JimmyPFD

At least for immediate emergencies; thankfully my co-workers and I are covered EMS/Fire Volunteers through our union contracts, ('within reason'). I can understand the, 'within reason' part. It isn't an issue on our jobsite, but you can usually find someone testing the limits. The contract language seems vague enough that; how they treat large scale activations may vary from location to location.

Re: Engine 161 on Staten Island Are the truckies going to run the brush fire unit too? Who is first due on brush fires between Midland and South Beach? That includes, "the flats" behind SI Hospital.

Dobbs Ferry police officer commits suicide, officials say By Jenna Carlesso Link to story http://www.lohud.com/article/20090411/NEWS02/904110336 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An all too common tragedy. Rest in Peace.

Thanks for the link. The message, when taken in context appears a lot less controversial than expected. Key point made: He mentioned public trust and responsibility to the commitment we have all made to saving lives, (not property). "If we put out the fire; safety is accomplished for everyone on the fireground"

Great way to start the morning. Thanks.

Spot on Art. "...By this, he seemed to mean, not only that the most reliable and useful courage was that which arises from the fair estimation of the encountered peril, but that an utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward." Both men may take their brothers into harms way. Make sure it is for the right reason: the lives of those we serve, our brothers and community. Not for glory or some douche bag's plasma TV

Considering the $4.30 at McDonalds and $2.50 for a couple of coffees I spent today.... giving a couple of bucks to this kid and family instead; might make their lives just a bit easier, (and me a little healthier.)

Very true. It might have unconsciously come from the "devil you know vs. the devil you don't know" perspective. The County could, re-allocate their resources elsewhere and claim it is, "in the best interest of the county." Local Govt. gives the appearance that they are more accountable because they are closer; and you as an individual carry more influence. Just because it seems that way; doesn't make it so. Bottom line... I think you are right though.

Keep the same # of officers on the street and wear the same patch. Consolidate resources and trim the fat... makes perfect sense. Can you trust the County to keep that police presence in your town five years from now? That's really the only thing that would concern me if I lived there.

This is a touchy subject and looks to come up regularly over the years. You can't please everyone. Giving extra credit based on race, color, ethnicity, gender, whatever is never going to be fair to the individuals who are not given the same. Speaking to a lawyer a moment ago; the constitutional amendment does give special consideration and protection designed to insure that discrimination in testing does not occur. Legally, this is only for and can be applied to the specific group, (so Eskimos are screwed). One might argue that a specific group has an advantage. Right or wrong it sucks for; and is not just for the individual that gets passed over in spite of their work, effort and qualifications.

I did not take this pic. A buddy I grew up with took it when he was deployed. Buff away.

2 things quickly went across my mind when I read this topic heading: What the heck is our blind Governer doing driving a pick up truck? and then: Well what the hell do you expect? Of course he's gunna get into an accident (Man... I need some sleep)

Google: Free CMEs. Your head will spin

Essentially, everyone you see is during an emergent situation. Time is of critical importance. Non-ungent, clinic or hospitol based treatment has the advantage of time and I believe Tom is right. ("...They are often good at washing their hands but not so much the scopes...") This comes down to falling into bad habits. There was a time when I would clean the ear pieces, (inside and out) and the diaphragm with an alcohol prep; everytime a stethoscope hit my ears and someone's skin. Goose's routine of decon efter every patient is a much, much better method. It stops the stethoscope from becoming a contaminated vector that you carry around from patient to patient and room to room. It also allows you to treat your patient's quickly and confidently knowing it is already clean. At least we don't warm the diaphragm with your breath anymore!

That was funny! thanks

Done (#117150)

A "quick and dirty" response/idea to a question that warrants a lot more thought: Adding mandatory annual stress tests could save lives and motivate others to stay in better shape.

They do, on a few levels. Anyone with a license has to work within what the State Dept. of Education sees as being the provision of care that would be reasonably expected under the circumstances. (I am sure it is their definition of, 'reasonably expected') My medical benefits have participating providers. My prescription drug plan has a formulary. It is the same with Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits. I am not for Government Control. I am only pointing to the patient care benefits of having such a data base available. (Only because of my background; I caught and corrected my big dental provider trying to double bill recently.)

I am not joining the political discussion on this subject. I am only speaking on practical benefits of Electronic Medical Records As an RN, I am a proponent of Electronic Medical Records as a tool. I currently work with one. I worked for the state looking at different Electronic Medical Record, (EMR) packages a couple of years ago. I must say that the financial benefits from billing and reduction in duplication of services is significant. This is not the most important benefit of an EMR. It saves lives. An extreme example: The destruction of paper records during Hurricane Katrina was a HUGE problem and further hampered the timely provision of adequate care and cost people their lives. Think of the benefits of having peoples' known allergies, medication regimen and history immediately available. Data can also be merged with MD orders and Pharmacy systems. Patient ID bands and medications can be bar-coded to prevent medication errors in ordering, dispensing and administration. This saves lives....think adverse drug reactions, over doses on haparin, etc. etc. I am only scratching the surface here. Is big brother watching? It is a cost/benefit judgement. The most important benefit is for my family's records being available during an emergency.

You are all correct. He posted it as from his Amsterdam trip but captioned it: Of course I had to take this picture... It's a London "first responder ambulance". How freakin' cool? Talk about getting to the scene fast...

He posted it on this Facebook page as pics from his Amsterdam trip this week, along with other obvious Amsterdam Pics. I saw NHS and thought that it might stand for something like Netherlands Health Services. I'll ask him and get back to you.

I don't know; but recalling that thread is what prompted me to post it.

Thank you Buchanan FD for your help and the cascade also.

Local News Coverage: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/...ds_blaze_o.html Google Map shows the House and block, (This is the sleepy steriotype part of the Island FDNY and NYPD make fun of their brothers for working in): Sorry: Direct link will not work. enter 552 Craig Avenue, staten island, ny into google and then click maps.