SHAC7301

I agree with the last two replies. Response times need to be reasonable. Any captain/lieutenant should have a vague idea as to where the "holes" are in the schedule. If the members don't radio and/or call-in within the first three minutes, as previously mentioned, then mutual aid should be called. I also would find fault with the members who "sat" through a call audit while their VAC called mutual aid to cover a call. We have a duty, an obligation, when we are "free" to respond to a call. Family and work comes first (for most of us), but to sit through a series of tones while attending EMS training........it boggles the mind!!!

Sleepy Hollow FD is switching to Holmatro. Most of Holmatro's tools are NFPA and UL listed..fairly tough tests/certifications. I love Hurst, but they are pretty heavy for prolonged extrications and for manpower depleted departments. Holmatro gives you the same power and toughness, but with much less weight. We have done hands-on with Hurst, Lukus, PowerHawk, Amkus and Hurst.....We will be keeping two Hurst systems in service on two of our engines (E-86 & E-85).......E-87 and R-12 will have the new Holmatros. Every unit, minus the TL, will have extrication tools by the summer.

We should all be down to earth enough to realize that mutual aid is not a sign of failure, but rather a sign of the times for the volunteer services. As long as it is not abused, it is a good thing. Too many agencies delay the call for aid while trying to field a crew or free-up a rig. We should view the waiting patient as a family member when determining what is a "reasonable" wait.