptop and taken the battery out. If you have not done that yet, do so now. That said, each solution posted here WILL help. In regards to vinegar leaving a residue, ordinary white distilled vinegar does not leave a residue. If you want to test it, test-wipe a glass. Or, if you still do not believe the vinegar part google it and see for yourself. The rubbing alcohol will works equally well, in fact the rubbing alcohol will remove the soot and stains better than windex on the plastic shielding. However, it cannot remove the smell as well as vinegar. Try researching the sites ehow, howstuffworks, and other self help sites for more robust recommendations. As for legitimacy, I build servers and repair laptops as well. I've also made my comments based on the assumption you are not cracking open this laptop screw by screw and washing the motherboard by hand.

Well, very presumptuous (or clairvoyant) of you to assume what other Members are thinking. It seems like the Union doesn't need help discrediting themselves here. Just like in volleyball, sometimes when someone sets you, you spike it. And coming from a Union that has had 14 line of duty deaths in 10 years, with all associated expenses paid by the Union, I have no qualms about saying so.
As for the secondary debate that has evolved, in full disclosure, I think use of taxpayer funds to stock bars at volunteer stations is equally unethical and an abuse.

Date: 2-19-10
Time: 1535hrs
Location: I-684 Southbound x South of I-84
Frequency: 46.380, 46.440
Units Operating: Brewster 11-1-1(IC),11-1-3,11-2-5,11-6-1,11-7-1,11-7-2 Putnam County Car 7, Putnam Medic 4, Putnam BLS 4, NYSP,PCSO
Weather Conditions: Sunny / Cool
Description Of Incident: Brewster FD and EMS working at a confirmed Ambulance Rollover PIAA with confirmed extrication needed of the Ambulance. Unknown extent of injuries at this time. Ambulance is from a private company.
NY State police have also put out a BOLO for a vehicle which fled the scene of the Accident..( ny plate EUL1214 )
1545hrs One person extricated from ambulance going BLS to Danbury, extrication of second patient still in progress.
1607hrs Second person extricated from ambulance going ALS to Danbury.
1610hrs FD Personnel in process of picking up
Writer: LCFD994

Thank you. I was going to just let this float off the board, what with this crazy day and the "big statement" this pilot had to make about his problems with the gov't.
Anyway, since I have this shared moment in the "spotlight" with a suicidal bass player (ironic if you look at my photo holding a guitar for Chr*st sake, but that's how it goes right?)
I want to talk a bit about the members you mentioned here, all of the members here are included in this sort of critique if you will, but I'm just going to wing it, and do the best I can with it.
First, there's Seth. Here he is today, in the heart of the madness in the country for today, just like he mentioned being in NY for 9/11. Can't the big stuff just leave the guy alone?
Seriously though, I'm here posting on a website that he created, and too often we take him for granted and some are critical because he shows his raw emotion at times. Seth, we know you've been through some tough sh*t in yor day, and you bounced back and gave us all a place to spend our time and share our thoughts. So thank you brother.
I'm no shill but come on guys, this site is growing in popularity and activitiy, and professionalism, and technical advancement. You think this is all a freebee? Some of y'all need to man up and help the guy out with some finances.....kay 'nuff said.
Chris192, flyin over all of us, keepin an eye and keepin it real. Stay safe up there bro.
Then we get to Chief Raftery. Why first amongst the posters? Cause the man earned it, that's why. Deputy Chief, college degree in fire science, published in fire engineering, one of the wittiest b@st@rds to ever post here. I'm proud to say he's a legacy of the Eastchester fire Dept, his dad worked there, I know cause I looked at his picture often in our headquarters. And here he comes on this board, modestly at first, then blasting us with that witt and wisdom he has been famous for his whole career. Thank you chief, for continuing your service, even now. And you're right, you cant get a good loaf of bread south of Philly.
Captain Nechis. Where does one start. I mean I'm old school, even though I'm still technically young. Then I meet Barry some years ago. And he starts going on about SEMO and FEMA and who the heck, and what the h*ll, and I'm like "this guy eats fire department". I'm telling you, now with this consolidation study out; you see who was involved big time right? Captain Nechis knows more in his sleep then I ever knew about the fire service. He even recerted my cpr, thanks Cap.
Chief Flynn. I never met you sir, but I have to say if you were my boss you'd have my respect. I know alot of the volunteer members here get crawly skin when you bring things up. You do stir the pot and post provocative questions. Your last name should be Johnson cause you invented the QTIP. I have NEVER met a Yonkers firefighter who didn't have a very large heart inside that gruffness. Truly a great bunch of gentlemen, from Chief Fitz to Batt 2 (I met Dennis smith once and invited Batt 2 to come, but he dissed it, haha too bad I got his autograph Kieron!) to YFD910 MY BROTHER, YFD610 who has shut up ever since chief flynn told him too (good job probie lol) love ya.
16fire5, M'Ave, our brothers from NYCEMS, it's truly an honor to have FDNY members particpate in this forum imho. You are a great job, the greatest job, lucky b@stards, stay safe all of you.
The volunterer members I communicate with in private and discuss training and fireground; gentlemen. Thank you for the respect, it comes right back at ya.
ALSfirefighter (BNechis blood relative, he just don't know it) dude, 3,000+ posts? How are dem fingers holdin up?
Chr*st, we even got a Canadian comin' down here with his "I pay for my own meals" thing goin' on, his extremely proud Class A photo. You GOTTA love that guy! Welcome Nova Scotia, the most beautiful Province. how's that medals count goin' for y'all? (just kiddin bro).
A guy from England named after 10 house. I seen them guys at the funerals. Very cool. Wish I had a chance to get England and check out Big Ben and Parliament, and then hit the pubs for a straight 24.....
All y'all. I don't wanta wind it out too far here. It's cool that I got 100 posts, but truly, if you want to look for the knowledge on this board, it's all of you combined. I'm just a knucklehead (ask ANYBODY from my job), it's good to be alive, f*** flyin a plane into a building it ain't that bad.
And the lurkers out there, chiefhac and elvis, two guys that eat fire department and had the most amazing careers, if you guys ever start posting, the whole game is gonna change here.
~Firematically,
Captain George Glover (ret)
EFD

I just wanted to congratulate efdcapt115 for being the first member to earn a reputation of 100. He provides excellent info and insight to the members of this forum. Being a younger member of the fire service, we learn a lot from the posts of the more experienced and knowledgable members of this site. I wish him continued success here.
I would also like to thank all of the other members who post here, as there are several other members who will be reaching the 100 mark soon. These are the guys that really make EMTBravo what it is.
Thanks again.

I like the member rating feature. It helps to highlight who may or may not be a sound source of information.
Couple of guys getting close to 100, who's going to be first?!
However, I was thinking it might be nice if giving someone a rating was not anonymous. Let someone know who you are when you give them an atta-boy and, likewise, when you criticize. I think everyone can take some criticism and this might help avoid vindictive negetives.
Anyone's thoughts?

Here's the scenario:
Odor of gasoline in a 2 story garden apartment with garages underneath on Side C. Source traced to a garage which was the Super's maintensnce garage. The fuel line of a snowblower broke and leaked fuel on the floor. What we saw was a fuel-soaked pile of kitty litter or oilsorb under the snowblower.
Here's the conversation:
Me; Ya know, it's OK to soak up the fuel, but you gotta bag up the kitty litter and get it out of the building.
Super: That's not kitty litter
Me: OK oil sorb,whatever
Supt: No, it's that stuff you put on the grass
Me:Fertilizer?
Supt: Yeah
Me: WTF
OK you EOD guys, what was that, ANFO's Redneck Cousin?

Bout time you introduced yourself buddy!
Welcome to our newest members. You will see there is a lot of excellent knowledge passing through these forums.

When able we encourage our chauffeurs to paralel to the curb and use the 10' flexible lenght of suction hose we carry to make the hydrant connection. This tends to no interfere with ladder company apparatus positioning. And as stated above frequently when chauffeurs use the front suction they tend to leave the a** end of their rig in the street. This is not a hard fast rule in the department many companies and chauffeurs have personal preferences. In most cases our chauffeurs are protected by the street being close by PD, the block is gridlocked by the first alarm assignment and the ladder company usually enters the block after the engine and from the same direction so their positioning will in most cases protect the engine.
Also the points about the cost and inherent flaws with front suctions should make any department purchasing a new rig give it serious consideration. That money could be very well spent elsewhere if you ask me.

I didn't say it wasn't a good stop...that was one of the troublemakers on here ( I know who he is and I can confirm that he is always up to no good) ...I'm nice remember??
I have no idea what actually happened at the fire. What members are questioning on here is a seemingly repetitive and systemic problem of being unable to provide an adequate and timely response of qualified firefighting personnel.
If it takes numerous departments to deal with even a private dwelling fire every time, why don't those departments just combine?

You're telling us that we should expect the departments involved to maybe "have a lil bit of a hard time getting the engine out" and that we should "try to factor in how many of these people are working, or dedicated to some other issue in their lives" and that we should "give them a breaK"????
This was a private dwelling fire. right? So, if we should be understanding of an initial lack of manpower arriving in a timely manner at this fire, I guess we are going to need to be extremely understanding when there is a public assembly, multiple dwelling, or God forbid, a school fire in this area at 2:30 in the afternoon, and the people potentially trapped inside these aforementioned burning buildings and in need of rescue will need to be particularly understanding people as well I guess...
Why not just take an opportunity such as this to admit that there is a problem and try to fix it? Consolidation, regionalization, perhaps strategic use of career staffing...or, just cross your fingers and hope it all works out, and hope that everyone just "understands"...

Date: 02-08-10
Time: 1430hrs
Location: 25 Young St. c/s Oregon Rd.
Frequency: 46.26/LMFD Ops
Units Operating: Cars 2268 (career Capt), 2261, 2260, E257, E258, L35, Peekskill FASTeam, Buchanan U12 (cascade), Mohegan VAC, NYSP, Putnam Valley FD W/(1) engine to the scene, Yorktown FASTeam, WCDES C&O Zone-4, Con Edison.
Weather Conditions: Cold, windy
Description Of Incident: Working Fire
Reporters:
Writer: BFD1054
1430hrs-E257, E258, L35 dispatched to above address for the possible structure fire.
1433hrs-E257 on location advising smoke shwoing.
1434hrs-E257 advising confirmed working fire. Car 2268 requesting 1st alarm assignment.
1435hrs-E257 requesting E258 to grab a hydrant. Car 2260 en-route.
1436hrs-Lake Mohegan re-toned for the working fire, Peekskill FASTeam to the scene, Mohegan EMS to the scene. Car 2261 responding. Car 2268 on location.
1437hrs-Buchanan FD dispatched; request for Utility-12 (cascade) to the scene.
1438hrs-E258 requesting a re-tone for additional manpower. Car 2261 requesting Putnam Valley to the scene with an engine and manpower.
1444hrs-Car 2268 advising Car 2261 that they will need Peekskill's FASTeam to go to work, they will need a 2nd FASTeam. Car 2261 requesting a 2nd FAST.
1445hrs-Car 2261 on location. 60-Control dispatching Yorktown FD; request for their FASTeam to the scene.
1451hrs-Car 2261 requesting a progress report from interior crews. Unit advising that they are opening up the ceiling at this time.
1453hrs-Car 2268 requesting roof ventilation.
1533hrs-Continental Village requested to re-locate (1) engine to Mohegan's Hollowbrook Station - Oregon Rd.
1534hrs-Montrose requested to re-locate (1) engine to Mohegan's Furnace Woods Station - Croton Ave.
1535hrs-C&O Zone-4 Unit 1404 en-route.
1540hrs-Montrose FD Car 2271/E121 re-locating.
1552hrs-Car 2261 placing the fire under control.
1725hrs-Car 2261 requesting Town of Cortlandt Code Enforcement & Water department to the scene.
1726hrs-Car 2261 releasing Yorktown & Buchanan, holding all others.
1747hrs-Car 2261 releasing Peekskill.

Millington X Columbus

It boils down to this: career staffing gets you both speed and consistency. Sure, it's all about the patient, but IF the patient was really so important to everyone...wouldn't every agency get out the door in a reasonable amount of time? Wouldn't volunteer organizations move to mitigate staffing and response time issues? One would think.
There are a number of things effecting EMS today, but something i've heard time and time again in all the systems i've worked is that it's the volunteers who are holding us back. Surely, it's not the sole issue, but it is a large part of the issue. All too often, i have to agree with this sentiment.

OK...let's see...
1. No one bashed any agency. 1a. If your telling the truth how it is, how is it bashing if some aren't doing their jobs?
2. Just showing up to a call isn't enough.
3. I spend more time educated truly ill people who try to drive then I do those who call 911 for nonsense. Guess what...if they are that's on you! Public education is part of your responsibilities. 3a. With thinking that 911 adds time...no way...it can add better response and public service with EMD and pre arrival instructions where warranted. Can drive to the hospital faster? So now what we go back to cadillacs and scoop and run?
4. Maybe stress does add time to untrained people not in our businesses eyes..but my CAD doesn't lie and many of the VAC's in my area...aren't cutting it. And what I have learned is the truth hurts and not dealing with not getting out along with the next 3 mutual aid agencies...but patting yourself on the back because on 1 day in a month you got all 3 buses out is ridiculous. Save 1 of the 3...I'll take one of those when I'm sitting there doing a jig to entertain a patient or debating on whether to ask for a cop to come to take his car or another medic for the flycar or to put them in the back of the engine on scene. You can't make the argument about the person with a suitcase in their hand at 2 am and how it could be quicker to drive when you have to be the one to explain why their loved one is struggling to breath and we're going deeper and deeper into protocol. I should not have to apologize for something that isn't my agencies responsibility.
5. If heart and pride were the root to solve all problems...we'd have no problems at all...but its not just about that. Wanting good consistent patient care has nothing to do with ego's. Work everyday where a high percentage of the time your waiting extended periods of time waiting for an ambulance and then come tell me. Or tell me how happy I should be that I'm on my 6th, 7th or 10th job where I've waited for an ambulance and then I get 1 all day and the EMT or whoever comes in all happy go lucky and wonders why I'm at the end of my rope as their all smiles and even sometimes talking about how great their agency is...spare me.
Yeah..I guess that's enough for now.

When we replaced our aging straight stick we knew we were going to get a tower. Hands down, no question we felt that the bucket offered increased safety on numerous operations. The next question was MM or RM. We looked very hard and found the MM to be better for our application for a few reasons:
1. We have a narrow downtown district that requires the aerial length to be as short as possible to out it on the sidewalk or for use on lower floors. Maybe not the end of the world, but the ability to use the aerial master stream on lower floors at an upward angle was a big plus for our aging district where attached ordinary construction with considerable breaches between buildings rules the day. An aggressive knockdown could be the difference between one building and the block. MM's have 4 or 5 sections whereas RM often are only 3, sometimes 4, making the off the side distance far greater.
2. While you only need the lower 2/3's of the windshield for most of the driving time, the RM bucket obstructs your vision for viewing the fire building and slows positioning. Also, on crowded streets with lighted intersections seeing the color of the light can be handy to say the least. BTW, these observation are not just ours, we talked to tons of FD's about their aerials, likes and dislikes.
3. Station size issues: We couldn't fit most RM's in our 12 foot doors due to a slight grade on the apron. This in fact keeps our MM out of two bays on one end now and it's only 9'10" tall. (IIRC)
4. We didn't like having to climb up the rear and walk the length of the aerial with tools to access the bucket. With the MM, one guy climbs up and directly into the bucket and the second passes the saws and tools from the compartment adjacent to the access ladder. Small detail, but nonetheless was discussed.
5. Scrub area. While a RM can work of the rear at a greater length, it must be close to 90 degrees to the body before it can be brought to the ground forward of the turntable itself. This reduces scrub area. Short of being in an open lot where you can back in, most of our downtown requires a set close to perpendicular to the building face. The MM with the shorter aerial length excels at close in sweeping of the lower floors. Most of the time turning the cab just 20 degrees off the centerline on arrival allows us to either get two sides of the building or one long face from sidewalk to roof line.
This is not a knock of RM's merely pointing out the strengths we saw to the MM that effected our decision top buy one. Of course it helped that our hired consultant also suggested the aerial stick be replaced with a MM tower. But that was only the final nail in the coffin on other designs.

Unless it's something which is truly actionable, in which case moderators may have to take a firm stand (as in direct threats to a member, for instance), I'm firmly in the 'man up and get on with it' camp. This is a fire/EMS (primarily) discussion board, not a knitting circle. Some strong language and forthright expression of opinions is to be expected. I've said before, you shouldn't go locking threads when things get hot, you should be dealing with members individually when they cross the line. Saying things that would get you yelled at if said face-to-face is fine. Saying things that would get your lights punched out in bar, or get you arrested, isn't.
As for respect... well that is not a given, it has to be earned - here or in the firehouse. Chief Flynn, for example... I don't like some of what he says, or the way he says it, but he often has a point, and he's a Chief in a department with a very solid rep., and is due respect for that rank and experience. At the other extreme, if some know-it-all kid starts spouting off in the firehouse he's going to get little respect for that, and I wouldn't expect too much different here.
I've participated in many internet fora on many topics over the years, and this place is pretty tame compared to many!

I think that censorship would be the worst thing that could happen. It would probably cause more members to leave or be angered then any other reason. When we disagree, somebody, somewhere is not going to like what someone else's opinion is. Here on this site many times opinions, are not opinions, they are fact, as proven by recordings and records. By shining the light of truth on subjects that are not discussed anywhere else on the internet, everyone will better from it. I know when I ask questions I get answers here. I called my local FD and got a recording, A RECORDING.
I guess it comes down to
If you don't like it, don't read it.
If it is an opinion, voice your own.
Facts are discuss-able not disputable.
If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
If you cannot answer the questions, you should not be in a position to be asked.

I have learned much watching this site over the years and it is only because of truth and factual talk that I and everyone else has benefited.

Im gonna agree with the majority of members here; i vote NO to censorship. This is the great U S of A and we should ALL be entitled to our opinions.
Ive been a member of this site for a long time (i believe one of the first 100) and have seen a lot of good and some bad over the years. But one of the good things is that people can come on hear and speak their minds like adults. As others have said, if ya cant take it, walk away from the computer. Or, deal with it and add to these great forums in a positive way. Back-up your posts with some good, solid information.
Hell, ive fallen prey to the back-and-forth bickering over the years. But ive learned to take a deep breath and get over it. Its been said already, but you must have thick skin in the buisness of fire, ems & pd. Thats exactly the way it needs to be on here as well.
I have reached out to several members via PM to "hash out" our differences or further discuss issues or topics. There are guys on here that have picked at my posts and we've had some words. But after going out of my way to shoot them a PM, it usually gets squashed and usually ends with a "thanks" or "take care." Actually, theres many guys on here that id love to shoot the crap with (even non emergency service talk) over a cold one anyday. Many of us could probably have a good time and a few laughs.

Bloomberg wants to stamp out costly city fire alarm boxes, but union says it's a dangerous move
BY Daniel Roberts and Kathleen Lucadamo
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Mayor Bloomberg wants to get rid of fire alarm boxes from city streets, saying the measure would save the FDNY $2.5 million.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/01/30/2010-01-30_lets_pull_fireboxes_mike_says.html#ixzz0e8RQGYCg