SRS131EMTFF

So lets forget all our training and just run in?
A traffic vest is a big difference from an SCBA
You are correct we don't know what info they got. If it was off duty FF's we would be saying the exact same thing.
So lets get ride of all PPE and training.We could just risk it to save someone.
As a supervisor, I have a responsability to my personnel to send them home at the end of the shift (or call). If we can save someone after evaluating and minimizing the risks (thru PPE) then lets do it otherwise we are not providing a service to the community.
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1) if you can't anylyze it as part of your SIZE-UP, then you need to get another line of work.
It's easy to anylyze an incidents afterwards, but when you're in the moment, you do what you are trained to do.
2) I am sure they were never trained to do what they did.
I wont go into details or rehash it. But in one incident the law was violated when responders entered an IDLH atmosphere and in the other incident the law was violated when responders entered an IDLH atmosphere. The difference is in this case the responders were lucky.
Yes 3 are alive, but the FD could have pulled up and had 5 down and that would have doomed the 3 original victims, as they would have most likely goneafter the down officers 1st.

I saw nothing, smell nothing so it must be safe right?
Before reading the other responses all I could think of was would we have labeled this if they did not survive this incident. I bet its not "great job".

Yes, it took two poorly prepared LEOs to remove an individual one properly prepared FF could have removed himself (and it would not have sent him to the hospital). The reason why it took two of them is because they were starving their brain for O2, effectively dying, as they were removing the victim.
No, not "'nuff" said. PD nearly got themselves killed because balls took over for brains. I wonder if we would be calling this a great job if one of these officers had succumb to their exposure?
The last incident I can remember in Westchester where poorly equipped individuals went into an IDLH environment we finished the day with two LODDs. After this incident, we nearly had two more.

Agreed 100% with everything you have said except about PL custom. Every PL custom I have served in has been worse than the one before it. It is not a spec issue, its a shoddy workmanship and wiring issue. Maybe that is why their customer service is so good, they spend so much time running around repairing the ones that break.
Road Rescue, Braun and Osage, Osage especially, are some of the best ambulances I have ever served on. The Osage we have at work is a bulletproof tank that despite being over 4 years old is essentially like new (minus a few scrapes) and its out of service time we have been able to count in tens of hours, not days. I will note that we rotate our ambulances so no ambulance receives too many hours, miles or calls.

I prefer the 2 Camaro SS

Where's the disorderly conduct on the part of the videographer? Assuming there is no further evidence that we haven't seen, I don't see any evidence the videographer caused a public disturbance or inconvenience, nor did he disobey a lawful order by law enforcement. (The order that he could not video was not lawful as the law allows people to video and photograph in public areas.) Thus, no charge would lie under PL 240.20, a mere violation. Further since there was no physical inteference with firefighting operations, there likely would be no charge for Obstruction of Government Activity or Obstruction of Firefighting Operations under Article 195 of the Penal Law, a misdemeanor. If the videographer had a dashboard light and is not authorized to have it, then there might be a charge for that offense. Assuming Florida has a similar statutory scheme and absent any evidence that the videographer was impersonating a public servant (i.e. pointed to the dashboard light and said I'm a firefighter), I don't see anything that would subject him to any criminal charges.
Further there is no violation of HIPAA or privacy as the videographer does not have any PHI of the patient.
Ironically, the captain was causing a public disturbance that caused a crowd to gather and could be crimiinally liable for disorderly conduct, harassment, and possibly attempted assault for the pushing but to what end? I think the captain should remain professional at all times even if he doesn't like someone with a video camera over his shoulder or use a truck to block the area from sight if it could be safely done.
I'm curious what else could be done to keep both FD and the videographer happy with minimal effort. Its a world we live in and will continue to live in barring the enactment of new laws that comport with federal and state constitutions.

No one is questioning your father-in-law's qualifications. I'm sure he's a very able attorney. What he probably doesn't know, just as you don't and I don't, and everyone else here doesn't know, is the specifics of this case. You said the "cop had no right to search the magazine". That's a very definitive statement. There is no way for you, your father-in-law- or me to know that based on this newspaper article. The only way you could say that with 100% certainty is if your father-in-law is personally involved in this case. Is that the case here? If it is, such as he's involved in this arrest or prosecution, he probably shouldn't be discussing it with you, and if he is, you shouldn't be posting it on a public forum. If he's just assuming the officers had an unlawful search, that's different from saying the "cop had no right to search the magazine". And your right, there is no doubt as to the classification of the law. The uncertainty lies in the application. But, you know that right?
(P.S. It's a Class "B" Misdemeanor, not a Class "D" Felony, so I might suggest you update your Penal Law.)

Lets not forget that the Texas legislators failed to pass a bill authorizing $60 million in training dollars earmarked for volunteer firefighters only days after the incident at West, Texas.
I don't think one needs a party affiliation to see that Texas is more inclined to kill their citizens in their homes and places of business and firefighters doing their job then it is to enact legislation protecting them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/10/us/after-plant-explosion-texas-remains-wary-of-regulation.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

This is a topic that deserves little to no debate. The idea is asinine and Texas is one of the most backwards states in our fair union. Anyone aware that Texas has NO state fire codes? None! Are we also aware that in the wake of the deaths of volunteer firefighters at the fertilizer plant explosion there is no serious bill being examined to enact new legislation that might have prevented last months disaster? In fact, even after said disaster, Rick Perry has been out championing the fact that Texas is biz friendly because they lack oversight and regulation!
I love a slim, streamlined Gov't, just not one that sees no fault in the loss of a firefighters life.
"Don't mess with Texas!" . Fine! Give it to Mexico, along with that hack Gov..

Perhaps responders should be more concerned about driving and the use of lights sirens.

Vests must be fitted to the user. Too big, and you can not sit down without the vest riding up and hitting you in the chin, too small and it will leave gaps on the sides and vital areas. Also most vests are guaranteed for only 5 years by their manufacturers, however some departments can not afford to replace them when the hit that time limit. The NYPD gives its officers one vest, that's it, there is no spare to use if you clean it, or it is sweating from working during the summer. You want to replace it, save up your money (which if you use the uniform allowance money, it will take two years, without spending any money on any uniform items. We get $1000 a year lumped into the first paycheck in December, and it is taxed so you end up with just less than $%600). Vests also lose effectiveness when they get wet. You can not launder the ballistic insert, only the carrier. The insert is usually recommended to be clean with a damp cloth., so if multiple people are going to share them, its going to get disgusting quickly. Most vests also provide very little to no protection against bladed weapons, i.e. knives, daggers, etc and nothing against explosive devices. Rifle rounds and high powered handgun rounds will penetrate most vests on the market
I also disagree that law enforcement is better than anyone else. We are held to a higher standard than anyone else. Get arrested for a domestic incident, and convicted you are fired (federal law about domestics and gun ownership).
If the scene is not safe you do not enter...first thing they teach in EMT class.

Why I try only comment on Police issues,there is a few things that need to addressed here:
1-Ballistic vests will not protect anyone from a .223cal round as was used in W.Webster
2-Vests serve zero protection from an explosive,and dosen't help with projectiles such as the case in Boston.
3-If there's a need for EMS to wear vests,because of the dangers of the job,than the EMS providers shouldn't be in any area until PD deems it safe.
4-EMS uniforms,are looking like more PD uniform's,especially with all the stitching and back panels,which is not a good idea,and can be unsafe.I have seen people walk up to them on Job's thinking they were the PD. NOT GOOD....
While I'm all for protection of everyone on a scene,I think EMS wearing PPE on calls especially MVA's is probably money better spent,I can telll you from over 30 years on the Job,a vest is not the answer to the problem,bottomline,if it isn't safe,you shouldn't be there.
So,I'm not sure of the justification for buying the vests???

Helicopper,
While I understand serving the public can be a little frustrating, isnt that part of the job? I was nowhere near the accident, do not know the area that well, but...
If roads are closed down, and it is the PD closing those roads or at the point where the road is closed to keep the public out, is it too much to expect them to be at least a little bit courteous or helpful? I doubt everyone who got caught in the traffic knew a back way around it or had GPS to help them.
I know you and many othe LEO's feel there is an anti cop bias here (maybe there is), but to dismiss the complaint of the member above as the public are morons and poor drivers is a little disingenuous. You are not shy about jumping in on fire topics, so here is my first jumping in to an LEO topic: If you are at a barricade of a closed road, at least be outside of your car and try to be helpful to the public. If at such time you feel the need to draw your revolver, ask for another car to relieve you.

As evident by the post above, tourniquets saved lives yesterday, no question about it. Please use this time to review your MCI/MCE, Counter-terrorism, trauma, tourniquet and CBRNE protocols.

We have started this process already.

I'm a volunteer FF in CT and a fire buff. I am not connected with Stamford Fire though.

I have depended on "sfrd.." for much information regarding many depts. He is a buff and a volunteer firefighter. I don't think it is in his nature to try and impress you. He has a wealth of knowledge about many departments throughout the northeast. Is he right 100 % ? Maybe not. Maybe he wasn't right this time, But if I was a gambling man, I'd put my money on what he says. And at 22 years old, or there abouts, "I think he's a Credit to his generation".
I hope he isn't discouraged from posting on here because of some misunderstanding. I'm sure there's more than a few of us who sometimes have our stories or facts somewhat distorted on various occussions.
If I thought he was some cocky, know-it-all kid, I'd never posting here in his defense.

Do not let the title confuse you, I am inquiring about how to make EMS aware of the operations involved in counter-terrorism response.
Let me start by saying that we (my squad) are a small suburban EMS squad with ~40 members and 1 full time employee in Northern Vermont. We do not see much in the way of requiring counter-terrorism knowledge so our trainings tend to focus more on things regarding the 5 nursing homes in our district and the large bodies of water (read we do a lot of geriatric EMS and still-water and ice rescue training). Thus we have not had a specific training on HazMat, Counter-terror or MCIs in the three years I have been a member.
The events of yesterday are going to change that.
I was asked by my training officer to prepare a squad wide 2 hour training on HazMat, MCI and counter-terror. I am no expert on these topics by any means. However, after having been a member of the EMS community in Westchester from 2005 to 2010 and obtaining my federal HAZWOPER certification, I have more experience in these matters than anyone else in my squad (scary, I know). With that in mind I am trying to design a series of training activities that will be practical to field in EMS in Northern VT 99.99% of the time but can also be used during the remaining 0.01% when we might not be so lucky.
What I had in mind was taking some of the lessons and successes from Boston and using them as a sort of EMS field operations guide.
The first lesson from Boston that has implications on terror response but certainly has every day applications is the successful use of tourniquets. Dr. Mooney, the trauma director at Boston Children’s Hospital has been quoted in numerous publications as saying as the reason why there were not more fatalities was the immediate use of tourniquets either improvised or manufactured. I would like to incorporate the application of commercial tourniquets and cravats to the upper and lower extremities as well as the application of improvised tourniquets and what can be used as an improvised tourniquet.
I would also like to incorporate the initial/primary (30 second) MCI trauma assessment such that the people in my squad have practical hands on experience going to multiple wounded parties and performing rapid assessments and making decisions.
Finally I would like to incorporate the use of the ERG into the training to cover some HazMat. Obviously the ERG is for transportation however knowing how to use the ERG and apply its contents would be the first step in building us up for decon and hazmat operations trainings.
I honestly envision each of these as stand alone stations united by the common theme of building up to Counter-terrorism operations awareness using the bombings in Boston as a case study/practical lesson. Additionally, I chose these skills because they had immediate applications outside of just counter-terrorism. If anyone has any ideas on how to improve or unify these separate ideas I am all ears, I want to develop this training such that it can be used as the base of other more detailed and specific counter-terrorism and HazMat trainings.

Definition of ASSAULT WEAPON
: any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms; especially : assault rifleDefinition of ASSAULT RIFLE: any of various automatic or semiautomatic rifles with large capacity magazines designed for military useDefinition of MILITARY
: of or relating to soldiers, arms, or war
(all from www.merriam-webster.com)
Further more it can be defined as a semi-automatic rifle or shotgun with 1 or more military style attachments. Pretty clear to me.
2. Magazines that do hold 5 rounds to exist
AR-15: http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/MAG-052
Colt 45: http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/kahr-automatic-colt-pistol-round-stainless-magazine-k525-p-101633.html
If you think the death toll at Sandy Hook would have been the same had Lanza had a 10 round magazine as opposed to a 30 round magazine then you are delusional.
From USA TODAY:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/15/new-york-assault-weapons-guns/1835785/

The symbolism of the bill is huge. NY is the first state to vote on such a ban regarding assault weapons. Additionally the law extends Kendra's law until 2017 which is crucial in helping the mentally ill. If gun owners are so responsible they shouldn't have any problems with registering an assault weapon. Yes, criminals will still do the crime, but people from all respected political parties are saying we need to act to prevent senseless violence. This is that first step in acting. Do I agree with every earmark in the bill, no, but it seems like an excellent starting point as I said. I don't see any other politicians stepping up to the plate to take on this issue, especially Mr. Ball, but yes we MUST fix our mental health system, much more than just extending Kendra's law. But, I think its crazy that someone could simply buy an assault weapon online before this bill passed. But really, most of this stuff is common sense, and I'm very proud that NY stood up to the plate first to take on this issue.

Personally, I think this just seems like a frivolous waste of money, It's just another form of duplication and excess, which if I'm correct is what most departments are trying to get away from. How do you justify such an expenditure when multiple systems are already in place for each aspect that it will be used for? Checking department e-mail? I'm sure each station has a computer, not to mention almost everyone has a smartphone or home computer (the few old school people I know who don't have either wouldn't care to check their department e-mail anyhow). Time card? I am fairly sure most employers prefer to have a supervisor handle timekeeping as opposed to the employees themselves, or in the case where no supervisor is present at a station they prefer a timekeeping system that can only be accessed at the workplace, not anywhere you take the iPad. As far as training goes, there is really no accountability for on-line training, there's no way to verify that the person doing it is actually the person it's intended for nor that they aren't just killing time in front of the computer while they have an answer sheet from someone else ready to copy from and fill out sections at appropriate times, I've seen it happen many a time. As far as dissemination of training information, what's going to make the employee read a training bulletin on an iPad if they are already the type who don't care to read it on paper? As far as patient care and written reports, I don't think each person needs one, maybe one per ambulance for PCR's, and one per station for community use in filing of reports, although it seems like the desktops or laptops that most fire stations already have could support this function, not to mention the fact that the majority of the time it is only one supervisor or member filling out the report, not each individual.
Many departments already have in place electronic systems to perform all of these functions, most can be easily accessed from a computer available to the employees at work or by logging on remotely from a personal device. Handing everyone an iPad and saying, "now this is only for work use", that's almost a challenge to some people, and expecting everyone to be on board, that's pretty naive, I have a teenage neighbor that if I wanted could have the thing unlocked in twenty minutes so I could use it how I pleased. You would probably be better off giving members unlocked iPads honestly. If it's locked down and can only be used for a few limited work functions its not really able to be customized to the employee and many members will simply throw it in a drawer as another extraneous piece of junk the job has handed them. If they can use it how they please they will be more likely to use it for personal and work use. As far as taking care of department business while off-duty, off-duty is off-duty, one of the great thing about most emergency services jobs is that you don't take your work home with you. If you want to read, train, and enrich yourself out of work that is one thing that I personally promote, but work, stays at work.
I also don't see any real efficiency savings, as you aren't really saving any money by spending more money. What can be eliminated now that everyone has an iPad? Saving paper maybe, but I doubt those savings will really make up the cost of your investment especially after maintenance and upkeep costs.
As far as the comparison to the expense of each member having a portable radio, how many lives do you think personal iPads will save? Will it give a Mayday for you? Are you going to carry it into the building with you? Is it your lifeline to other members when you are trapped or lost? Personal portable radios have been proven and documented to save lives, and not to sound hackneyed, but that is PRICELESS. Unless you can place efficiency on an equal footing with the life safety of members, then the cost of personal iPads cannot be compared to the cost of personal radios, period.
In my opinion, in this day and age of cost cutting, tightening budgets, and increased scrutiny by taxpayers as to where their money goes, this is a waste of money and will be conceived by the taxpayers as such. Many taxpayers and politicians have already begun to perceive the emergency services as a whole to be an expensive, extravagant, luxury item that can be slashed and cut down to the bone, lets not give them more fodder for their arguments. Spend money on the things we REALLY NEED and that are easily defensible to the public and politicians alike.

GET YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY!!!

Well, luckily we have some pretty knowledgable fire folks on this forum who have a lot of insight, and I hope they don't feel dissuaded from joining the conversation solely because they might not live there. I for one, encourage their contributions (past and future) and hope they continue!

I've held off on commenting on the gun issue for awhile as it is a sensitive subject.
I am a proud, legal gun owner. I obtained my NYS pistol permit in 2008 and own several handguns, as well as long guns.
I am in no way, shape or form a gun nut, but i certainly believe in a persons right to carry.
As a legal gun owner, i will say that the gun laws are very flawed, especially in here in New York. The laws seem to vary County to County and Judge to Judge.
Personally, i think that the gun laws need to be re-vamped and updated, instead of putting new laws on the books.
Finger printing, background checks and references are great, but wheres the Psychological exam? As a gun owner, i would gladly adhere to such testing (god i hope i'd pass). In my opinion, this would be a good start.
Add a psychological exam to the process for EVERY applicant. Even better, make ALL Permit holders under-go a psych exam every 1-2 years. This would A) ensure the permit holder is of sound mind and 2) make the State some revenue as you could charge for such exams (i would gladly pay such a fee).
I feel that the basic pistol safety course could use some updating, but its certainly a good start.
If you are granted an unrestricted permit (full carry), you should be held to a much higher standard (IMO). On top of the existing process, you should have to qualify (such as LEOs do) on the range to be granted the unrestricted. You should also then have to re-qualify each year.
Many of my gun owning brethren may not agree with me or think this is overkill, but i firmly believe it would be a good start and would benefit us all.
I will give a quick example of how the law is skewed here in NY;
I work part time as a Court Officer and have been for several years now. I received my NYS pistol permit through Westchester in 2008 and changed to Orange when i moved here.
After living in Orange for about 2 years, i applied to amend my permit to an "unrestricted." I had to take the day off of work and go before a judge on a Friday morning. I was well dressed and nothing but courteous and professional. I spoke of my background, as well as my training in regards to firearms. After each pause in my speaking, the judge would say things such as "so" or "ok and?" By Monday afternoon i had a letter from the County denying me of an unrestricted permit. The judges "reasoning;" there would be one more gun on the streets.
I know of civilians with little to no training in firearms who have been granted unrestricted permits. Is this an issue? I certainly believe so.
Do i believe that a gun is the end-all, say-all for self defense and protection? Absolutely not. This is where maturity, common sense and experience come into play.
There will be times when and where a gun just isn't the answer. Your best line of defense will always be your brain. If you can walk away or talk yourself out of an incident, then you should do so. If and when an incident arises that warrants the use of a firearm, you better damn well be ready to not only use it, but deal with the consequences. There will be times when you are caught off guard and will not be able to draw your weapon in a safe and timely manner. Again, this is where your brain, common sense and training come into play.
All this said, i would much rather have the (legal) option to carry a firearm if i so desired than to be unarmed and defenseless.
Not to sound cliche, but i'd also rather be judged by 12 than carried by six.
In the words of Kenny Rogers, "you got to know when to hold em' know when to fold em."

Would you look past this if that Chief's vehicle was delivering donations to Newtown? What if he was buying gifts to bring to a Children's Hospital here in Westchester? This is such immature, cry baby bullshit.
For the record, I don't agree with the abuse of a take home car, but since nobody knows the facts here - let's stop speculating.
FACT: Some municipalities issue take-home vehicles for all kinds of staff members, including PD, FD, DPW and management folks.
FACT: Many of these municipalities don't have rules or regulations concerning the uses of these vehicles, and frankly don't even care.
FACT: A Westchester Fire Chief in Connecticut may be closer from point A in Westchester to point B in Connecticut then if he went to another location within Westchester County.
FACT: I see police officers, fire chiefs/commissioners, EMS officers, DPW bosses and governement officials using their take home cars for all kinds of things.
FACT: I never lose sleep over any of this. Neither should any of us. The same guys who are union firefighters that will come here asking all of us to "put aside our volunteer and paid BS" to help them keep their jobs also commonly take jabs at volunteers for dumb s*** like this. You can't play it one way all the time then flip it around and not expect people to call you out on it. Does it bother anyone else that WE are all our own worst enemies?!
Does it bother anyone else that Westchester County is literally a laughingstock to fire departments (paid and volunteer) outside of this area because of our never-ending bickering and dick-measuring contests?
Ugh!
Note: edited for grammar and layout improvement.