WANTYNU

Hey folks, long time no see, hope everybody’s doing well in these trying times! I just found a few minutes to catch up and decide to poke around back here. Interesting to see that many of the old highly active posters are still topping the charts, lol, the more things change, the more they remain the same. I’ve been working on a new version of my wrench, and could write volumes just about the learning curve involved with that. You’d think doing it once, would make the second time easier. And you would have thought wrong… Well there is an old saying, “A project worth doing, is worth doing right, and nothing worth doing right is easy.” If you can give me a better idea where you’re stuck, I will try to give you a little better focused advice. For now, if it’s a practical tool / device you have come up with, I’d suggest starting with making a working prototype, that will give you the most information on the “if’s and how’s” , and let you know “If it’s REALLY a PRACTICAL idea” and “How it will REALLY work”. I really wouldn’t get paranoid about having it ripped off, the amount of work and money to make something, is enough of a barrier to keep out the home gamers’, and unless you work with the R&D department of a company that CAN make your device, believe me nobody else would be interested. FYI, a copyright is not a patient, and WILL NOT PROTECT YOUR IDEA, unless it falls specifically under copyright laws such as image and design, you need a patent for a device. Only a small or crooked person, who is looking for a quick hit might give it a try. The truth is it’s really easy to rip-off a device. Because it costs money to spot those who try, the reality of protecting your idea is unless you have big $$$ or a cheap lawyer and it’s not a big rip-off, it may not even be worth it to go after them. With that said, If you have decide there IS a market for your device, then you will want Patent protection, as it will keep the real players from copying your idea, as they have more to lose if they do and you go after them and win, most legitimate companies won’t risk it. After, I found there was a market for my wrench, THEN I got a Patent attorney and now have three patents pending, (this is the part that will cost you money), but there are ways to skin this cat and your lawyer can help you for less than you think to get started. Lawyers can be found, and shopped for, do your homework, and try to get a recommendation from someone you trust. Before we get ahead of ourselves, first you must decide if you have something practical, so get into the shop and make one. Remember 2% inspiration, 98% perspiration! Hope this helped, Good luck. As always Stay safe -Wantynu

OK then, looks like new rules have formed, now we're getting somewhere let the game morphing begin! Minimirospectrophotometer -w

NOTTOONEUPYOUBUTTHENLOGICALLYYOUHAVESHOULDLETITRESTFORGOODNESSSAKESDON’TYOUTHINK = 79 letters... -w

HOLYCRAPBATMANISTHISSTILLGOINGON = 32 letters I guess its been awhile! -w

This is an official CDC Health AdvisoryDistributed via Health Alert Network April 02, 2008, 20:55 EDT (08:55 PM EDT) CDCHAN-00273-08-04-02-ADV-N Measles outbreaks in the United States: Public health preparedness, control and response in healthcare settings and the community A measles outbreak linked to an importation from Switzerland currently is ongoing in Arizona. The first case, with rash onset on February 12, 2008, occurred in an adult visitor from Switzerland who was hospitalized with measles and pneumonia. This hospital admission prompted verification of the measles immune status of approximately 1800 healthcare personnel and vaccination of those without evidence of immunity. Through March 31, 2008, nine confirmed cases have been reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services, and there are two suspected cases (one in a Colorado resident) and hundreds of contacts under investigation. The nine case-patients range in age from 10 months to 50 years. All but one were infected in healthcare settings, one of the five adult case-patients is a healthcare worker, and all cases were unvaccinated at the time of exposure. In January and February 2008, San Diego experienced an outbreak of 11 measles cases, with an additional case-patient who was exposed in San Diego but became ill in Hawaii. The index case was an unvaccinated child who had recently traveled to Switzerland, where a measles outbreak is ongoing (see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5708a3.htm). Transmission in this outbreak occurred in a doctor’s office as well as in community settings. Measles genotype D5 was identified from more than one case in the San Diego and Arizona outbreaks; this genotype is currently circulating in Switzerland (see http://www.eurosurveillance.org/edition/v13n08/080221_1.asp). Confirmed measles cases also have been reported from New York City (involving genotype D4, which is identical to the genotype responsible for a large ongoing measles outbreak in Israel; see http://www.eurosurveillance.org/edition/v13n08/080221_3.asp) and from Virginia (importation from India). In addition, two measles cases recently confirmed in unvaccinated siblings from Michigan may have resulted from exposure during a long stop-over in the Atlanta airport. Although measles is no longer an endemic disease in the United States, it remains endemic in most countries of the world, including some countries in Europe. Large outbreaks currently are occurring in Switzerland and Israel. In the United States from January 1 through March 28, 2008, 24 confirmed cases of measles resulting from importations from endemic countries have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These cases highlight the ongoing risk of measles importations, the risk of spread in susceptible populations, and the need for a prompt and appropriate public health response to measles cases. Because of the severity of the disease, people with measles commonly present in physician’s offices or emergency rooms and pose a risk of transmission to other patients and healthcare personnel in these and in inpatient hospital settings. Healthcare providers should remain aware that measles cases may occur in their facility and that transmission risks can be minimized by ensuring that all healthcare personnel have evidence of measles immunity and that appropriate infection control practices are followed. Transmission and case definition Measles is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted by respiratory droplets and airborne spread. The disease can result in severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. The incubation period for measles ranges from 7 to 18 days. The diagnosis of measles should be considered in any person with a generalized maculopapular rash lasting = 3 days, a temperature = 101ºF (38.3ºC), and cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis. Immunocompromised patients may not exhibit rash or may exhibit an atypical rash. Recommendations Rapid and aggressive public health action is needed in response to measles cases. Case investigation and vaccination of household or other close contacts without evidence of immunity should not be delayed pending the return of laboratory results. Preparation for other control activities may need to be initiated before laboratory results are known. Control activities include isolation of known and suspected case-patients and administration of vaccine (at any interval following exposure) or immune globulin (within 6 days of exposure, particularly contacts = 6 months of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people, for whom the risk of complications is highest) to susceptible contacts. For contacts who remain unvaccinated, control activities include exclusion from day care, school, or work and voluntary home quarantine from 7 to 21 days following exposure. Persons who are known contacts of measles patients and who develop fever and/or rash should be considered suspected measles case-patients and be appropriately evaluated by a healthcare provider. If healthcare providers are aware of the need to assess a suspected measles case, they should schedule the patient at the end of the day after other patients have left the office and inform clinics or emergency rooms if they are referring a suspected measles patient for evaluation so that airborne infection control precautions can be implemented prior to their arrival. Healthcare providers should maintain vigilance for measles importations and have a high index of suspicion for measles in persons with a clinically compatible illness who have traveled abroad or who have been in contact with travelers. They should assess measles immunity in U.S. residents who travel abroad and vaccinate if necessary. Measles outbreaks are ongoing in Switzerland and Israel, and measles outbreaks are common throughout Europe. Measles is endemic in many countries, including popular travel destinations, such as Japan and India. Suspected measles cases should be reported immediately to the local health department, and serologic and virologic specimens (serum and throat or nasopharyngeal swabs) should be obtained for measles virus detection and genotyping. Laboratory testing should be conducted in the most expeditious manner possible. Preventing transmission in healthcare settings To prevent transmission of measles in healthcare settings, airborne infection control precautions (available at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/gl_isolation.html) should be followed stringently. Suspected measles patients (i.e., persons with febrile rash illness) should be removed from emergency department and clinic waiting areas as soon as they are identified, placed in a private room with the door closed, and asked to wear a surgical mask, if tolerated. In hospital settings, patients with suspected measles should be placed immediately in an airborne infection (negative-pressure) isolation room if one is available and, if possible, should not be sent to other parts of the hospital for examination or testing purposes. All healthcare personnel should have documented evidence of measles immunity on file at their work location. Having high levels of measles immunity among healthcare personnel and such documentation on file minimizes the work needed in response to measles exposures, which cannot be anticipated. Recent measles exposures in hospital settings in three states necessitated verifying records of measles immunity for hundreds or thousands of hospital staff, drawing blood samples for serologic evidence of immunity when documentation was not on file at the work site, and vaccinating personnel without evidence of immunity. Recommendations for vaccination Measles is preventable by vaccination. MMR vaccine is routinely recommended for all children at 12–15 months of age, with a second dose recommended at age 4–6 years. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all school students and for the following groups of persons without evidence of measles immunity: students in post–high school educational facilities, healthcare personnel, and international travelers who are = 12 months of age. Other adults without evidence of measles immunity should routinely receive one dose of MMR vaccine. To prevent acquiring measles during travel, U.S. residents aged = 6 months traveling abroad should be vaccinated or have documentation of measles immunity before travel. Infants 6–11 months of age should receive one dose of monovalent measles vaccine (or MMR vaccine if monovalent vaccine is not available) prior to travel. During a measles outbreak, additional vaccine recommendations should be considered: 1) children = 12 months of age should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine as soon after their first birthday as possible and their second dose 4 weeks later, 2) healthcare facilities should strongly consider recommending one dose of MMR vaccine to unvaccinated healthcare personnel born before 1957 who do not have serologic evidence of immunity or physician documentation of measles disease, and 3) one dose of measles or MMR vaccine should be considered for infants = 6 months of age. Further information on measles and measles vaccine is available at state health departments’ websites and at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/measles/default.htm. Additional Sources of Information The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a website with many informative articles and references on measles and the MMR vaccine. Several links are listed below. o CDC. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella—Vaccine use and strategies for elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome and control of mumps: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR 1998:4(No RR-8);1–57. o Immunization of Health-Care Workers, Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). MMWR 1997:46 (RR-18):1–42. o CDC. Outbreak of measles—San Diego, California, January–February 2008. MMWR 2008;57(08):203–6. o CDC. Multistate measles outbreak associated with an international youth sporting event—Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Texas, August–September 2007. MMWR 2008;57(07):169–73. o CDC. Progress in reducing global measles deaths, 1999--2004. MMWR 2006;55(09):247–9. o CDC. Import-associated measles outbreak—Indiana, May–June 2005. MMWR 2005;54(42):1073–5. o CDC. Preventable measles among U.S. residents, 2001–2004. MMWR 2005;54(33):817–20. o CDC. Progress in reducing measles mortality—worldwide, 1999–2003. MMWR 2005;54(08):200–3. o CDC. Brief Report: Imported measles case associated with nonmedical vaccine exemption—Iowa, March 2004. MMWR 2004;53(11):244–6. o CDC. Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. o Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings 2007. o Measles: General Information, provides background and incidence information and links to other information, including laboratory tools. o MMR Vaccine Information Statement . o MMR Vaccine Questions and Answers for Clinicians. o Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Measles Disease In-Short, provides general information about measles, including a description of the disease, information about symptoms, complications, transmission, and the vaccine and who needs it. o Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Measles Vaccination, provides general information about the disease, vaccination information, beliefs and concerns, vaccine safety, and who should not be vaccinated. It also contains more specific information for clinicians, including technical information, recommendations, references and resources, provider education, and materials for patients. o Travelers’ Health, including information for specific groups and settings. o Travelers’ Health: Yellow Book, CDC health information for international travel 2008. ________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________ Categories of Health Alert messages: Health Alert conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. Health Advisory provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Health Update provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. ##This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Epidemiologists, State Laboratory Directors, PHEP Coordinators, HAN Coordinators and Public Information Officers as well as Public Health Associations and Clinician organizations##

I have heard of the Vital Signs conference in upstate NY, but not Pulse check. I’ve also been to the fire / rescue show at the Nassau Coliseum, (all right, but expensive for a table ($800) and mostly Fire attendees. But, Thanks this is exactly the kind of info I need, I can’t afford to go to every conference, but a few (especially in the NY area) are in reach, I will check it out. The more and more I look at this, I think conferences are the way to go, since it seems that unless someone gets to experience the “look and feel” of the wrench, the message is lost (why pay for something you get for free… even if you get what you pay for). Anyone else, with any leads / Ideas? Thanks, -w

I was looking for input from folks that have attended past events to compare to this one. I remember attending breakout sessions where there was standing room only. (I didn’t get to attend any lectures this year). And exhibit floors so crowded you had to wait on line to get to a booth. I know a couple of vendors who decided not to go this year, because they thought the conference was getting played. I thought last year’s conference had more of a turn out; anyone else have a take on attendance? -w

You forgot "more embroidery then a grandmother’s knitting convention"…. Btw, FDNY didn’t have a booth, (Pipes and Drums were there, though!) but I was next to a pretty blond Capt from Fairfax Virginia FD recruiting National Medics hard and fast…. :wink: -w

They're less then 1 ounce, so whatever first class mail is now a days, something like what 40 bucks.... :shock: -w

I used to attend every conference, in general I think they a good thing. I did not know Gordy was doing the keynote, or I would have attended, (as it was I worked my butt off breaking down the booth to get home) he is fantastic and I use his LF/HR analysis chart in all my WMD and Hazmat Courses. I think his lecture should be mandatory for everyone in public safety. But, I was asking from an exhibit perspective (since I’m usually a conference / lecture attendee) what the feeling was on the show floor. As for swag, don’t blame me, I was giving away free carabineers! -w PS. I still have a bunch, so if anyone wants a carabineer, send a self addressed STAMPED envelope to my PO box and I'll send you (1) one.

OK I know someone posted an EMS Today thread, but it had one post, with no replies. AND this is not about hooking up a ride to the show, (I went on my own - drove 4 hours from NYC ) and besides the show is over now anyway… So MY QUESTION IS: did anyone here attend, have you been to previous shows, and if so how did you think this show measured up? I ask because I rented a booth (Talk about $$$$) and did not see the “foot traffic” I have seen even at smaller local shows. It seemed to me that the only vendors present were the “Big guys” and there was a complete absence of the small equipment booths that you can get those hard to find items, or the really good “Show Discounts” to save a few bucks that I’ve seen in the past. Also I was wondering if you did go to the show, what did you think (and finally did you get a chance to see me or my booth)? Thanks to all. Be safe WANTYNU

You know that partner you just “click” with? Well she was that one for me, she had 10 years on me was my first fulltime and taught me a lot. She knew about the job and always watched out for me, saved my sorry butt more than once. I was lucky to have her as my partner, and miss our tours to this day. I too never thought this job could be as dangerous as is it is, that’s why I end my posts as such. Be Safe, WANTYNU

Rich, My ex partner (she’s out permanently disabled due to ca) used to say her mother would yell at her for being an EMT, saying : “ your job is so dangerous and for what? You’ll end up getting killed, they’ll call you a hero for a day, light a candle, and forget about you tomorrow…” Unfortunately, how true that seems to be… -w

An ambulance is basically a big fiberglass box, with a lot of stuff that can break free of its mountings fly around and kill you. A couple of years ago, out on Long Island we had a paid professional 20 year veteran medic and his new partner along with the patient killed, because the 18 y/o volley had to try to beat a truck hauling gravel at an intersection. They lost. The pictures looked as if a giant coke can had been crushed and thrown away. When I’m in the back, I just want a nice easy ride, glide to stops, and ease from starts, hard to do in the city, but even more reason to go slow. Who said it before, just because you chose to eat five big Mac’s a day, doesn’t make it my problem. -w

There are always exceptions to the rules; I mostly treat on scene (when treatment is needed). HOWEVER, I work in area where literally THOUSANDS of people can come out in a few minutes (a partner said it was like turning on a light in a dirty abandoned room, but in reverse), say a fight with minor injuries, or a ped struck that is NBD, then we mostly load and go down the block, or out of view of the scene and work the patient up there, safely away from the accumulating crowd. I’ve see a riot take place after an ordinary car stop and the perp tried to run, the officer tackled the kid, and suddenly was surrounded by an angry Mob of 3 or 4 HUNDRED, this happened in less than a minute (no kidding) within five minutes the police were calling a 13 and had to block off 8 city blocks, and were retreating, air mail was being posted so heavily it looked like snow. Talk about pucker factor. Situational awareness and good judgment can be key in our safety and keeping small things small. It’s like trying to work an arrest with 15 family members in a 1 room apartment; ya have to think of what is best for you and after that the patient. -w

Ya something like that, except I think it’s real call not medic, and BS not a taxi ride, in reality though I think it’s more like 5 to 95…

Way, way beyond that... :wink: -w

Interesting….. Any REAL medic who has taken ACLS, would know what we do and give in the field for acute cardiac events, is the SAME as an ER doc would do and give (save for thrombolytics)…. Anyone have a spare BS detector lying around? I think we could use it here. -w

Btw for your edification Herbie, Grand Central Station has 10 flights of down… -w

I heard Wikipedia has 100,000 times more information the the average encyclopedia, however is 90% as accurate, thats at least better then the "80" - "20" rule of EMS. -w

come on Ruff, nobody knows that, they're moving too fast.... -w

How does that old saying go, you should never discuss religion or politics in polite company? Oh ya I guess it’s OK here then… I have a simple theory, this country and world is a complex place, and you need someone with more than a C – aptitude to run things. George jr ran four companies into the ground before his 5th was bailed out by his daddy’s Saudi friends, and at gas running close to $4 a gallon, they don’t seem to be doing much now… But he was elected president by the minority of this country and here we sit today, TRILLIONS in debt, hated by most of the world, in the worst economy since possibly the great depression, and it’s not getting better, yup, that C average sure is well... average... and just doesn't cut it. When Bill was in office? Well first he is a Rhodes Scholar and last I checked, you can’t just go online and print one up. The economy was TURNED AROUND into what was to date the best it’s EVER BEEN… we had a BALANCED BUDGET for the first time ever, and oh we were paying off our nation’s debt also for the first time ever, and we were respected around the world. Oh ya, I forgot he got a BJ from a FEMALE intern… (is that better then soliciting sex in an airport bathroom?). Oh how he absolutely screwed this country… Barack, is new to the game which is good and bad, doesn’t have as many enemies (yet) but also doesn’t have as many “friends” (contacts) and “favors” as well, and let’s not forget the presidency is a POLITICAL position, as in you must know the “In and Outs” and be able to wheel and deal in order to get things done. But as a former editor for the Harvard Law review you know he’s not lacking in the smarts department. Hillary may not have held office when Bill did, but she played in the sandbox, she was also involved in attempting to create a National Health Care Program, Failed Big Time, but was involved when nobody even thought health care was an issue… So who would you put your money on making something work, someone who tried and failed, and is trying again, or someone who never tried at all (as of yet)? She is also not lacking in the smarts department. John, tested veteran of both war and politics what’s not to respect? But respect is not the only component a leader needs. When asked about the GDP’s effect on the dollar’s value with respect to the euro, he was quoted as saying he didn’t know too much about all “that stuff”. Sorry in my book I want my president to know about “that stuff”, in fact “that stuff” is number one on my three most important issues list. (Anyone remember “It’s the ECONOMY STUPID”?) So who’s better (or worse) for this country? I can only say this; I hope the person elected is SMART, because they’ll (WE) need to be. As always IMHO Be safe, WANTYNU

Even if he went to Ruffems’s 120 hour medic program, he knew that what he was doing was wrong. Regarding his statement, I smell a bunch of cows nearby… The shame is the tarnish this puts on all our reputations. -w

I’ve been following this thread, and know that protocols vary wildly, BUT 25 years or not, I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you. In either textbooks or reality, I find it hard to believe you would / could give drugs without a monitor. This why we have such problems as being viewed as professionals within the medical community. I will stay away from the GREAT temptation of being insulting here as I find it nonproductive, but if you were caught doing that in NYC, at best you’d have a few days (more likely weeks) off without pay but more likely you’d just be out of a job. With that said working in a heavy call volume system, how many times have you found the SOB actually turn out to be an ARREST, now you’d not only look kind of silly without a defib, but you’d actually be in dereliction of duty, just the same as pt abandonment… Hell even BLS and dare I say FF’s must take an AED one EVERY (medical) call. I ask again, out of sheer disbelief, how could you even think of pushing drugs without a Monitor??? I won’t even start on leaving the O2 behind. Suffice to say I am unpleasantly surprised at such statements made from a supposedly practicing medic anywhere period. I truly hope you were just putting that statement “out there” to ruffle a few feathers and get a response. Like 2leads says, if you’re not taking your O2, Monitor, Drugs, and something to carry your patient in on EVERY job, ESPECIALLY on the sort of verticals you describe, you should be looking for different work. Sorry if you find that harsh, but if I found you working on one of my family members in such a slipshod way, you’d have more to worry about then your supervisor. If this is truly the way you work, then YES Asysin2Leads is a better provider then you. As always IMHO. Be Safe, WANTYNU

I still don’t see it, but to be honest my shoulder hurts like a b*tch, I’m distracted by the pittance you get when out on disability, while trying to figure out how to do a better job at marketing, and truly am hypersensitive (not to mention very irritable). No sense in beating a dead horse. I concede your point (especially since you were targeting a group that does so much less with so much more…) Although if I may suggest, please keep to EMS and lay off the Bard. :wink: Best -w