Mark Z

Investors
 View profile  See their activity

  • Content count

    148

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Mark Z

  2. Posted

    I'd like to know why a medic in a flightsuit is qualified to perform RSI and a medic in a uniform is not? Train the ground medics to perform RSI and the need for airway management won't necessitate a helicopter to provide it.

    Good discussion.

    Medical Control is more the issue than anything else. I can remember when you were looked down on if you called for a paramedic too often and now they are dispatched simultaneously for the same type of calls. Med control is an issue for another thread, but to get back on topic, I have called for a bird only once and the pt was in Dutchess County and in very bad shape, no doubt in my mind flight was needed MVA with prolonged entrapment.

  9. Posted

    This is nothing more than a backdoor attempt by the city to increase the privatization of city responsibilities. They cut and cut public safety budgets and then wonder why the department can't handle the calls and then hire outside companies to cover up the fact that they have cut more than they should and when there aren't enough complaints they use the fact they they already use private companies to justify using them even more until they have cut the EMS to nothing and private companies do it all.

    I don't like this and wish the people of FDNY EMS the best of luck because your going to need it!!!!

  13. Posted · Edited by Mark Z

    Dang It, Mark! The next time you want to schedule an event, check with me first to make sure I'm not going to be out of town!! :( I will be in Va for my nephews graduation and won't be able to attend! Good Luck and I hope it is a huge sucess, can I enter my Mazda Miata in the ultra lightweight class? Where do I send the entry? :) :)

  14. Posted

    This is a great topic and good discussion has followed.

    The guys in my firehouse probably talk about this in some form at least once every week. The biggest issue we talk about, and everyone out there in EMTBravoland knows, is there's a severe lack of experience. Most of us are running more calls every year, but the fire work isn't increasing. We rely heavily on training, and sometimes that training comes up a little short or reality.

    I consider myself a "50/50" firefighter, meaning half of what I know is from sitting in class or being nose deep in a book trying to absorb as much as I can. The other half of me wants to throw on the gear, take the most challenging training there is and be at as many incidents as possible to have them under my belt. I'm a hands-on guy playing the role of Chief now, and it gives me a different perspective. My gut instincts have never steered me in the wrong direction, but I think that can be attributed to the knowledge in books and classes that has stayed in my blood. I anticipate the worst-case scenario every call from the time my pager goes off until I get home. My guys and girls are my #1 responsibility and I know this. I won't ever ask someone to do something I wouldn't do. Any leader that would allow someone to do something they wouldn't do themselves should resign before someone gets hurt or killed, because that Leader is lacking the knowledge, experience, skills and balls (yeah, I said it) to correctly and effectively direct his personnel. The only thing worse is the Chief or Officer that never EVER gives an order. I know a lot of people like these Chiefs because they "don't stir the pot" and "let them do whatever they want." THAT IS NOT A GOOD LEADER.

    When I started taking classes and becoming a firefighter (in 1994) most of my training, well, it sucked. Instructors probably had good intentions but there was very little hands-on training and most instructors were kind of shy to let us get dirty and do the rough stuff. As time went on, I noticed a cultural change where most Instructors and training programs were basically teaching us all not to take chances, not to be daring and to play it safe - too safe. A lot of those that came up with me are starting to now realize this, because training has done a 180 and we're seeing more instruction pushing us to be better firefighters and better teammates. What could be learned by connecting hose to a gate on a hydrant and shooting the stream at a cone pretending it was a house on fire?! What kind of tactics and know-how were we getting putting out "car fires" that were nothing more then shopping carts with a flare in them?! Thank God Westchester County has the fire training center it has now. For newer people the controlled fires are a great way to get a basic feel of how things could be and for those that have been around a little longer, we can share our experiences and mold great firefighters. Don't get me wrong, we need to be safe and be smart - but taking a little risk once in a while will help you learn from your mistakes! It's like training a puppy with an electric fence. They get zapped a couple times and know not to do it again. I've learned the importance of my hood, my helmet, my gloves, having a radio, building layout, taking a tool, checking my line before going in and so, so, so much more by taking calculated risks and training my a** off.

    To all of you fairly new to this stuff - LISTEN TO THE ADVICE OF YOUR BEST PEOPLE - REGARDLESS OF THEIR RANKS! Some of the best guys, especially in vollyland where I come from, were even smart enough to avoid being an Officer. The truth of it all is that a great firefighter has the careful balance of training and experience and that's what keeps them safe and alive. If you can learn from these guys, you will learn so much and over time, you'll come to realize how great it is to be a firefighter. The best instructors will allow you to take a couple of little chances under their direction so you learn your boundaries. The same goes for an officer. If you have one that doesn't let you do anything, it's probably because they're not experienced and trained enough to know what little risks you can take. A good officer will let you feel some heat before opening a line, and will trust you enough to take the knob and back you up or stay beside you. Those are the best teachers, and the best teachers make the best leaders.

    That's my silly opinion anyway.

    WOW!

    Well Said, I wish there were more people that thought the way you did.

  20. Posted · Edited by Mark Z

    Check out this AWESOME new ambulance!!! 2nd agency in NYC to use Frazer (Generator Powered module, widely popular here in Texas), after Lennox Hill.

    http://www.frazerbilt.com/flash.php

    GO TO:

    >Recent Deliveries

    >St. Lukes Rooseverlt

    Looks sharp and functional, and th extended cab is definelty unique. And I know the color scheme isn't new, but I still love it.

    Just as many Chevy fronts as well, although I do have to admit the Dodge trucks are pretty tough and I am surprised we haven't seen more Dodge type 1 ambulances.

    (Truth in advertising statement, I sold Dodge trucks for a very short while)

  23. Posted

    Spent alot of time in the UK while in the USAF. Stepping out of the box, good for them. Could be real practical for London and other populated UK cities. You never know until you try.

    It has been used in some US cities that have separate third services and bikes as well, it is a good idea! If gas had stayed at four dollars a gallon you might have seen more US cities trying!