PC414

County. Medic can ride as EMT if it's an ALS call and if the VAC DRIVER initiates same. We're not even supposed to "hint" over the air, however. "XX-7-1 to Putnam 911, driver alone. Is this call ALS or BLS per the medic?" (Putnam 911 determines same from medic) "Putnam 911 to XX-7-1, per the medic this will be an ALS call." "XX-7-1, received. We'll handle driver alone with the medic as EMT." Nothin' else "flies," per protocol. Medic as EMT is not supposed to be initiated by the medic or by Putnam 911. The VAC driver, however, can ask on his/her initiative and respond accordingly on an ALS call. PC414

As a quick follow-up: Putnam was initially going to adhere to the original standard with no medic assigned on a Bravo level call but that was, as noted, changed before the program was implemented. At that time, medics would often ride as EMT on BLS calls, allowing the ambulance to respond driver alone. It's my guess that the medic dispatch was included with Bravo level calls at the start of the EMD program because there was concern that calls might not be covered as they had been in the past - sort of a compromise beginning for the "new" system which made the transition less overwhelming. PC414

The program was originally developed in Salt Lake City for a single department to determine response modes in a tiered system with the idea being to both properly assign resources and limit liability while enroute. Alpha Level: Cold (no lights/siren) BLS only Bravo Level: Original program Hot (lights/siren) BLS only (Putnam has changed this to include a medic response on initial dispatch) Charlie Level: Hot BLS/Cold ALS Delta Level: Hot BLS/Hot ALS Echo Level: Specific criteria only - Hot BLS/Hot ALS The EMD protocol also includes an Omega Level response which is unused in Putnam County (inter-facility transport, etc.). In Putnam (as noted), a medic is assigned for Bravo level calls and the response mode (lights/siren or not) is determined by the dispatched agency's SOPs/protocol. Generally speaking, the farther down the alphabet you go, the more serious the nature of the emergency based upon the initial interview with the caller. It is important to remember that Alpha level calls are still genuine emergencies for the caller (traumatic injury with a broken arm, for example) and are opportunities for EMTs to really "shine" by practicing basic skills that make a big difference to the patient. PC414

The number of medics is not slated to change. The new proposal "focuses" on staffing two (volunteer) rigs with paid EMTs, one of which would respond to the appropriate district/zone - with the existing correct medic - if a VAC was unable to respond within a timely fashion. The dispatch protocol has not yet been explained in detail but this is clearly intended to augment the volunteer response - or to serve as a "safety net," so to speak, and not to replace it. The discussion has always centered around how to provide needed ambulances for timely transport and how to guarantee the presence of an EMT on same to maintain a tiered response on EMS calls - never on providing additional medics to respond within the County. PC414

(Note: I also posted this on Putnam911.com) Although I doubt the local gas station has a huge impact, taking just a moment to let the manager/owner (as opposed to simply the cashier) know that you're appreciative and "publicizing" their lower prices - which should generate additional business for the business - may help a bit over the long-term. An e-mail and/or letter to State and Congressional representatives (as well as Gov. Pataki and anyone else you can think of) can't hurt. My personal concern is the continuing high (and record) PROFITS the oil companies enjoy. Profit (as I understand it), in a capitalistic system, is necessary for future investment and growth - but there might need to be an imposed cap (if one isn't voluntarily accepted). Can the oil industry sustain a profit of just two billion dollars (per company) instead of ten billion by "swallowing" the costs of the new additives, etc., rather than passing those mandated costs on to us? Could their upper management "survive" on 15 million dollars per year instead of 365 million? The world situation/economy is complex and there is no doubt - to me - that the American way of doing business is far better than socialism/communism or extreme governmental regulation .... still, I can barely afford the 35 mile roundtrip to work anymore on my $31,000 annual salary. What is a minor inconvenience to the oil company executive earning $365 million a year is a HUGE financial disaster for me (and, I'll bet, many of you who are reading this). Write a letter to someone ... ANYONE ... so the pain might be shared just a little more fairly. PC414

Sloper-Willen was bought out by/merged with Alamo. Alamo is the "surviving" agency/company. This happened a number of years ago. PC414

Union Vale has four Sutphen pumpers with 67-14 being the newest. PC414

Am I missing something? The point of these articles seems to be the flagrant misuse of $$$$$$$$$ ... LOTS of $$$$$$$$$$$. I don't see those who volunteer their time and effort being denigrated for the service they provide. As you read these articles, do you honestly see criticism of the volunteers - the people - as they spend their time drilling, fighting fires or providing EMS? Where in these articles do you find a critique of how the JOB is done by those who volunteer? Gotta' tell ya' - I just see some well-written stuff wondering if it's the sly, ol' fox who is actually watching the hen house. Where is the accountability with regard to the public trust? CRUISES for training? Hundreds of thousands of dollars for Inspection Dinners? Lincoln Town Cars when you rent instead of something a bit cheaper at those West Coast Conferences? Marble and granite fixtures? What the bloody ... ummm ... HECK does ANY of that have to do with being a well-trained, effective and safe department? Quite honestly, as a 21 year volunteer firefighter in Dutchess County, I'm embarassed to be seen in the same light as the excess which is portrayed. If anyone's toes are being held in the fire in these articles, I'd suggest it's those of the Fire District Commissioners and others in positions of authority/responsibility who have apparently betrayed a public trust - at least as I understand it - in order to pursue a more self-serving private interest. The "beef" here isn't with the guy or gal volunteering on the hose line or in the back of an ambulance. It IS with out of control and excessive spending and an apparently grotesque lack of accountability about the way "business" is done. Accountability and integrity isn't a bad thing in volunteer emergency services. As these articles clearly show, if those disciplines aren't self-imposed and clearly evident in the way we conduct our activities, someone is going to notice and do something about it. PC414

You're a better man than I am, Anthony, to ask such a question One more day then back on the B-line (Thursday). Germany was kick-a$$! Wish I could have figured a legitmate way to stay. More on topic ... I've gotta' say I just haven't been able to figure out Putnam County yet. Dutchess, where I've "worked" as a volunteer FF for 21 years, has pretty much always been pretty strongly supportive of the dispatchers at the County 911 Center (even going back to the old days of KED-348). I have no first-hand knowledge of Westchester County but the things I read in various forums seem more generally positive than negtive. While recognizing that change is ALWAYS hard, I've still been surprised/amazed at the level of animosity which has been expressed toward us on a regular basis by some of the responders in Putnam County. Corny as it may sound, I truly view myself (and those I work with) as members of a team who work toward the common goal of helping people in need. That doesn't seem to be a "shared reality," based on what I read on-line. I personally think we do a damn fine job at Putnam 911 (but will continue to strive for better on a personal level). I'm proud to work with a whole bunch of dispatchers who are committed to doing the best they can for people in need. Thank God for the Juniper Berry ... Might be time for another Martini before bed! See you shortly. PC414

Am I the only one hoping that ICE melts and just goes away? The stories are misleading. "ICE on Mobile Phones Speeds Rescue in Broward County, Florida." Um ... no, it didn't - at least not from what I read following the headline ... the writer is hoping it COULD. "'It seems like a simple fix for a problem I've run into hundreds of times during my career,'' said BSO Fire Rescue Captain Dave Erdman. 'I can't tell you how many seizure, overdose, diabetic, stroke and trauma patients I've treated over the years who were unable to communicate..'" But you DID treat them ... probably very successfully where the protocols were GONNA' make a difference ... without ICE. If I'm ever in an accident within his jurisdiction, I honestly hope Captain Dave and his crew will evaluate and treat me based on their training, assessment and protocol and phone calls be damned (oooh ... can I say that?). Assess, treat/transport. Get me to the next level of care ASAP. Who calls while the "golden hour" ticks away? IC? The safety officer? Please, God, NOT the medic when I need immediate intervention and help. Treat me. TREAT Me. TREAT ME (based on your training, assessment and local protocol). Is someone home to answer the phone? Do they actually KNOW my current medical problems? Is it up to medic to notify of serious accident/injury or illness? Used to be the cops' job - at least where I work. "'We do look at people's phone numbers when there is an emergency, and it can be especially useful when an officer is working a serious injury where next of kin needs to be contacted,' said Miami police spokeswoman Herminia Salas-Jacobson." I will give ya' this one! Makes notifying family and/or next of kin easier (maybe) - although, somehow, it's been done for a LONG time without ICE. The time to call - in my opinion - isn't for medical information in the field (ASSESS/TREAT/TRANSPORT!!) but once I'm safely in the ER (or, God forbid, the hospital basement 'cause all your expertise wasn't gonna' change the outcome anyway). Chewing the fat at the station recently, none of us could come up with a call (and we have some gray-haired old guys and gals) where the outcome would have changed because of ICE. Hoping the sun shines bright and WARM! PC414

Not to hijack this but the 50K sounds pretty good compared to Putnam's 29.8 ... and me in my peak earning years and all 8-[ PC414

On behalf of Putnam 911, thank you ... Thank You ... THANK YOU!!!! PC414

Dutchess has an excellent 12 member County Critical Incident Team which includes several dispatchers - the ultimate goal there is to incorporate the entire chain of providers (from call taker to dispatcher to fire, EMS, LE personnel and including those who treat in the ER). Not sure about 60-Control beyond a single dispatcher (may be others) who is instrumental as a trainer for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (www.icisf.org) and active with the (again excellent) Hudson Valley Critical Incident Team. At least one area hospital has been discussing ways to involve ER staff in the CIS intervention process. The Dutchess County Sherrif has several deputies trained in the ICISF method who work alongside the Dutches CIRT as well as provide peer support for those in law enforcement (LE, fire and EMS and dispatchers share similarities in the process but all have different nuances which can make the concept of trained peer support that much more complicated). The point? Only that many well-trained professionals at every level of emergency service and care recognize the need and are proactive about education and support in this area. Regarding the nay-sayers ("Need to be emotionally strong," "not that involved," etc.), we sometimes hear the same kind of things initially when starting an intervention with fire and EMS personnel yet find, almost without exception, that minds and attitudes have been changed as we work through the process of the defusing/debriefing. While theories are legion, it's clear that no one knows just why critical incident stress or post traumatic stress disorder hits people differently; there is little doubt, however, that the impact is life-changing and can be devastating. The "trigger" might be a single overwhelming event as 9/11, or it might be a smaller event in a relative sense. The drowning death of a young girl hit me. Why? No idea what the "hook" was - no daughter of my own, involved over 15 years with a significant number of other deaths from MVA's to fire-related which covered a wide age range. Is it cumulative (a straw that finally breaks the camel's back)? A victim which reminds you of a son/daughter/mom/dad? Someone you know? Probably a million different scenarios - all of which are very real and devastating to someone because they were involved in a critical incident ... Anyway, to put a finer point on it: Do (capable)dispatchers (who ARE able to handle their jobs well) ever suffer from CIS or PTSD? YEP!! And, perhaps more than anyone in the chain of caregivers, they are forgotten in the process. Dutchess 911 has a tremendous team and SOP's which includes the dispatching staff. Putnam 911, where I work as one of the new dispatchers, hasn't addressed this formally but I can tell you that the resources available, from my instructor/friend at 60-Control to the Dutchess CIR Team to the ICISF itself will be mobilized as needed. Whoa ... long ramble but important topic ... PC414

As a long-time responder, sometimes responsible for IC until higher rank arrives (in an unnamed County just to the north), I have sometimes used the terms "expedite," "forthwith," etc., apparently without thinking and just 'cause it was done:( As a squeaky-new 911 dispatcher, I've learned a lot from this thread and trust that both my future dispatches in Putnam (along with my northern responses) will consistently model something more useful (i.e., an intelligent update rather than an empty catch phrase). Thanks to all who've participated here. I learned something important and useful. =D> PC414

I found it at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7267447/?GT1=6305 PC414

I like your signature, Homer: "Stay safe ... stay calm ... learn from your mistakes." My guess (hope) is that all of us are interested in just those things. Can't say much about FDNY but as a 20 year first responder in Dutchess County, I can tell you most of us "up north" of the County line sure appreciate the dispatchers at 348 Creek Road - bigtime. I'm sure all of us at Putnam 911 will keep workin' at gettin' better, too. Thanks for the reminder that there's never a reason to be seen (heard) as unprofessional. Hopin' you hit what you shoot for:)

Don't think it'll "go to our heads" but we do appreciate your vocal support, encouragement and (when needed) patience when we're not "perfect." Not always fair to speak for others but in this case I'm confident that all of us at Putnam 911 - old and new alike - are working hard to do our best for the people of Putnam County and those of you responding when the tones go off. (HICCUP ... :-) Be safe on the job.