ADDED TO YOUR JOB DISCRIPTION:

[speedygodzilla]

I would report an obvious terrorist activity, however it seems this program goes across the line.

Can we add a poll to this topic?

(During the author’s presentation on this subject, to approximately 100 pre-hospital personnel, most were interested in participating in an information collection program. However, about twenty-five attendees stated they would not, under any circumstances, participate in such a program.) 12

This made me wonder about how many of us would be interested in this program :?:

I would say NOPE :!:

[DwayneEMTP]

Though I can absolutely see moral, ethical, and possibly constitutional issues here, I only need safety to make the decision for me.

If you think blue uniforms, or badges make you a target for the bad guys, what will happen when:

"EMS joins forces with law enforcement to keep our country safe!"

Headlines are common place?

Just a thought...

Dwayne

[Lone Star]

And they can kill 3,000 more, but that's not gonna effect your patient care. Hell, you can have bin laden himself in the back of your rig and your STILL gonna give your best to provide the best possible patient care.

They're not hezbollah, they're not al-qaeda, they're not serial murders, they're not rapists, they're not child molesters, they are YOUR PATIENT and your gonna give them your best. If you have a huge problem with that, then maybe this isn't the job for you.

I believe this idea is wrong on so many levels. First of all it appears to me that this is yet another attempt by bureacrats to bypass civil rights, and the constitution to gather evidence and prosecute lawbreakers of all types. Similar to the patriot act they will try to push it through the neccesary channels by marketing it as a tool to fight the dreaded teeerrroorriiissstts. However I am certain that like the patriot act this would be used to go after lawbreakers other than terrorists 98% of the time.I am 110% for doing everything in my power to stop terrorists and the enemies of this country. However I am not a police officer nor do I have any desire to be a police officer. I desire to provide compassionate service to the members of my community, I do not wish to have any part in the judicial process unless absolutely necessary.My second point is that if the public begins to perceive us as law enforcement or worse yet "snitches" EMS providers will be left in a very very dangerous position. The publics opinion of us would change! The publics not as dumb as some think and we would be left as unarmed ems providers going on scene against a certain demographic of the population that would HATE US. This idea would be beneficial to the LEO community, but would leave ems providers in great danger. Just my 2 cents

First off, Lucky~13, well said! We are only here to treat those that need our services. Whether they've done something stupid to themselves, or to someone else,..... we are not judge, jury or excicutioner.

Regardless of what the patient has done to others, or to themselves, we are to remain objective, and are morally and ethically bound to give them the best treatment that we are able to render under the conditions and circumstances in which we find the patient.

Secondly, Frog...

To narrow down the general public to a certain demographic of the population that would HATE US' only shows your narrow minded bigotry.

It's not a 'certain demographic of the population that would HATE US', but the general public that would hate us for violating the trust that we have worked so hard to establish!

To sit there in and narrow it down to a 'certain demographic of the population that would HATE US' is not only wrong, but offensive as well.

There are many of us that have treated that 'certain demographic of the population' without incident and without prejudice. Obviously by your statements, you have not or cannot do either.

The true professional in EMS cannot and will not harbor animosity towards any 'certain demographic of the population', whether they hate 'US' or not. It's not a matter of 'US' against 'THEM', but rather a case of those who respond to those in need.

[firefighter523]

StickEM, self control is aquired, and you obviously have not gotten it yet. Watch the language please!

[unknown]

What makes any of you think a terrorist is going to call 911 to begin with? They're not that stupid.

LOL!! Your right they are not but most folks that need 911 has somebody else calling FOR THEM!!!!

[Lone Star]

Hello 91-1? I just told my buddies, "Hey y'all, watch this!", and will probably need your services at 27845 Laurel Canyon Blvd in about 15 minutes. Can y'all start an ambulance that way now?

[unknown]

Hello 91-1? I just told my buddies, "Hey y'all, watch this!", and will probably need your services at 27845 Laurel Canyon Blvd in about 15 minutes. Can y'all start an ambulance that way now?

Sure, can you state the MOI?

[rescuefiregal]

Unfortuantly we were all a target that day... police and the responders... Someday they will get theirs...

[captainstandup]

If we are going to do this crap i want an MP5 K and four mags with me on every call.

[GhostMedic29]

This won't ever fly with the EMS community. There are far to many privacy and confidentiality issues that WE as EMS providers must adhere to on a daily basis. While this idea that is being tossed around by the intelligence community, may seem like a good idea, EMS primary goal is tp provide safe, effective patient care.

I don't have time while I am working a full arrest, to look around and see if this individual is engaged in suspected terrorist activities, much less notify whichever intelligence group be it the (CIA, NSA, DHS, or the freaking boy scouts) that suggested this dumb idea in the first place.

Hell the states won't even let us carry weapons while on duty (although most of us have at times) but if they are wanting to have EMS personnel gather "intelligence information on suspected terrorists" then I want to be armed with something other then my "keen observation abilities".