firedoc5

Like many, I've had good and bad experiences with "First Responders" and good samaritans. Biggest problem(s) have been the one's who get off on being the first there. They are more often basic trained, or less, and try to impress you with what they done and their "knowledge" above what their past training was.

And there are the one's that have done things wrong. Most don't like it when you question or correct them on their mistakes. It's just nature.

And there are those that "cling" to you and try to look good for the OMGS (Oh my gosh squad).

Fortunately most of the First Responders in my area and I knew well were very good at what they do. Rarely did I have problems with them. And when they did a mistake they learned from it and listened to you.

But you need to talk to any of those who were there or there first. Any and all info is helpful.

Welcome to EMS and the boards here. Glad you've decided a career in EMS and wanting to be a Paramedic eventually. There's many here with 20+ yrs. experience. Just surf around, look and listen and pay attention. If there is any certain question just ask. You'll find out those who you can take a question to.

Just remember, have fun also.

There's been several lists posted here, but it's always good to see some new one's, or at least new to me.

"They are coming to take me away" Napolean XIV From the Doctor Demento Show

Considering that 3 of the last 5 calls were psych related and it really fit the last one. Then again it was a full moon last night.

LOL, I can more than relate.

"Wish You Were Here" - Pink Floyd

HEY! I resemble those remarks.

Just remember, it's not the age but the mileage.

One I heard on the radio on my way home this morning, "Call Me the Breeze" - Skynyrd

One of the issues in my recent divorce was that my wife didn't think I was trying hard enough to quit smoking. I've done everything I know to quit. Found out I can't take Chantix due to causing syncopal episodes. It was very embarrassing, especially when I tumbled out of the pew at church. But that was just one of many. According to my wife that if "I just gave it all to God" that I wouldn't have any withdrawl, anxiety, or cravings to smoke. Yes, God can do miracles, but I tried to explain to her that it doesn't necesarily work that way and that I prayed daily to quit smoking. She warned me a couple of months before the divorce that if I didn't quit we would not stay together. Basically she gave me the impression that I was not "spiritual" enough to quit smoking and that she didn't want to stay together. I know, go figure???

Hmmm, I thought Roy DeSoto and Johnny Gage would be on the list LOL

Seriously, Congrats to all four of the honorees

Since I'm back, I'll start this back up.

"Take the Long Way Home" - Supertramp

This is exactly what I've been intending to do. I even had some stories submitted but have lost them. Great that you're doing it. I'll give you any help I can. Many stories, many experiences.

I don't know how long it's been since I've been here, but I know it's been way too long. I've missed it. For the past several months I had just been overwhelmed with things at home. Long story short, went through a divorce, only took four days. She asked for a divorce on a Sat. and it was done and over with by Wed. So she'd been planning it for some time. I moved back to La. I'm like a different person. Now I'll be able to be more casual, care free, and not over whelmed. So I'm back here to share, tudor, advise, etc. Just let me know what I can do.

There's so many folks here I've missed. Hope most or even all are still here.

thanks for the warning!!!!! hahahahaha.. welcome back....I made my re-debut 2 weeks ago....

Thanx Don. Feels good to be back.

I know it's been a long time, but I'm finally getting to get back on. Just went through a divorce about six weeks ago, moved back to La. and settling in.

I don't know how much has changed and I know I'll be way behind in everything, so please be easy on me LOL

'Take a Little Piece of My Heart' - Big Brother and the Holding Company/ Janis Jop;in

So.....a medic, nurse, doc, or whoever can go to an ME and say "take my word for it, it was natural causes"? I think not. Now I can see how someone had been battling cancer or was in a vegitative state in a nursing home for a number of years they may do a very basic post or at least be opened up. But missed bullet holes and the 'assumed" cause of death is just so surprising. Maybe I got spoiled due to even though we had just a small populated county(approx. 25k), no matter the apparent cause of death there was, at least a preliminary post was done.

How many times have any of us were doing exactly what this Medic was doing? In the warmer months you could have the bay doors open and you and maintaining your vehicle or have it pulled half way out while washing it and for no reason get attacked. i know a few guys that were approached but those were personal beefs.

Possible attempted theft, especially drug related, someone drunk, etc. Guess it's getting to where you have to watch eech other's backs, even at your base station.

Same way as when a soldier is awareded The Purple Heart or a pilot is shot down and receives a heroic commendation. They'll all tell you that they were just doing their jobs, plain and simple. And some say it's the one's that didn't get hurt or shot down that should receive a medal. They were better by not getting their butts in a sling. Personally, I still think they deserve one.

But...then you get these guys, military, fire, ems, etc. that seems to "try" to get these awards. If it's an award you want, you don't want to be in that job.

"Jambalaya" - Hank Williams' / Nitty Gritty Dirt band

This is something IMHO would be a judgement call that can only be answered by whoever was there. We can give you some IF I was there" advice, but to give you a definate answer, we can't do it.

Sorry for your loss.

This would have been better in the '"scenarioe' area"

On June 4th, I'm going to Louisiana, but without a banjo on my knee.

It's been right a a yeer since I've been down there.. Going Greyhound and that sort of sux. But I'm needing a break,

They have 'puter there so I'll be lurking around.

I could see it as part of Rhythmic Gemnastics. Maybe clothing could be optional.

Now THOSE are the kind of women that throws you down on the bed and says, "i want sex, and I want it RIGHT NOW, and I had better like it!'

As long as someone has the body and clear enough mind that is adequate for whatever goes on, more power to them.

I've not been here for a while so I may have answered this in an earlier post, but....

When I started in the early 80's in our system, you had to have been active in the field as an EMT -A (Basic) for at least three years. Some companies only sent those that were selected and "nominated' to take the class. Not just anyone could get in. You had to take written test that was on the Basic level but had a few questions that were more advanced to see what they may have picked up in the field. And don't forget the National or State tests

Then. depending on what ALS system you worked out of, you had to have so many particular new skills and be "signed off" by a superior within a certain amount of time, usually between three and nine months.

After being a "certified' EMT-I for at least one year, it all begins again. The nominating, tests (written & practicals) just to get into the Paramedic class. And believe me, they were picky. Then to become certified, it was pretty much the same as the probationary period as an EMT-I, but you had up to one year. If you don't get your skills, required monthly clinical time (forgot to mention that in the EMT-I curriculum) Then you really don't have to re-take the class, but they have you "audit' the class. I knew several that happened to and they came back and aced the test.

I know how different other systems are and like I said, it was back in what I considered EMS as in the M*A*S*H stage. The advancements have been like leaps and bounds and I'm proud of you all that are still active in both the field and the class room. Believe me, if there was a way to help advance EMS, I would in a heart beat. Even though I tutor some and get several questions is all I feel like is my little contribution (very small)

It's you young one's, students, basic EMT's, that are the future. And we are counting on you.

Sorry, didn't mean to get on a roll.

For those intereested, things are OK. I've just not been here for awhile. Too many people to do and things to see.

I'm getting ready for a trip to La. on the 4th, can't wait. If anyone wants to know more of what's been going on just Message me. To spare those who don't care, I'll save the time and effort to explain it all here now.

But I promise I'll be around more often.

Published: May 28, 2009 10:53 pm

Explosion destroys area home

By KANDACE MCCOY

kandace.mccoy@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A local couple barely escaped with their lives after their home exploded early Thursday morning.

Jason and Amanda Shehorn, of the 19900 block of North Miller Lake Lane, awoke shortly after 4 a.m. after their house exploded, which officials say was the result of a propane leak under the house. The couple received minor injuries and were treated and released from an area hospital after seeking treatment.

“Everyone thought it was thunder,” said Jason’s father Butch, who lives behind the couple. “I didn’t hear it, but the neighbors said they heard it and people up at Field School said they heard it, too.”

Butch said that his daughter-in-law stated she woke up at midnight and told Jason that she thought she smelled gas. Jason could not detect any odors, Butch said, and the couple went back to sleep.

“It blew the walls out,” Butch said. “It’s a miracle they’re alive.”

Jason and Amanda’s bedroom is located on the north side of the home. When the explosion occurred, a dresser fell near the couple’s bed, blocking the remainder of the roof from collapsing onto them, Butch explained.

According to Jefferson Fire Protection District Chief Mike Huntman, the way the home exploded and burned is typical of a propane gas explosion. Huntman explained propane gas is heavier than air and will go low to the ground, as opposed to natural gas which is lighter than air and will settle higher. When propane gas explodes, it blows from a low point in the structure, which results in a “low burn pattern.”

In addition to JFPD, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois Fire Marshall also responded to the scene. Huntman said the state fire marshall suspects the explosion came from the propane gas leak.

“We can always get another house,” Butch Shehorn said. “If they had been in another part of the house, they would have been done for.”

He added “hundreds” of people have been by his son’s house offering assistance with cleanup. However, he said until the insurance adjuster assesses the damage, cleanup will have to wait.

The house, Huntman said, was a total loss.

I hope the pic turns out. I'm still a novice at that.

I'm sorry if it's not there, but REALLY sorry if it comes up more than once