emtfan

The T-shirt issue in question is this. Tom Everett Scott, who plays the lead paramedic, wears his duty shirt unbuttoned with some sort of logo t-shirt underneath. That's what people are referring to as far as the T shirt thing goes. Is it a big deal, absolutely not. But some in the EMS field will get bent out of shape because he's not professional looking. Will some people think this is the real deal, of course. But, a large portion of the TV viewing community is smarter than that. They understand what's on the small screen isn't exactly a perfect portrayal. As for the mention of Rescue Me, that's terrific show, one of the very best dramas on television. And yes, some of the FDNY don't like it. But, there are also some in the FDNY that do think its accurate, or close enough. The difficulty with these sorts of situations is this: Lots of people react without seeing the actual show, and go just on a clip. Wait until it airs in June and if you think it blows, great. If you like it, great. But wait until you see the whole thing before just shooting it down willy nilly.

I was wondering how long it would take for this string to heat up. First, I've seen the whole first episode, I have a feeling a lot of folks will be upset at the portrayal. The T-shirt thing. The shock thing. There's also a scene where he has sex with his former girlfriend/nurse in the back of the rig, while its parked at the hospital, if I remember correctly. I'd have go back and check, but I think there might have been a scene without gloves, too. And there are some touching moments, too. That said, let's not forget, it's a TV show, nothing more. I don't believe viewers walk away from any show beliving that's exactly the way a profession is whether it be paramedics or truck drivers in BJ and the Bear. Characters have to be flawed in some way to be interesting. Likewise, with any show, they've got to build up drama, too. Hell, would anyone want to watch segment after segment of a good, sweet paramedic answering call after call of an elderly woman who puked on herself?

Show them some tools. The gizmos always go over well. And at some point, mention getting puked on, that's always a crowd pleaser.

No sweat. And yeah, there's that little 5% factor, which, on a vehicle could be a sizeable chunk of change.

Devin, They actually hold some grant writing seminars around us tied to this program. And, as noted before, there's tons of information on their website. It seems to me you either go for a vehicle, or go for other stuff, like training materials, PPE equipment, etc. One of our guys went to one of the seminars and the take away point was be focused in your narrative to what it is you want, why and how the world will benefit from it. He also suggested to target one area, rather than ask for an array of different items not connected. Rich

It is pretty amazing how the volunteer issue is a sore one. (I'm a volunteer by the way.) More important, it's impossible to make broad statements about either group, however. As for the NYC situation, every job in every area has 500 people ready to do the same work for the same pay, and that goes for EMTs, journalists, and deli workers. Heck, look at the police deal now. Recruits pull in a whopping $25,000. Is that because of the "wanker vollies?" I don't think so. It's the deal that was made between the people above. Conversely, volunteers do provide a valuable EMS force for many communities around the US. And, to the point of paid versus volunteer, just try to float the tax increase to cover the EMS force. Communities would flip out. They'd have to bite the bullet and do so - and many are as the volunteer forces dwindle - but it won't be easy. My point here, of course, is that in any discussion its just impossible to make broad statements about either side. If you're not happy with the pay you get in your job, change jobs or careers, but don't blame another group like volunteers. They existed before you took the gig, no?