firemoose827

Any cheap scope I can find in the rig has always worked for me...Ive never noticed a difference in acoustics or clarity between the expensive scopes or the $8 specials you find in any ems store. I usually end up using the scopes that come in the holsters with instruments you can buy....they work just fine and if you loose them you are only out $8.

If you are ready to go to a higher level of care, the EMT-CC (Critical Care) is only another couple of weeks longer or so than the Intermediate, and you are than an ALS provider, and it is also free to members of an EMS agency. Paramedic isnt covered by a lot of agencies and you need to pay out of pocket for it (Notice I didnt say ALL agencies ) To me the I level is kind of a waste except for codes when you can intubate. But, not having any drugs to push after you tube is kind of a waste. I believe, and correct me if Im wrong, that NYS is still talking about changing the whole thing around anyway. Last I heard (Almost 9 years ago) they were going to erase the EMT-CC level, and bump up the training for both EMT basic and intermediate. Basics would be able to start lines and intubate and shock manually. Intermediates would have first line cardiac meds, D-50, lasix, etc. But again, that was only hear-say and I have not heard anything additional. Any instructors know more??

Exactly, we will probably only see him pay a fine and walk out of court....Unfortunately his lawyer will probably say that the firefighter understands that there is inherent danger in their job and that he was standing in the road in the way so there was no malice in the drivers intent....BLAH BLAH BLAH and the jerk will go free a couple hundred dollars poorer but still with his license. Its the society we live in. I hope the firefighter is ok, it said minor injuries, but will they heal completely? Hope so, my thoughts are with him.

What I was making reference to in my reply to Captain Bnechis is the titles used by career departments that HAVE uniform training standards. In my end of the world its difficult to give someone a title because you can take a course, not have to take a test, but get a certificate saying you "Completed Firefighter I"...What Im saying in both these posts and my topic "NYS Training Standards need change" is that a unified system needs to be placed in effect for ALL members of a department STATE WIDE, and maybe even have a refresher training system set up for every 3-5 years, like EMT's do, to re-certify your level of training. Some people in volunteer departments just want the "Title" to put on resumes for other jobs...Like becoming Career Firefighter, or just to show community service for political campaigns to run for mayor or whatever floats their boats. But then theres other firefighters that take training seriously and get all they can, than seek out the senior firefighters at calls to take them under their wing so to speak, and get the experience needed to finish off their training. Sorry to go off topic, I just wanted to address something that was brought up. But to clarify my stand on this topic, If I ever think of a Chauffeur in the fire service I think of it respectfully, and I look up to that person as I would an officer.

Technically he/she is still a probie, until a seasoned, tested firefighter takes them into a few fires and makes them "Understand" their training they were so boastfuly bragging about. Doesnt the fire service have different levels of firefighter? Probie, firefighter, chauffeur, officer, senior firefighter? Just curious.

Chiefmcfuz....thats exactly what a lot of us in this site have been trying to do for a long time now...but the senseless argument always pops up and the poor dead horse is repeatedly kicked over and over. But Im glad to hear you say it at least. Thanks. Moose

Hello everyone. This is my first attempt to post a picture in the Protection from the Past topic so I hope you like it. I was at the County Haz-Mat Drill last night, and when we were finishing up we returned the gear to the county jail yard where we keep all county equipment, and sitting in the parking lot (Right under a street light fortunately) was this beautiful 1968 Mack Pumper from Granville. (Hey Seth, you try and start your own fire department lately! ) Anyone know where Granville is? Is this truck familiar to anyone? I hope my picture quality is ok, I tried using the flash but it was even worse, so I took them with natural light and this is what I got. Hope their ok!

Looks as if we are in agreement on TWO subjects now brother!! I also cant stand the "perfect" attitude of todays "Newbies" fresh out of Firefighter I and how they think they are gods gift to firefighting...they need to be taken into a real ripper and let them experience first hand the intense heat and smoke and darkness, and feel the confusion of not knowing which way is up and see how "Macho" they act and how fast they can come up with all the answers then!! And yes, I was just answering in the general sense to so many people who were offended by this title, its just that you worded it exactly the way I wanted to, so I quoted you also to say that I supported your views on the subject overall.

I agree. I was always taught growing up in the firehouse that I was to respect officers, senior firefighters, and chauffeurs as they all deserved the same respect. Chauffeur was the first step to becoming an officer in most departments as most departments believe a good working knowledge of the trucks and its equipment was essential to being a good officer. I dont think that by calling someone "Paid Chauffeur" is any kind of insult at all, it should be taken as a compliment and anyone not taking it as a compliment needs to grow thicker skin and not take everything so personal. Being a "Paid Chauffeur" means you are above being a firefighter. You have proven you can fight fires, now you are trusted with the truck and getting any initial actions at the fire ground started prior to the arrival of additional units and making sure the ENTIRE operation after your arrival runs smoothly....whats so disrespectful about that classification of your job title?? Can we move on to discussing more important things now? Like how many of these brothers operating alone are becoming injured or killed in the LOD because of the short staffing issues? Or how we as firefighters can do more to work together REGARDLESS of title to provide a better service to our communities? We need to work together more....

We still remember every brother/sister that passes in the LOD...May Michaels memory live on forever in all of you and may his legacy carry on. All my best to his family and friends as they remember him and his sacrifice...

May he rest in peace, all my best to you and your family in this trying time, stay strong and carry on his legacy...

Hey, look at it this way...Using your hands to type 5000 posts here keeps you from going blind somewhere else on the internet!! JUST KIDDING!! Congrats Seth, and again, thank you for everything you do for us. Moose

Wow! Hey Josh, I have another Haz-Mat Meeting Monday Night, I will snap a few more shots of the pump and interior for you. This is great! I will find out more about the truck too.

Best of luck to a speedy and complete recovery, get better and get back to work soon.

Good luck, stay safe, and come back soon!!

Our Squad issues jump bags to all EMT's equipped with O2, BVM's, airways, portable suction, tools, and all the other stuff. Ive used the O2 many times, it comes in handy. We have a O2 cascade system in our supply closet where the members can re-fill their bottles if used.

WOW...Daytime shots!! I think these are the first daytime shots I have seen of yours Bill, but they are still great! Just kidding with you, good shots. Did they get it cleared up OK?

Thats one thing that burns me, is when someone WAITS for the bird to land, sometimes in excess of 15-20 minutes!!! Where I am from, in an extremely rural area with lengthly transport times to local trauma centers it is a frequent thing to have the bird flown, but It has also been abused way too much. I have seen an ambulance arrive on scene of a one car rollover with the car on fire, but the patient had self-extricated and had a fractured knee, arm, and ribs and was in the back of the ambulance literally as they were pulling in to the scene but they still waited 25 minutes for the bird to land!! I was FURIOUS, when the bird landed they climbed in the ambulance and were another 15 minutes establishing any of their treatments and packaging the patient before they were finaly in the air and headed towards Albany Med with a 10 minute fly time....By ground on a good day without lights and sirens it takes us 40 minutes ground time to the Med...The ambulance could have been at the ED with the patient evaluated and prepped for surgery by the time the bird even landed. Its just the mind set of "Trauma has to be flown out" around here that gets me sick. Or the occasional EMT That is unsure of their skills that absolutely refuses to call off the bird and wants them to take over patient care so they dont have the responsibility themselves. When I attended the Life Flight training put on by the local flight crews they were very knowledgeable and helpful. They explained to us that they could even be used as an ALS Link up for ground transportation if no other medics were available, and that chances are if we, as trained EMT's, felt there was a need for the transport they would take the patient every time and there was never a case of an air crew landing and refusing to take the patient. But, there could be other experiences I am not aware of. Best thing to do is follow what others have said already and have the flight crews in your area come out to your house and give the training. They are always willing to do it and its a great training to have.

Get well soon and get back out on the road brother. Hope all goes well with your recovery!

Friends, Brothers Sisters, and everyone interested in keeping knowledge up to date. I have a dream, and that dream is to have a Volunteer Fire Service that holds training and education on a pedestal and worships it daily. A fire service that understands the importance of continuing education and practicing BASIC skills on an annual schedule. A fire service that is no longer concerned with ego and image and is MORE concerned with the service it provides to its residents...Isn't that what we are here for?? Let me explain my dilemma to you further so you have a better understanding for the upcoming rant session! I am currently a New York State Emergency Medical Technician, in order to obtain that title you need to attend classes, learn, take and PASS a written AND practical test, than you get your "Card" with a ID number thats registered in New York State...BUT, thats not the end. After 3 years, you need to attend a "Recertification" Test where you take another Written and Practical Skills test in order to maintain your certification. Than during the course of the 3 year period you need to attend "Continuing Medical Education", or "CME's" classes and seminars to hear updates in treatments and equipment usage....BLAH BLAH BLAH Most of you have done this for years and I need not explain it further, correct? Now, in the fire service for New York State I am currently a "Level II Firefighter"........Want to know how I got that title?? I attended a class, was one of the HANDFUL of people that took notes ( or even bothered to OPEN my book), one of the FEW firefighters who volunteered to do the Practical skills portion of the class while everyone else "Watched", than received a "Certificate"......No Test.......No Practical Skills Evolutions.........Just "Heres your certificate, thanks for coming." Do I have to attend a re-certification process 3-5 years later?? Nope. Continuing Education Classes or seminars? Nope. OSHA States I need like 40 hours of refresher training in order to be a firefighter, but is that enforced? Nope. We have guys who LAUGH at training in my county and think they dont need it, and have not attended training in god knows how long but they are still fighting fire, packing up, and entering IDLH atmospheres that firefighters in other states have to attend NUMEROUS hours of training in order to be allowed to do. Whats wrong with this? Does anyone else see the issue here that I see? Has anyone else already attempted to write the "Powers That Be" to attempt to change this issue? What I am looking for is to accept the Training Standards for Levels I & II Firefighter in the same fashion we handle EMT-1, EMT-2 (Intermediate), EMT-3 (Critical Care) and EMT-4 (Paramedic). Dont you think it would BENEFIT us as firefighters to have to re-certify our knowledge and skills every 3-5 years and LEARN any updates in tactics, skills, or fire science? Wouldn't you think it would make us BETTER firefighters and provide a BETTER service to the people we protect? I know we are only Volunteer, but do you think fire knows the difference? Do you think the fire looks at you and says "WHOA! Wait a minute, he's only volunteer so I will only cook his "Lower Region" a bit than let him go" ???? Bottom line....Fire doesn't discriminate people, It's an "Equal Opportunity Killer". Dont you think we Owe it to the people we serve and protect to keep our skills current and up-to-date? I do. But sadly in my area Im one of an extremely SMALL group that feels this way and when I attempt to change things Im laughed at, Ignored, shoved in the corner. Want to know why? Because Im out numbered by lazy firefighters who dont care what training they have, they just care about the " Guts N' Glory", the "Awards" and recognition, or, my BIGGEST FEAR EVER.....Become an OFFICER just to get the pretty red lights and sirens and carry a radio and bark orders at the guys/gals they dont like or are not in the "Click". To phrase another member of this site that I happen to revere and look up to as an "Internet Mentor"........"When is Enough going to be Enough"? When are those of us who care, and are constantly ignored and thrown in the corner going to band together and do something about this issue? What does everyone else feel about my idea to make Firefighter I & II a STATE CERTIFICATION instead of a "Certificate" class? I am looking for feedback, BOTH pro and con. Any advice or experienced insight to this issue would be greatly appreciated, as I am one of the few who still respect experienced members and officers and listen to what they have to say, unlike most of the new generation that want to be "Overnight Sensations".....Sorry, thats a WHOLE other rant!! Thank you all for reading and hopefully responding to my dilemma, I hope we can generate lots of discussion about this issue and make a difference. Thank You

First, was this guy ever a firefighter? Seems like he joined than got elected Chief!! Seriously, congrats on the years of service to him, he deserves it.

The link doesnt work brother, could you fix that please? Here is another technique for panic bar doors...

Great Sign! I hope none of the NHFD guys get busy with spray paint while the trucks are there!!!! Talk about a joke gone bad!

I have an interesting question to pose to everyone, and hopefully get some thoughtful discussion and input from everyone as well. I belong to a County Haz-Mat team. I have not been able to be too active in the last few years due to my daughter being born and family issues. When I was last active we had about 20 members, about half of those being trained to the Technician level and acting as entry people. I just recently returned to active duty and attended three drills in the past month, only to find we now only have about 10 members, only TWO of which are Technician level. Those 2 guys are above the age of 50 and desperately want to "Retire". After asking around I found a lot of people in the county have their Technician training, but refuse to join the team because of the leadership, they dont like the County Coordinator thats in charge of the team. A few people have even tried to create a Department team but were shot down because of the fact we have a County team. Would it be better for us to continue to run the team as a county team, or should we break it down to Department teams that we would call to any spill in our county? Efforts are being launched right now to increase the knowledge of the team and what we do to the squads and departments in our county in an effort to get more members. Last night we attended a drill at one of our independent Ambulance Squads in the county, and we spoke to them about the team, what we do, what they would do if we called them to a Haz-Mat scene, than gave a demo on wearing the class "A" Suits and allowed them to help us get into them so they became familiar. It ended up going well and they were really impressed with the operation and were more eager to help us in the future now that they were aware of what their responsibilities were as an EMS agency who would be assisting the team. We even took a "Group Picture" with myself and another member in Class "A" suits, our Coordinator, and the Rescue Squad Members. I will try and get a copy of it and post it in Bravo somewhere. So, what does everyone think about County Teams? Department Teams? Which do you feel is better and would be more efficient to the county?

Id like to touch on this topic. I noticed that a lot of the time people refer to Westchester County when a question arrises and Im glad you pointed out the difference Chris! Thanks. Yes, thinking outside the box, there are different situations in different counties. In our county we have 17 fire departments, ours in Cobleskill is one of the three busiest in the County averaging 300-400 calls a year. We do quite a few haz-mat jobs but they are few and scattered. Mostly Meth Lab take downs where we back up State Police but now we call the County Team for that. We had a Structure fire a few years ago in our neighbors district, and they were making a great stop when we got on scene to assist, and as we were receiving orders from the initial attack crews as they handed the line over they started to feel sick and weak. They went to EMS and we ended up finding a METH LAB set up in the living room, which happened to be next to the room of origin and they crawled right next to it and knocked it over spilling the chemicals. Yes you are right, there is the need for a back up crew for every entry into the hot zone. We call the next county over, they have a team from the Albany Airport respond to back us up for now. But this summer we have 4 going to the academy in Montaur Falls to take Technician. So we are crossing our fingers!