EMSer

As an experienced ALS provider and one who saw first hand the decline in BLS skill while still a BLS provider I have several opinions on this. And for the one who said they had "senior EMT's who hated medics," my experience has been they are often the most dangerous and suffer from certification napoleon complexes and are some of the ones I have to keep the closest eye on. But either way...as I often tell people...I'm not here to function so EMT's like me...I'm here for my patients to like me and give good solid patient care. I take being called a "dick" or "intimidating" as a compliment. I'm one of the most demanding medics in my system..and for one purpose..solid patient care. Any instructor and I have heard stories of people teaching..."do this and that and WAIT FOR ALS TO ARRIVE"....WHat!!!???!! Are you kidding me? I have to tell bls crews by radio often to not wait for me if I did a job from far away. Clip boards should be banned from in houses. If you are thrown into the real world..something is wrong...and unfortunately too many agencies push new EMT's into spots they are not ready for. Have required ride time as curriculums do not have enough field rotations in them for EMT-B's. Someone said something about being called old fashioned for taking the time to understanding something instead of throwing on O2 and putting them in semi fowlers and going to the hospital. Yes you are right...but it should take no more then 60 seconds to realize they need oxygen..use the time to get the lifting device you may need or the time transporting to figure it out...on scene time is important and one of the singular most important treatments any EMS provider can perform is transporting your patient.
With that said...
1. The change in curriculum in the late 90's to me was a dumb down of the certification and reduced the background and A & P knowledge us old curriculum EMT's needed to know. The patient assessment in the curriculum is absolutely atrocious and too cookie cutter. I became the medic I am because of strong bls education and street experience...its not there anymore.
2. Lack of training within VAC's. Some things need to be learned on the street..other things need to be learned and practiced as you don't use them often. CME training is often lectures...get them out of their chairs and review equipment and bls skills done in courses and testing.
3. I've worked around and seen some medics who don't step back enough to allow BLS to do their thing when appropriate. I always give them slack...and then take back over if they are lost.

The other day, the snowy commute proved horrendous. At the rollover between Peekskill Hollow and Bryant Pond Roads, so many Good Samaritans intervened and helped a hurt, scared lady who skidded off the road in her minivan and came to a stop on the vehicle's side against a tree.
Thank you to the off-duty EMT I saw running into the woods toward her vehicle. Thanks to the guy trained as a first-responder who also was a life-long Boy Scout who just wanted to help if he could. Thanks especially to the several off-duty NYSTroopers who stopped, provided invaluable scene safety (with loaned flares- ahem) and helped to speed up the BLS response. And thanks, George the medic, for getting there to relieve me and allow me to get to work in the local ER (looking and feeling much like a wet, half-drowned rat).
Evereytime I start to think that people in general just suck and don't care about anyone but themselves, Good Samaritans like the ones I met the other day prove me wrong and restore my faith in mankind.
Thanks, all of you, for that.

Hey Madison, forgot to add that you could ask the local high school if pvac could do a recruiting assembly. Over on the "dark side" (HA!) we set up something like that with boces. might as well give it a shot

I've been a Law Enforcement Dispatcher in NY, and a Texas certified Law Enforcement Dispatcher here in Texas with a large urban police department, working the busiest sector. My father was a police officer and ran a police supply store, so growing up I was always around "old school" Police Officers who couldn't imagine todays world. And a large number of my friends are Police Officers. And, as a citizen, I'd rather have a police officer here ASAP if I got robbed, instead of having them delayed because they are duplicating the services of the FD. And the taxes I pay for PD are to keep my family safe. I pay taxes for the FD and EMS to provide their services. Where I used to live, a lot of the time, the cops were tied up doing EMS and the rest trying to fill in the gaps. Down here, I can't leave my house and go anywhere without seeing a police officer on patrol.
Not just here, but other places I have visited, i.e. Los Angeles, where "ESU" has another name...SWAT.
Exactly.
But why do they have to be cross trained if there is already an agency providing the service? Unless it enhances manpower for that agency.
Why is it healthy? All I've seen it do is breed hate and ego.
Agree, but shouldn't be that way. Your agency should get funding based on it's core responsibilities, not just duplicate services to get grant money and waste it. All and all, these grants don't come from anywhere. They come out of our taxes.
I can see Law Enforcement doing Search and Rescue and other types of rescue related to policing, but don't duplicate FD services.
VERY true. But Cops want to do cop stuff, and firefighters want to do fire stuff. Cops can grow into and do all sorts of fun Law Enforcement things like SWAT, Aviation, Marine, Detectives, K-9, Crime Scene, Instructors, Community Policing, etc etc. Firefighters can go onto be officers, work specialized units, arson investigation, fire prevention, intructors, etc. All of which keeps the respective jobs hands full. And cops use grants to buy cop stuff, and firefighters use grants to buy firefighter stuff. As I said, it's a very different mentality. I don't understand anymore why there is such competition to fill each other's roles when there is enough to do already.
Another example is internal with PD's. County PD has a large number of resources and experts to offer agencies, but yet some departments still feel the need to duplicate their specialized services.
I love cops, I love firefighters, it's just a breath of fresh air down here to see a cop actually loving being a cop and nothing else.It refreshing to hear a cop say "Let's hang around the house of this guy with a warrant....see if he shows up....informant said he's been coming and going lately" instead of "Let's take in that rescue call".

Having lived in Austin, Texas for over three years now after living in Hartsdale, NY for 28, and having worked with law enforcement agencies in both areas, I've noticed something.
THIS IS IN NO WAY A KNOCK AT POLICE OFFICERS, JUST MY OPINION AND OBSERVATION
Down here, cops want to be cops. They want to go out and make arrests, do felony stops, nab DWI and aggresive drivers, etc. They go out and find work, or are dispatched to it-work is plentiful. They follow up with previous victims, and take pride in the sector they work, and knowing it well. They'll help the FD when needed, but they don't duplicate any services. In fact, they get along quite well in most jurisdictions. Most have no interest in firefighting or doing anything the FD's doing. In fact, most people pursue either a law enforcement, EMS, or FD career. People just don't take tests until they are offered something.
It seems like Police Officers in NYC Metro area want to be into everything. Several muncipalities not only have ESU, but some have technical rescue teams, etc. Now, given the infastructure in NY, that's no a bad thing. But someone, seemingly an ESU officer, make some observations about a recent rope rescue Yonkers FD was involved in, which led me to thinking.
I believe STRONGLY in the ESU concept, however I think they should be more focused on tactical operations and supporting other law enforcement endeavors then tying themselves up with what the FD's already doing. These are highly trained police officers, with special equipment. Why tye them up on something the FD is already doing, and why is it a competition? Why are there more officers interested in getting rope certification then assualt rifle certification? Why aren't there more officers assigned to Hudson River patrols? ESU does a great job, but they should really be there for law enforcement work. I mean, I could understand having to rapell to get to a suicide victim or for SWAT purposes, but for rescuing stranded workers from a ledge...that's what the firefighters signed up to do.
Which leads me to wonder, why in the northeast, with less police officers, funding being cut, and crime rising, would officers want to deal with things beyond the law enforcement scope? Why would they want to direct funding towards equipment the FD already has and duplicate services? I know a lot is grant-funded, but if you don't need it let it go to someone who does. I think money would be better spent on having more K-9 units.
Why do officers down here have such a focused law enforcement different mentality, and in NY they want to do everything? I don't see firefighters wanting guns and handcuffs. Cops should be proud and excited that they are cops, and should take every bad guy off the streeet they can.
In certain situations, PD should work with FD, like in HazMat situations. And in certain places, like NYPD's Transit Bureau, should have confined space training, since going into tunnels to shoo them of transients and patrol, is part of their job.
Again, this is not a knock at LEO's, this does not apply to all LEO's, just some comparitive thoughts. I think cops in both areas do a great job at whatever they are assigned to do, I just see such a profound difference from down here to up there.

if this was facebook I'd "like" you comment.

Ha! i have no desire to do this for a living, i'm in the marketing field...thanks.
i am a vollie bacuase i do it for the sole fact that someone has to do it...but the ambulances that take 10, 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes to just GET OUT THE DOOR are pathetic!!
how do i propose this tax increase to invest in our own health and the well being of our families, friends and homes...baby steps. one department at a time. Yes we are in a recession, but if you know anything about investing - you buy into it when it looks bad. Tell me why it takes 100 vollie firefighters to put out a fire when it takes usually 25-30 paid guys to do the same? Why do you think this is? seriously, i'd like someone to elaborate on this - if both paid and vollie FF's have a job to do why then can only the paid guys do it effectively and efficently?
the vollie world pisses so much money away it's friggin disgusting!
how about vollies trim the fat off their budgets and actually get some respectable volunteers who are well trained and actually physically fit to do the job.
i can't stand when i'm at a fire scene and i gotta take an overweight out of shape 55 year old firefighter to the hospital because he can't breathe or has chest pains...and asks to smoke a cigg before we load him in the ambulance!
The vollie system is not good, plain and simple. There are better systems out there, but vollies are too damn stubborn, egotistical or just plain dumb to learn and implment a new system. Thats why we need to get rid of them and get better educated and better trained and experianced people...not just the people that happen to see a banner hanging in the streets (no pun to the original poster, few good guys come from this, i hope you would be one of them)

Get rid of the Vollie systems all together...EMS should be run by hospitals and FD/PD's should be run by the municipalities - whether local, county or state is another topic though.
I am a vollie and i can't stand vollies or the vollie system, it only exists to fail, not to mention vollies are NOT true volunteers anymore - they are PAID labor. They get paid with little pensions, stipens and beer. Not to mention they're fat and out of shape drunks. it's very sad to see what a good concept of Americana has become. I am a Vollie that is 100% pro Paid guys - they really are simply put - BETTER.

Get rid of the Vollie systems all together...EMS should be run by hospitals and FD/PD's should be run by the municipalities - whether local, county or state is another topic though.
I am a vollie and i can't stand vollies or the vollie system, it only exists to fail, not to mention vollies are NOT true volunteers anymore - they are PAID labor. They get paid with little pensions, stipens and beer. Not to mention they're fat and out of shape drunks. it's very sad to see what a good concept of Americana has become. I am a Vollie that is 100% pro Paid guys - they really are simply put - BETTER.

Hi all,
My name is Jeff and I am starting a column for The Putnam Examiner weekly newspaper. This column is targeted to help increase awareness for volunteer emergency services – primarily, but not limited to FD's, VAC's and Police Auxiliary.
While reading the newspaper a few weeks ago I began to think, I was thinking about a new column idea it. The idea I had was for interviewing local volunteer emergency personnel on a (hopefully) monthly basis - a "volunteer of the month", so to speak. This would give recognition to the volunteer on a personal level, as well as the agency as a whole.
In the spirit of promoting volunteerism, I am doing this monthly project voluntarily as well. I myself am also a volunteer in an ambulance corps in Westchester. The reason why I am doing this column in the Putnam edition is simply because the Putnam editor seemed to like it and has agreed to it. The Westchester editions aren't necessarily a dead concept yet, so I hope to extend this to Westchester newspapers as well!
What I ask of I EMTBravo Putnam volunteers is to consider a volunteer. One of any age, gender and any rank – there is no discrimination to anyone for this. Please let them know you are considering them, and ask them to please email me with their name, age, volunteer agency name and a brief bio as to what got you to volunteer - why you chose FD/EMS/PD and any other info to help me chose the volunteer for that month, something unique. If someone you know is too humble, email me for them!
Know that I cannot chose everyone and that I may not respond to every email if this becomes a hit; but I do promise to read every single email that is sent to me. Also, please know that it is my hopes that this column is printed each month, but it is not a guarantee. I hope to get this printed in February, it's all up to the publisher!
Please email me at ExaminerVolunteer@yahoo.com
From there we can establish a date and time to meet. We will have a mini photo shoot of that person wearing their uniform or turnout gear and begin the interview! I hope to interview 2-4 people per month, to stay ahead of the newspapers schedule
The Putnam Examiner publishes 5,000 copies of this newspaper weekly, as well as 10,500 copes for two different Westchester publications. It is a FREE paper supported by advertising and I urge everyone to pick up a copy each week! Please view the website to see where the closed drop-off location is!
www.theexaminernews.com
Thank in advance for everyone and anyone who in interested in this!
This posting was allowed and approved by Seth G on 1/14/10.
Thanks again Seth!

Hi all,
My name is Jeff and I am starting a column for The Putnam Examiner weekly newspaper. This column is targeted to help increase awareness for volunteer emergency services – primarily, but not limited to FD's, VAC's and Police Auxiliary.
While reading the newspaper a few weeks ago I began to think, I was thinking about a new column idea it. The idea I had was for interviewing local volunteer emergency personnel on a (hopefully) monthly basis - a "volunteer of the month", so to speak. This would give recognition to the volunteer on a personal level, as well as the agency as a whole.
In the spirit of promoting volunteerism, I am doing this monthly project voluntarily as well. I myself am also a volunteer in an ambulance corps in Westchester. The reason why I am doing this column in the Putnam edition is simply because the Putnam editor seemed to like it and has agreed to it. The Westchester editions aren't necessarily a dead concept yet, so I hope to extend this to Westchester newspapers as well!
What I ask of I EMTBravo Putnam volunteers is to consider a volunteer. One of any age, gender and any rank – there is no discrimination to anyone for this. Please let them know you are considering them, and ask them to please email me with their name, age, volunteer agency name and a brief bio as to what got you to volunteer - why you chose FD/EMS/PD and any other info to help me chose the volunteer for that month, something unique. If someone you know is too humble, email me for them!
Know that I cannot chose everyone and that I may not respond to every email if this becomes a hit; but I do promise to read every single email that is sent to me. Also, please know that it is my hopes that this column is printed each month, but it is not a guarantee. I hope to get this printed in February, it's all up to the publisher!
Please email me at ExaminerVolunteer@yahoo.com
From there we can establish a date and time to meet. We will have a mini photo shoot of that person wearing their uniform or turnout gear and begin the interview! I hope to interview 2-4 people per month, to stay ahead of the newspapers schedule
The Putnam Examiner publishes 5,000 copies of this newspaper weekly, as well as 10,500 copes for two different Westchester publications. It is a FREE paper supported by advertising and I urge everyone to pick up a copy each week! Please view the website to see where the closed drop-off location is!
www.theexaminernews.com
Thank in advance for everyone and anyone who in interested in this!
This posting was allowed and approved by Seth G on 1/14/10.
Thanks again Seth!

Hi all,
My name is Jeff and I am starting a column for The Putnam Examiner weekly newspaper. This column is targeted to help increase awareness for volunteer emergency services – primarily, but not limited to FD's, VAC's and Police Auxiliary.
While reading the newspaper a few weeks ago I began to think, I was thinking about a new column idea it. The idea I had was for interviewing local volunteer emergency personnel on a (hopefully) monthly basis - a "volunteer of the month", so to speak. This would give recognition to the volunteer on a personal level, as well as the agency as a whole.
In the spirit of promoting volunteerism, I am doing this monthly project voluntarily as well. I myself am also a volunteer in an ambulance corps in Westchester. The reason why I am doing this column in the Putnam edition is simply because the Putnam editor seemed to like it and has agreed to it. The Westchester editions aren't necessarily a dead concept yet, so I hope to extend this to Westchester newspapers as well!
What I ask of I EMTBravo Putnam volunteers is to consider a volunteer. One of any age, gender and any rank – there is no discrimination to anyone for this. Please let them know you are considering them, and ask them to please email me with their name, age, volunteer agency name and a brief bio as to what got you to volunteer - why you chose FD/EMS/PD and any other info to help me chose the volunteer for that month, something unique. If someone you know is too humble, email me for them!
Know that I cannot chose everyone and that I may not respond to every email if this becomes a hit; but I do promise to read every single email that is sent to me. Also, please know that it is my hopes that this column is printed each month, but it is not a guarantee. I hope to get this printed in February, it's all up to the publisher!
Please email me at ExaminerVolunteer@yahoo.com
From there we can establish a date and time to meet. We will have a mini photo shoot of that person wearing their uniform or turnout gear and begin the interview! I hope to interview 2-4 people per month, to stay ahead of the newspapers schedule
The Putnam Examiner publishes 5,000 copies of this newspaper weekly, as well as 10,500 copes for two different Westchester publications. It is a FREE paper supported by advertising and I urge everyone to pick up a copy each week! Please view the website to see where the closed drop-off location is!
www.theexaminernews.com
Thank in advance for everyone and anyone who in interested in this!
This posting was allowed and approved by Seth G on 1/14/10.
Thanks again Seth!

Its made the same way the seasonal vaccine is. If you believe in the safety of one you can have faith in the safety of the other.