Goose

Send it back promptly (i think you have like 2 weeks to reply), stay healthy, stay out of trouble, and don't get your hopes up. Hope it all works out for you.

2 hours ago, wedgeclose said:

The Port Authority PD is a joke...yes a complete joke!  Its an ATM for these guys who are glorified security guards who break balls at the airports.  400 K  !!  You have to be kidding.  How many of them go disabled after one of these monster years?  Bet more than 50%!!  What happened to a CAP on these guys and girls?  Pushing idling cars out of pick up lanes is worth 400K?  Come on I'll do it 12 hours a day for 6 days a week for 125K and no benefits.....

 

 

By all means, tell us how you really feel.

1 hour ago, Harrison063 said:

I thought they still were armed and had the police powers? 

They do not carry firearms, though they do have batons and if memory serves me correctly OC. As far as police powers, they have peace officer status.

2 hours ago, Paolo5286 said:

The names on the Westchester County Fire Academy website do not match any names that are on the list for the exam held on March 25, 2015. That would lead me to believe that the canvass letters sent out by Scarsdale would be for the Spring class. CPAT, interview and mental review would be held this fall. 

Am I correct in my thinking?

Canvass letters don't typically go out that early. It's likely for the fall class.

FF1 is right, you're over thinking this. Just forget about it and go about your daily life.

On 3/2/2015 at 2:44 PM, trollman200 said:

Did anyone take the CPAT the other week for the county? I believe this is the last round off that list?

Usually Westchester offers the CPAT twice a year, in February and then again in August. Like i said in an earlier post, there are already a fair number of people within the 100s who took the CPAT in February. Just stay healthy, in the gym, and taking tests and you'll do fine.

3 hours ago, Paolo5286 said:

Thanks for the info. I work out at crossfit so I'm confident with the physical part. Is the next step the CPAT?

How long does it take to reach each step? What's the work schedule like?

You should still get your hands on a vest and do the stair mill. I'm not sure any particular workout, other than hitting the mill with the vest, will prepare you fully.

You'll get a letter if they chose to send you to the CPAT. There are, however, a bunch on the list who have already passed the agility.

Good luck.

No word on staffing improvements?

For what it's worth, everyrhing has been different this time around. CPAT first and then you are solid for two years and can be hired by any dept who uses the county list. You can defer and remain on the list, fail and you are removed. 

Everyone of us who took the CPAT got a letter confirming pas fail this week.

Here's a fun little question, even tho I'm sure whoever answers it will probably just goggle it.

- So what if you have someone who decided to take an over dose of tramadol (Ultram) What do you do? Tramadol is NOT an opioid.

When did tramadol stop being an opioid?

And yes, i did look it up because i've never read/heard/have been told its not an opioid (the serotonin effects are kinda of cool to read about though)

http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=cabccc8a-6f9f-414c-93f0-6dec331ed74b

Won't matter in westchester given the average bls ambulance response time. You're guaranteed an anoxic injury.

I heard something today about that local ALS REMSCO's (excluding NYC) are consolidating ALS protocols? Can anyone elaborate?

I think as of right now they are unofficially called the "NY Collaborative protocols." I first heard rumblings about this over a year ago, but it has since picked up steam close to home. My understanding is that the REMO region (up and around Albany) is probably one of, if not the, leading EMS region in the state when it comes to protocols. From my reading of the collaborative protocols they generally seem far more forward thinking and progressive than what the lower hudson valley providers are use to. In addition, my understanding is that they have a very well established and active protocol committee which not only puts out the document but is constantly reviewing and making revisions as medical technology and trends change.

Anyone? And what does this mean for Westchester REMSCO?

I think that EMS regions in general struggle to find members who are engaged, experienced, and really know what is going on in the field (watch a web casted westchester REMAC meeting and the majority of doctors have little to no understanding about how EMS is administered county wide). That said, i think the general consensus of a number of regions throughout the state is why should we struggle to create protocol and keep up with medicine when REMO does it so well? So, given that, a number of upstate regions as well as hudson valley has adopted the REMO protocols rather than developing their own. I know westchester had been looking into it and the general opinions seemed to be positive with some minor concerns regarding inter-facility transports and maybe EMT Intermediates (i could be mistaken about the EMT-Is).

Don't quote me on any of this - i've just deduced it from a few years as a paramedic and trying to keep up with what the REMAC (after all they govern what i can and can't do) is up to. Hope that helps.

The sad fact is that EMT training has run anywhere from 89 hours (historicly) to about 180 hours. Many instructors have identified that to actually cover all of the material properly requires 200-300 hours. DOH, the hospitals, the agencies, and the students are not willing to PAY for that amount of training.

Whats really sad is that if my mother is having a heart attack or my child is struck by a car, all that state requires is an ambulance withan EMT that has less than 200 hours of training, but

If I want my head shaved in a barbers shop, the state requires the barber to have gone to school for 2 years, followed by an apprenticship and then they are elligable for taking a licencing exam (after taking a medical exam to prove they have no communicable diseases) & a criminal background check similar to EMT.

We should make it worth it. Just imagine what would happen if everyone banged in?! Problem is - EMS doesn't have the cohesiveness like FD/PD so there will always be someone willing to fill that open tour.

That said. CT's CMED and hospital patching system is impressive. Some hospitals even have the charge nurse carrying the CMED radio on their hip! I cant tell you how many times ive tried to make a radio report on Westchester's trunking system to no avail. I can recall one early christmas morning i had sedated and intubated a traumatic closed head injury and there was nothing but crickets on the other end (kuds to the 60 dispatchers who took the info down for me and notified on my behalf).

On my leather pants belt i have my radio in a motorola leather holster and a key ring (for narcs and truck keys) and the narcs themselves. Naturally, i keep my ID wallet w/ credentials, my regular wallet in my back pockets. Sheers, note pad and gloves in my hip pocket. Thats about it - less is more if you ask me.

Sounds like age discrimination to me

Its an insurance thing.

Thanks. Can you explain per diem to me a little bit more. I never fully understood what that is.

Also, I am 20 years old and I live in Mt. Vernon. I would rely on public transportation to get to work. If that helps. I know Transcare in Mt. Vernon doesn't take 20 y.o. because of insurance.

Most of the commercials require you be 21 to drive but will hire you if you are younger....you just get stuck teching every job (maybe not a bad thing if you need / want the experience). Empress will hire you younger than 21 under the above stipulation.

As far as per diem work - you basically work whatever tours you can based on how you availability lines up with what tours the agency has open. Essentially, you work when you want. Some places have monthly availability requirements in terms of the hours you have to make yourself available to work, others don't. Given that you're somewhat limited by public transportation you may want to try to find agencies close to bus routes or the metro north lines. I know a number of the river towns hire per diem EMTs....they tend to be slower (so you can study) and pay a bit more than the commercials.

Don't waste your time with the "I" program. It has no traction in this area and I would argue the same for areas upstate. Work on being a strong seasoned BLS provider and if you want to move foward in EMS (probably a bit of a oxymoron) go to paramedic school - it will afford you better training and career opportunities.

Long Island is also changing with the times - more and more agencies are looking toward paramedic level service.

As was said before the CC program was maintained due to the lack of paramedic services in upstate regions.

Either hire paid day time crews, get per-diems ( if available ), or go all paid. I don't see a mad rush of volunteers banging on the doors, and that goes for a lot of VACs. I wish I had the best answer, but it's a problem that all resident in Westchester will have to face. I'm burn't out ! Good Nite.

Your burnt out? Try working 70 - 90 hours weekly in this "system."

That said, forget per diem and forget part time. EMS providers deserve a real career path. Either allow a larger pre established agency (in this case GPD comes to mind) handle it or start going to the media and hope change will begin.

How does the system in Nassau County work? I know the Nassau County PD has a number of ambulances. Not really sure how its set up with the large number of volunteer ambulances corps in LI.

Nassau isn't much better off. Read this article:

http://resqrev.blogspot.com/2013/06/volunteers-vs-patients.html

I'd like to see the underlying cause of the problem individually in the various agencies throughout the county. With respect to volunteer coverage waning, well, there are two reasons volunteers stop volunteering-they CAN'T, or they WON'T! Take a look at the rosters of many of these agencies, you'll see a long list of names...then take a look at the coverage rosters, and you'll see a significantly different number of names!

Why is that?! I believe in the volunteer system, and I believe it could work, if managed properly! Unfortunately, in many cases, it isn't the volunteer system that's flawed...it's the management of it.

Volunteerism is a honorable thing, i think few would argue that. However, the volunteer EMS system simply doesn't work here - it cannot guarantee a timely and appropriate response to requests for service. Its 2013, enough is enough already.

That video simply highlights the fact that we have no EMS system in Westchester. We have a patchwork of different agencies doing different things with different resources hoping for a positive outcome and despite the best intentions of the people involved, we are nowhere near a solution.

A comprehensive approach is needed to address the problem and institute a true system.

If the six villages in Greenburgh, as an example, continue operating on their own little islands, they will fail. The notion that Irvington will put on per diem personnel for 451 calls a year at a cost of $288 per shift is just not sustainable.

If the six villages all do that the cost is prohibitive. But a town-wide solution would be much more cost effective based on the call volume.

There was also a lot of misinformation in that presentation. "Private services do not do emergency care, they do transport only". Really? Other assertions about the law were questionable and hopefully someone reviews them for IVAC and the village board.

It also baffles me that anyone is still proposing that DPW or other municipal agencies provide drivers during the day instead of fixing the broken EMS system.

Have to say that i "face-palmed" quiet a few times watching this video. I think it's honorable that leadership met with the town and was honest about the situation - but i just feel it was a bit too "off the cuff." That said, correct me if i'm wrong, but there currently exists no legal requirement that a municipality in NY State provide EMS service (i remember this being an issue many years ago up in Pawling).

Jesus, just imagine if Quinn was running for Westchester County Exec....30 minutes is quick!

The scary part is that "your guy sat in the village for 45 minutes for an ambulance" after 10 minutes did he call for mutual aide, Christine Quinn's aide I faster service in the city( 30 Minutes ) I hope you you questioned your fellow medic why did the police on scene or the medic call for another resource. How do you tell family members the ambulance will be here soon, have a cup of coffee while you loved one is circling the drain. Thats why we all have to stand together and think of a way to fix this. Since the State or Local Goverment maybe it's time for VACs and FDs to come together and merge or minds and resourses

Every agency develops its own M/A policy and more often than not those policies don't put patient care first. Besides, just because the medic requests mutual aid doesn't mean your getting an ambulance any faster. I can recall many an overnight as a flycar medic and 60 dispatchers putting tones out essentially begging people to sign on. I think it went something like " 60 to xyz VAC is anyone going to sign on or out there to answer this call?" It got so bad I would have them send me however could drive and I would ride BLS jobs in because it was quicker for me to get back in service and quicker for the patient. That's the sort of thing we are dealing with here.

Excellent points. But it can be done.The only way things change is when someone important dies due to poor response time then something gets done.

Personally, i would argue thats probably already happened. It will probably only get spoken of after there is some large scale incident that occurs on a weekday during normal business hours, you know...the one we don't have six month notice for and is not on a weekend. It's all laughable really.

paid staff. problem solved.

Problem not solved, and more problems created. Again, this is lifted directly from the Fitch study that the county government commissioned in 2008.

More than a dozen EMS services in Westchester County have already begun to attempt to address the reduction of volunteerism and, at the same time, provide paramedic-level care. Several Corps that the Consultants interviewed used paid paramedic staff during the day or 24-hours per day. Volunteers on staffed shifts or responding from home rounded out the ambulance crew. This blend of paid personnel with volunteer staff, especially during the harder to serve business day, is not uncommon.

There are three concerns with the model of using a paid paramedic supplemented by volun- teers. The following is a description of each concern.

First, in many of the Corps we spoke with, the paid position was not a Full Time Equiva- lent (FTE). This meant that paramedics had to work at other jobs to make a living wage. Often that other job was another Corps or commercial ambulance service in the County. This results in multiple organizations drawing from the same available workforce pool, which reduces staffing capacity if a jurisdiction has a major event.

The second concern is safety. EMS services that employ full-time staff traditionally has policies in place to restrict or regulate hours worked above the base. These restrictions set limits on the amount of consecutive hours an employee may work or how many hours in a week are appropriate and also how much recovery time is required between shifts. By doing so, the employer is able to ensure the safety of their staff and custom- ers by limiting the risk of fatigued personnel. This is not possible in the current practices Countywide.

Third, if “paid” personnel are not full-time, it restricts their earning potential unless they are willing to work significant hours due to the loss of overtime opportunities. It also may mean that personnel are on their own when it comes to basic benefits like health coverage. This either adds additional expense to the employee or they simply go unco- vered. Finally, it may result in no access to retirement plans or employer sponsored 401(k) plans.

In addition to all volunteer and combination paid/volunteer Corps, there are organizations (e.g., Greenburgh, Harrison, Port Chester, etc.) that are traditional employers that have full-time paid employees as well as part-time personnel. The personnel have the job securi- ties, benefits, and earning reliability of a traditional workplace. Some of the employees of these organizations are also volunteers or may be paid staff working part-time as the paid personal at a Corps, which can pose some of the same concerns described above.

Westchester County, New York Page 40 © Fitch & Associates, LLC Emergency Medical Services System Evaluation December 8, 2008

Anyone who works in a flycar paramedic system knows that EMD in this county does nothing to appropriately manage resources. I work in three agencies that all receive direct dispatching and EMD from 60 control. The first issue is that 60 control is inadequately staffed to provide consistent EMD - anyone that gets the ipage notification on their phone knows this ( the "no EMD due to call volume / staffing" note at the end of the text), the second issue is that many of the primary PSAPs (local PDs) don't properly transfer the 911 caller to a 60 dispatcher. If that weren't bad enough, a medic gets sent on every job because the paramedic is the only resource in this county that is GUARANTEED TO SHOW UP.

I know i'm not the only one who has been stuck on scene for an hour waiting for a bus or has had to RMA patients that require ALS care because they know they can get to the hospital faster than waiting for the ambulance. All any media outlet would have to do is FOIL 60 control response time records (i'm assuming they keep some sort of log) and boy would they have a field day.

I guess the point i'm trying to make is that the problems are numerous and have metastasized across the county. I look at Putnam & Dutchess (both counties i have previously worked in) and wonder how in the hell did they get everyone on board with centralized dispatching, at least for fire and EMS.

This is simply not just an Irvington problem. It's a county-wide problem. Bottom line is those (politicians and governing bodies) with the power to push / demand / enforce real change just don't care. As far as people dyeing or suffering needlessly, we passed that threshold a long time ago. Fitch & Associates did the study in 2008 and no one did a god damned thing about it.

http://www.westchesterlegislators.com/pdf/2008_EMS_Study_Final_Report.pdf

There it is, in black and white.

I found out about this last night only a few hours after asking someone how she was doing. I had the privilege of being precepted and working alongside Irene during my time at Alamo. I happened to catch her maybe two years ago while crossing paths at WMC ER, brought back a lot of great memories from likely the most memorable years of EMS in my career. I really am sorry to hear that she has passed - she was such a nice person and a great practitioner. May she be in eternal peace.