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Happy Birthday America!!!

Thank you for the opportunities I've been given and the freedoms I enjoy.

There is a member on this thread who is obviously intentionally trying to hijack threads and create conflict. He's made several inflammatory comments in other threads on other matters, and I just removed a post of his in the Somers Firehouse Fire Incident Alert thread trying to start the same argument he's trying to make here. He's been warned before about this behavior, but seemingly doesn't care. His behavior and assertions are offending numerous members of this forum, intentionally creating hostility, and taking threads off course. Therefore, his posts must be approved by a moderator prior to being seen by the general membership going forward. This isn't just one post were talking about, this is a pattern of behavior across different threads and it needs to stop. I don't care if people accuse me of censorship regarding this, something needs to be done since this type of repetitive behavior without regard for its consequences damages this forum and inhibits constructive and interesting discussion and dissemination of accurate information.
The dispatchers on duty at 60 Control did an excellent job during this overwhelming and unprecedented incident. Many people don't understand what it's like to work in a multi-jurisdictional multi-discipline communications center, and the complexities that come along with it on a normal day, let alone during something like this. This forum, and I, will not stand by them and not let a member purposely use this as a venue to try and tarnish and second guess such strong and solid work with such unfounded, unfair, and intentionally inflammatory claims.
I ask that this issue ends here, and constructive discussion regarding this incident resumes. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact me.

There is a member on this thread who is obviously intentionally trying to hijack threads and create conflict. He's made several inflammatory comments in other threads on other matters, and I just removed a post of his in the Somers Firehouse Fire Incident Alert thread trying to start the same argument he's trying to make here. He's been warned before about this behavior, but seemingly doesn't care. His behavior and assertions are offending numerous members of this forum, intentionally creating hostility, and taking threads off course. Therefore, his posts must be approved by a moderator prior to being seen by the general membership going forward. This isn't just one post were talking about, this is a pattern of behavior across different threads and it needs to stop. I don't care if people accuse me of censorship regarding this, something needs to be done since this type of repetitive behavior without regard for its consequences damages this forum and inhibits constructive and interesting discussion and dissemination of accurate information.
The dispatchers on duty at 60 Control did an excellent job during this overwhelming and unprecedented incident. Many people don't understand what it's like to work in a multi-jurisdictional multi-discipline communications center, and the complexities that come along with it on a normal day, let alone during something like this. This forum, and I, will not stand by them and not let a member purposely use this as a venue to try and tarnish and second guess such strong and solid work with such unfounded, unfair, and intentionally inflammatory claims.
I ask that this issue ends here, and constructive discussion regarding this incident resumes. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact me.

There is a member on this thread who is obviously intentionally trying to hijack threads and create conflict. He's made several inflammatory comments in other threads on other matters, and I just removed a post of his in the Somers Firehouse Fire Incident Alert thread trying to start the same argument he's trying to make here. He's been warned before about this behavior, but seemingly doesn't care. His behavior and assertions are offending numerous members of this forum, intentionally creating hostility, and taking threads off course. Therefore, his posts must be approved by a moderator prior to being seen by the general membership going forward. This isn't just one post were talking about, this is a pattern of behavior across different threads and it needs to stop. I don't care if people accuse me of censorship regarding this, something needs to be done since this type of repetitive behavior without regard for its consequences damages this forum and inhibits constructive and interesting discussion and dissemination of accurate information.
The dispatchers on duty at 60 Control did an excellent job during this overwhelming and unprecedented incident. Many people don't understand what it's like to work in a multi-jurisdictional multi-discipline communications center, and the complexities that come along with it on a normal day, let alone during something like this. This forum, and I, will not stand by them and not let a member purposely use this as a venue to try and tarnish and second guess such strong and solid work with such unfounded, unfair, and intentionally inflammatory claims.
I ask that this issue ends here, and constructive discussion regarding this incident resumes. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact me.

There is a member on this thread who is obviously intentionally trying to hijack threads and create conflict. He's made several inflammatory comments in other threads on other matters, and I just removed a post of his in the Somers Firehouse Fire Incident Alert thread trying to start the same argument he's trying to make here. He's been warned before about this behavior, but seemingly doesn't care. His behavior and assertions are offending numerous members of this forum, intentionally creating hostility, and taking threads off course. Therefore, his posts must be approved by a moderator prior to being seen by the general membership going forward. This isn't just one post were talking about, this is a pattern of behavior across different threads and it needs to stop. I don't care if people accuse me of censorship regarding this, something needs to be done since this type of repetitive behavior without regard for its consequences damages this forum and inhibits constructive and interesting discussion and dissemination of accurate information.
The dispatchers on duty at 60 Control did an excellent job during this overwhelming and unprecedented incident. Many people don't understand what it's like to work in a multi-jurisdictional multi-discipline communications center, and the complexities that come along with it on a normal day, let alone during something like this. This forum, and I, will not stand by them and not let a member purposely use this as a venue to try and tarnish and second guess such strong and solid work with such unfounded, unfair, and intentionally inflammatory claims.
I ask that this issue ends here, and constructive discussion regarding this incident resumes. If you have any concerns regarding this, please contact me.

Congrats to x2321, EMTBravo's September 2014 Member Of The Month.

x2321 has been a member of EMTBravo since July of 2004.

x2321, AKA Frank Becerra Jr, is a Westchester/Putnam Fire Service Icon. He is a award winning Photojournalist with the Journal News (well...actually before the Journal News existed when it was Gannett Westchester Rockland Newspapers), and has been on the staff for over 30 years. He has covered (and still covers) almost every major incident in Westchester and Putnam. Thousands view his photos every day, which cover not only emergency services, but extends to sports and nature, well just about everything, as well.
I remember when I was a kid, looking forward to getting, at the time, the "Reporter Dispatch", and seeing Frank's awesome talent every day as he owned that front page cover shot. I really liked how one day it would be a fire, and the next day it would be some beautiful shot of deer grazing at dawn. He is one of my inspirations in the photography world and just an all around great guy.
Frank is also second generation at the Journal News. You can see where he gets it from. His father, Frank Sr, was an award winning cartoonist and illustrator for Gannett Westchester Rockland Newspapers. Amongst one of his hundreds of notable works was creating "Flora", which was Westchester's version of Smokey The Bear, and encouraged parksgoers to not litter, and be safe with fire. I can see where x2321 get it from.

x2321 is just one our many, many excellent, dedicated, and valued members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.
-Seth G AKA x635

Congrats to snotty, EMTBravo's August 2014 Member Of The Month.

snotty has been a member of EMTBravo since October of 2102. He makes many fascinating posts often giving great insight into old school firefighting with a very unique sense of humor. Last year, there was even a thread called "snotty Quotes". Click here to read that thread. Or click here for an example of one of his recent posts.

He is also a very well respected Westchester firefighting leader, legend, and icon, and we are honored that he posts on EMTBravo actively, as many members enjoy reading what he has to say.

snotty is just one our many, many excellent, dedicated, and valued members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Congrats to snotty, EMTBravo's August 2014 Member Of The Month.

snotty has been a member of EMTBravo since October of 2102. He makes many fascinating posts often giving great insight into old school firefighting with a very unique sense of humor. Last year, there was even a thread called "snotty Quotes". Click here to read that thread. Or click here for an example of one of his recent posts.

He is also a very well respected Westchester firefighting leader, legend, and icon, and we are honored that he posts on EMTBravo actively, as many members enjoy reading what he has to say.

snotty is just one our many, many excellent, dedicated, and valued members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Congrats to snotty, EMTBravo's August 2014 Member Of The Month.

snotty has been a member of EMTBravo since October of 2102. He makes many fascinating posts often giving great insight into old school firefighting with a very unique sense of humor. Last year, there was even a thread called "snotty Quotes". Click here to read that thread. Or click here for an example of one of his recent posts.

He is also a very well respected Westchester firefighting leader, legend, and icon, and we are honored that he posts on EMTBravo actively, as many members enjoy reading what he has to say.

snotty is just one our many, many excellent, dedicated, and valued members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Historically on this forum, an Incident Alert post was singular, with no replies allowed.
That's changing now. You can post UPDATES and CORRECTIONS to Incident Alert threads simply by replying. We hope this will make posting IA's more interactive. The original poster can then choose whether to incorporate those updates into the main post while giving credit to the source.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns contact me at seth@EMTBravo.com or Rob@emtbravo.com

Congrats to R1SmokeEater, EMTBravo's July 2014 MOTM.
R1SmokeEater has been a member of EMTBravo since January of 2004. He regularly contributes great photos of Yonkers FD and Westchester fire history He has over 1,000 posts, and is a sustaining and active member on EMTBravo, always interacting in a positive and constructive fashion. Many members look forward to seeing his photos.
R1SmokeEater is just one our many, many excellent and dedicated members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Members,
We've created a new section on the forum for the scanning hobbyist....it's toward the bottom of the page, right above "The Lounge" section.
This forum is for the discussion of everything related to scanning including scanner equipment, frequencies, and terms heard while scanning...as well as having all your scanner questions answered by our scanning experts
-Seth G. and Rob C.

Congrats to R1SmokeEater, EMTBravo's July 2014 MOTM.
R1SmokeEater has been a member of EMTBravo since January of 2004. He regularly contributes great photos of Yonkers FD and Westchester fire history He has over 1,000 posts, and is a sustaining and active member on EMTBravo, always interacting in a positive and constructive fashion. Many members look forward to seeing his photos.
R1SmokeEater is just one our many, many excellent and dedicated members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Congrats to R1SmokeEater, EMTBravo's July 2014 MOTM.
R1SmokeEater has been a member of EMTBravo since January of 2004. He regularly contributes great photos of Yonkers FD and Westchester fire history He has over 1,000 posts, and is a sustaining and active member on EMTBravo, always interacting in a positive and constructive fashion. Many members look forward to seeing his photos.
R1SmokeEater is just one our many, many excellent and dedicated members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

Congrats to R1SmokeEater, EMTBravo's July 2014 MOTM.
R1SmokeEater has been a member of EMTBravo since January of 2004. He regularly contributes great photos of Yonkers FD and Westchester fire history He has over 1,000 posts, and is a sustaining and active member on EMTBravo, always interacting in a positive and constructive fashion. Many members look forward to seeing his photos.
R1SmokeEater is just one our many, many excellent and dedicated members who are deserving of this recognition, and we will continue to recognize the members who make this forum what it is every month.

40 years ago today I along with the rest of the Port Chester Fire Dept and the Greenwich FD responded to Gullivers restaurant and bar in Port Chester on the state line with Greenwich Conn. We lost 24 that night some my friends but saved over 100 also that night. I saw acts of bravery that to this day are unmatched by anyone. We gave it our best and for the guys on the front line that night we live with it and still do everyday.

As seen at the PA fire expo
KME - Reel holds 3000 feet of 4" hose

Been doing EMS for 32 years, last 26 as a medic at Empress. I couldn't see myself doing much else. At my seniority, pay and benefits are pretty good. I work two days a week, and work at other places on days off and I NEVER work weekends.
We have about a dozen EMT's that have over 20 years on the job. We are a Union shop so our raises are by contract, and I think we have 2 1/2 years left on this one, annual raises of about 4%, but it varies by year. Also vacation, holiday, 401K, medical, life, unused time-off match etc.
At the other end of your career, the contract now has an "age-out" clause. After 25 years, you can work 20 hours/week and get full medical- critical at that age and when you have a family. You get less time off, but working 20 hours a week, you need less. And you can come back to full time if you want.
You should buy the book 'Peoplecare" 2nd edition, but Thom Dick. Available at emergencystuff.com. If that guy started a religion, I would convert. There is gold on every page. He will help you understand as to if you have it in you to go the long hall, and advice as to how to do it. As he says, "Almost nobody can do this job."

Like any other job, you're going to have a wide variety of people who have a wide variety of attitudes towards the job.Having been in EMS for 8 years now and an EMT for 3 year and 1/2 years, I have found that you truly have to enjoy the job, whether it be as a volly or paid, in order to make it worth it, I think alot of people get jaded because the join EMS just as a job, and compared to what we do and compared to the rest of the emergency services (fire & pd), we don't make that much. As for me, I joined my local VAC as a junior member when I was 16, and it just clicked. I moved up to the senior corps as soon as I graduated High School and got my EMT paid for through the corps. I still ride for my vac now, and also work as a ski patrol EMT in the winters and as a per diem EMT for another local EMS agency, and I love it. Give me a rig, a good partner, and an area with a decent call volume, and I'm gonna enjoy it. Now as for being part of a vac or a paid agency, they obviously have their benefits and and subtractions. I enjoy my paid spot, because can go in, run my calls, and then go home at the end of the tour, and when I go home, and I don't have to care or worry what's going on while I'm not there. However it can get boring sitting in the station when it's slow. As for volunteer, I ride with a very strong VAC, and it's nice to get out and help my community and provide top level service at a significantly reduced cost than what a paid service would cost our community. However, I do find that when you volunteer, you run into alot of bs. I also find that alot of vollies feel that the amount of time you've been involved/what your age is is all that matters, regardless of skill, experience, training, etc. I will say it gets annoying when you have people who push you out of the way to get to a position of power, but then you have to show them where equipment is on a rig, or you have to assist the medic with something because the more senior EMT doesn't know how to do it, and then they act like you purposefully showed them up in front of other people. All in all though, like I said, I truly enjoy being an EMT and wouldn't trade it for the world.

I am close to finishing up my EMT class and hope to get a job working for an agency like MLSS in the next 6 months or so. I will also begin riding as a volunteer with a VAC after my class is over. I currently work for a department store as a loss prevention supervisor and I hate it. I have been doing LP for 8 years and am beyond done with it. I have been interested in getting involved in EMS for a very long time and one day just woke up and decided to take the class.
I have been doing really well in the class and am really looking forward to begin working on a rig (Even as a volly to start.) If I do well as an EMT for a couple of years, I would like to go for my paramedic cert.
My question is, how many people make a long term career out of EMS? I know MLSS starts out new EMTs at around $11.50 and they work 48 hours a week. My take home pay would not be much less than I make now, so I'm not too worried about the starting pay. Do many people genuinely enjoy working EMS? Most of the stuff I read online talks about how its an awful job and to stay away. I don't know if that's how most EMS workers are or just ones that are jaded (Every profession has them.) I have a genuine interest in EMS, its not something I am doing just because I'll take any job that comes along. I am looking for honest insight on the subject. Thank you in advance to anyone that takes the time to read this and respond.
P.S. when it comes to pay raises in EMS, how much is usually given? I am so used to getting $0.10-$0.15/hr raises in retail that I have no clue how raises work in other professions.

EMS is what you make of it. I worked for a company that covers a city in Westchester for 2 years and I loved it. I had great partners and we shared a fire house so we were in a station. I left there and went to the city. I was there for 5 years. Long hours, the pay sucked and the working conditions were horrible. The only thing that was my saving grace was my partners, my station and my LT's and Captain. I got burnt out after 2 1/2 years working in one of the worst area in the city. I eventually switched over to fire but still do EMS on the side

Big thanks to the 43 members who have taken the survey so far......we look forward to hearing from more members...

So far, based on the survey, these items will take place. Other survey responses are under consideration. Survey responses are still coming in, and we are learning from the and hope even more members will pitch in with their thoughts.
Re-establish Buy-Sell-Trade forum in a "Classifieds" format, so other members do not interfere with the seller and making posts to negatively question the item with the seller. It's not a discussion forum, it's a courtesy for our members to be able to sell non-commercial items of their to their targeted audience Make navigation and search tools more prominent Improve moderation to address "flaming" and conflict between members in threads Work with members who forgot their log in information and are having trouble logging, or experiencing technical difficulties and automatically assume they are "banned" Update cover photos more often Investigate ways to improve Incident Alert section with several good ideas from the survey response Add events to the events calendar module and improve integration with the site. Rebuild the site's reputation that has been damaged by the slander and rumors spread by the "haters" Find the members who made excellent posts who don't post anymore and encourage them to come back -Stay The Couse" and don't change too much, just work on reviving the site Develop a mobile "EMTBravo App" for iOS and Android phones Highlight the good
Thank you to the members who had kind words and thoughtful responses. Again, if you haven't taken the survey, we would appreciate hearing what you have to say.

Take The EMTBravo Survey

-Seth G. "x635" and Rob C. "RWC130"

NY10570, EMTBravo's May 2014 MOTM.

Lenny Joyner AKA "NY10570" was one of the most active, popular, and respected members of this site, always making well-thought out posts with solid facts and interesting insight. His posts enlightened many and shared his knowledge from which many EMS providers on this forum learned from. There is a huge void that can never be filled without him on EMTBravo.
His EMTBravo Profile, where you can find his excellent posts: NY10570 Profile
His very last post on EMTBravo, the day before the accident: "Questioning for infectious diseases as part of medical history"

Lenny Joyner was killed in a hiking accident in Colorado on or about July 19th, 2012. He was initially missing for several days before he was found by a helicopter search crew deceased after an 1,000 foot fall on July 24th at 31 years old. His last post on EMTBravo was on July 18th 2012. Members of EMTBravo expressed their prayers and support that he be found alive and express their reflections of his loss on this thread:

Thread: FDNY Paramedic and Distinguished EMTBravo Member NY10570 Missing In Colorado

Lenny was also was a well respected and distinguished Paramedic, known for his excellent clinical skills, serving with FDNY EMS Station 7, and a Volunteer Firefighter in Pleasantville. He was also an Eagle Scout. Before leaving for FDNY EMS, he was an EMT with WEMS. His ultimate goal was to become an FDNY Firefighter.

We honor the memory of Lenny "NY10570" and reflect on him being one of the pillars of this forum by awarding him May's "Member Of The Month". We know he still visits the forum everyday from up there. He is missed by all, and we want to make sure his legacy is remembered forever, and his knowledge is still used by those is the future.
Please, click "LIKE" to show Lenny is still in your thoughts and prayers.
Video tribute:

NY10570, EMTBravo's May 2014 MOTM.

Lenny Joyner AKA "NY10570" was one of the most active, popular, and respected members of this site, always making well-thought out posts with solid facts and interesting insight. His posts enlightened many and shared his knowledge from which many EMS providers on this forum learned from. There is a huge void that can never be filled without him on EMTBravo.
His EMTBravo Profile, where you can find his excellent posts: NY10570 Profile
His very last post on EMTBravo, the day before the accident: "Questioning for infectious diseases as part of medical history"

Lenny Joyner was killed in a hiking accident in Colorado on or about July 19th, 2012. He was initially missing for several days before he was found by a helicopter search crew deceased after an 1,000 foot fall on July 24th at 31 years old. His last post on EMTBravo was on July 18th 2012. Members of EMTBravo expressed their prayers and support that he be found alive and express their reflections of his loss on this thread:

Thread: FDNY Paramedic and Distinguished EMTBravo Member NY10570 Missing In Colorado

Lenny was also was a well respected and distinguished Paramedic, known for his excellent clinical skills, serving with FDNY EMS Station 7, and a Volunteer Firefighter in Pleasantville. He was also an Eagle Scout. Before leaving for FDNY EMS, he was an EMT with WEMS. His ultimate goal was to become an FDNY Firefighter.

We honor the memory of Lenny "NY10570" and reflect on him being one of the pillars of this forum by awarding him May's "Member Of The Month". We know he still visits the forum everyday from up there. He is missed by all, and we want to make sure his legacy is remembered forever, and his knowledge is still used by those is the future.
Please, click "LIKE" to show Lenny is still in your thoughts and prayers.
Video tribute: