BP Oil Spill Cam

[Richard B the EMT]

It's a major loss for those who do that kind of work as well as for BP. The environmental issues are truely a major concern for those trying to stop this well. All around, it's a sad deal.

Leave us not forget the 11 crewmen who are missing and presumed dead, and of course, their families.

[JPINFV]

JP, being raised by a design engineer for the oil/gas/chemical industry, this is the way that they deal with oil wells that have been damaged. On land, it's more cut and dried getting to it. The underwater wells have a lot more issues that have to be delt with that include the depth of the water and what happened to the rig above it.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to downplay the fact that there's additional difficulties due to the depth, but it seems like the basic concepts (clear wreckage from around the pipe, modify pipe to something that can be capped, cap the pip) wouldn't change. Is it easier on land though? Definitely.

Additionally, from the news reports I've read, there were both serious malfunctions (such as the blowout preventer failing to activate) as well as serious command issues where it seemed that all critical decisions were required to be made jointly by both the rig captain and a representative from BP.

[HERBIE1]

JP, being raised by a design engineer for the oil/gas/chemical industry, this is the way that they deal with oil wells that have been damaged. On land, it's more cut and dried getting to it. The underwater wells have a lot more issues that have to be delt with that include the depth of the water and what happened to the rig above it.

Having seen drawings of offshore platforms and having had them explained to me, I know that there are a lot of safety checks in place. Something major had to have failed for this one to catch on fire like it did. It's a major loss for those who do that kind of work as well as for BP. The environmental issues are truely a major concern for those trying to stop this well. All around, it's a sad deal.

From one of the initial reports I heard, they were in the middle of installing one of those safety devices when the explosion happened. Bad timing.

[spenac]

Cool now it shows multiple cameras.

[tskstorm]

Cool now it shows multiple cameras.

Wow that is cool, I don't really understand the complexities, of sealing a hole. It certainly looks quite difficult!

[Richard B the EMT]

This just in, courtesy the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, re going down to help with the Gulf Coast cleanup:

TEMPORARY WORKERS FOR GULF COAST OIL SPILL NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

Shamrock Environmental Corporation (Shamrock) has been contracted to provide support personnel to assist with the oil spill clean-up throughout the Gulf Coast. Areas where work may be performed are Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. All workers will require OSHA 40 hour Hazardous Waste Operator Training (WE WILL PROVIDE).

Successful completion of a physical and drug screen also required. Each applicant must be 18 years of age or older. The hours will vary but expect LOTS of overtime.

RATE OF PAY: $13.00/hour straight time

$19.50/hour overtime (after 40 hours/week)

PER DIEM: $26.00/day for meals

LODGING: Provided

Work may include, but is not limited to, manual labor associated with removing crude oil from impacted beaches, rocks, boom, or any other items that have come in contact with the oil. Technicians may be required to operate pressure washers, mops, rakes, shovels or a variety of other hand tools or small pieces of equipment while wearing proper protective gear. Work Environment may include working on or near water, in marshland, beach and estuary locations in hot and humid conditions day or night.

Work is available IMMEDIATELY for safety conscious workers.

Transportation to the Gulf Coast will be provided. The HR Group has been contracted to conduct this recruitment.

*Applications MUST be completed at: http://shamrockenviro.iapplicants.com/_

** NO PHONE CALLS.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Louisiana Announces EMS Reciprocity Process Related to the Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup

An Executive Order (EO) [bJ 2010 –9] has been issued by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal that describes the process of reciprocity for temporary EMS workers to assist in medical aid efforts related to the Gulf Oil Spill cleanup. Individuals who are “duly licensed and in good standing in another state” may apply for temporary reciprocity. The EO outlines the steps that will enable EMS workers to respond to mutual aid requests, EMAC deployments, and/or employment offers from British Petroleum for direct assistance. This information is NOT a call for volunteers. Individuals should NOT respond to Louisiana to provide EMS care nor should they contact the Louisiana Dept of Health or EMS Office to request information about volunteering with the oil spill cleanup.

Executive Order and required application form for EMS reciprocity in Louisiana are attached.

PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Jindal Signs Order to Allow for

Increase in Paramedics along the Coast

Strict Rules for Temporary Permitting of Licensed

Emergency Medical Technicians to be Followed

BATON ROUGE (June 4, 2010) - Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an

executive order today that will allow for an increase in the number of

much-needed paramedics to care for the emergency medical needs

of workers responding to the BP oil spill disaster.

The order, requested by Secretary of the Department of Health and

Hospitals Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry,

uses the governor's powers in a state of emergency to suspend

statutes governing the licensure and certification of emergency

medical technicians during a crisis.

The text of the executive order is below.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. BJ 2010 -9

EMERGENCY PARTIAL SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN EMT

LICENSING LAWS

WHEREAS, Pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and

Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, R.S. 29:721, et seq., and

as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a state of emergency

(Emergency) was declared through Executive Proclamation No. 20

BJ 2010, extended by Executive Proclamation No. 37 BJ 2010;

WHEREAS, the Emergency has been declared a Spill of National

Significance (SONS) and has significantly impacted wildlife, other

natural resources, industry, and the health and safety of individuals

living and working in Louisiana coastal areas;

WHEREAS, British Petroleum has contracted with many fishermen

and other residents of the State of Louisiana to engage in the

assessment and cleanup efforts related to the oil spill and its

inundation of Louisiana's coastal beaches, marshes and wetlands;

WHEREAS, British Petroleum has been unable to procure within the

state of Louisiana, the large number of Emergency Medical

Technicians ("EMTs") needed to adequately assist in providing

medical aid and assistance to those persons engaged in the

assessments and cleanup efforts;

WHEREAS, EMTs licensed in states other than Louisiana are

available to provide medical aid and assistance to those persons

engaged in the oil spill assessment and cleanup efforts;

declared state of emergency to suspend the provisions of any state

regulatory statute prescribing procedures for conducting state

business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if

strict compliance with the provision of any statute, order, rule, or

regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary

action in coping with the emergency;

WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health

and Hospitals and the State Health Officer have requested that the

Louisiana statutes, laws, rules, and regulations related to licensing of

EMTs be temporarily suspended for those EMTs duly licensed to

practice in other states who wish to provide their services in affected

coastal and offshore areas to those persons engaged in the oil spill

assessment and cleanup efforts.

NOW THEREFORE I, BOBBY JINDAL, Governor of the State of

Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and

laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Louisiana's statutes, rules, and regulations regarding

the licensure of EMTs, as required by Revised Statutes Title 40,

specifically the EMT-Basic (EMT-, EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I), and

EMT-Paramedic EMT-P) (Paramedic) designations, are hereby

suspended for EMTs duly licensed to practice in other states who

wish to provide their services in affected coastal and offshore areas

to those persons engaged in the ongoing oil spill response, removal,

assessment, and other cleanup efforts. An individual currently

licensed and in good standing as an EMT-B, EMT-I, or EMT-P in

another state may practice in such geographic areas of the State of

Louisiana, subject to the following conditions, qualifications, and

parameters:

A. The individual must be duly licensed and in good standing in

another state.

B. Prior to practicing in Louisiana pursuant to this Order, the

individual shall submit to the State Health Officer (or his designee) a

copy of the individual's out-of-state license and photo identification.

Such information may be provided by contacting the Department of

Public Health, Bureau of EMS.

C. The individual must submit a reciprocity application for a

temporary timed permit along with appropriate fees.

D. Under the medical direction of a Louisiana Licensed Physician the

individual may provide pre-hospital services only in local, parish, or

state declared areas at medical sites specifically operated and

designated to assist with oil spill related activities.

E. The individual may work only alongside a team of other EMTs,

and must be supervised by an EMT-P licensed in Louisiana.

F. The individual must not exceed the applicable scope of practice

applicable to his license, as provided for by applicable law of the

state in which he is licensed.

G. The individual must cease practicing in Louisiana upon the

termination or rescission of this Order or of the declared state of

emergency cited herein, or any extension thereof.

SECTION 2: This Order is effective upon signature and shall be

made applicable June 4, 2010, and continue in effect until amended,

modified, terminated, or rescinded by the Governor, or terminated by

operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to

be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the City of

Baton Rouge, on this 4th day of June, 2010.

/S/Bobby Jindal

GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETING THE LOUISIANA EMT RECIPROCITY APPLICATION

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ALL INFORMATION ON THIS APPLICATION.

APPLICATION WILL BE RETURNED AS INCOMPLETE FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

I.

Application not filled out completely

II.

Copies of Required Documentation not submitted

III.

Payment not in the form of money order, or cashier’s check

IV.

Incorrect Payment

TO INSURE RECEIPT OF APPLICATION YOU MAY CONSIDER CERTIFIED MAIL.

CERTIFIED MAIL ONLY MAY BE SENT TO: Bureau of EMS, 8919 World Ministry Ave, Suite A,

Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

1.

Applicant must be 18 years of age.

2.

Attach copies of the following documentation:

a.

High School Diploma, or GED Equivalent

b.

Enlarged (3X3) Driver’s License with clear photo and readable text

c.

Current State Certification (if applicable) with readable Name, EMT Number, and Expiration Date

d.

Current National Registry Card with readable Name, EMT Number, and Expiration Date

e.

Current BLS/CPR Card

f.

PARAMEDICS must also submit ACLS card

g.

Certificate of Completion from EMT Training Program

3.

Be sure to sign and date your application.

RECIPROCITY FEES PER EMT LEVEL

EMT-Basic - $60.00 EMT-Intermediate - $80.00 EMT-Paramedic - $100.00

IF APPLICANT IS NOT NATIONALLY REGISTERED, SUBMIT FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION:

I.

Verification that training was successfully completed within the two year period prior to the

request for reciprocity.

If applicant is currently state certified, provide documentation showing successful completion of appropriate level DOT National Standard Curriculum EMT Course or National Standard EMT Refresher Course (e.g., Basic, Intermediate, or Paramedic) within the one year period prior to the request for reciprocity.

II.

Upon receipt and approval of required documentation, the applicant will be required to

successfully complete the National Registry Written and Practical Exam.

****IMPORTANT NOTICE****

AS DEFINED IN R.S. 40:1231 A CERTIFIED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN

MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AN EMERGENCY

MEDICAL TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM DEVELOPED AND PROMULGATED BY

THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ADOPTED BY THE

BUREAU, WHO IS NATIONALLY REGISTERED, AND WHO IS CERTIFIED BY THE

BUREAU. ANY EMT IN VIOLATION OF R.S. 40:1232.9 WILL BE SUBJECTED TO

PROSECUTION AS IN R.S. 40:1232.10

Alan Levine

SECRETARY

Bobby Jindal

GOVERNOR

STATE OF LOUISIANA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HOSPITALS

LOUISIANA BUREAU OF EMS

RECIPROCITY APPLICATION

EMT-Basic EMT-Intermediate EMT-Paramedic

Application Date Money Order Number Amount

-- $.

National Registry # Expiration Date Social Security Number -- --

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Last Name First Name MI

Mailing Address Apartment #

City State Zip Code Parish/County

Home Phone Cell Phone Digital Pager

-- -- --

E-mail Address

Date of Birth Place of Birth (City/State) US Citizen?

-- Yes No

Race M F Height Weight Color Hair Color Eyes ’” lbs

Driver’s License# State Expiration Date -- EDUCATION

HS Year Graduated City/State #YRS COLLEGE _____________

GED DEGREE ___________________ TRAINING INFORMATION

Name and Location of Training Site: __________________________________________________________

Level of EMT Training Completed: ____________ #Classroom Hrs: ________ #Field Hrs: ______ Year______ CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

In what state were you tested? _______ Year_______ In what state(s) are you currently certified? __________

INTENDED EMPLOYER IN LOUISIANA Phone # --

Address Fax # --

City State Zip - VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Yes No I am interested in volunteering on a statewide EMS Bio-terrorism/Disaster Team.

Yes No I am interested in attending any state sponsored Bio-terrorism/Disaster training programs.

Yes No I am interested in attending any state sponsored Bio-terrorism/Disaster train the trainer programs.

Yes No I am interested in receiving Critical Incident Stress Management training.

OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH • BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

P.O. BOX 94215 • BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70804-421

PHONE #: 225/763-5700 • FAX #: 225/763-5702

“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER”

I hereby affirmed and declare that the above information on this

application is true and correct and that any fraudulent entry may be considered a sufficient cause for rejection or subsequent revocation. I

further agree to abide by all polices and procedures of the National

Registry of EMTs and the Louisiana Bureau of EMS.

TYPE OF EMT EMPLOYMENT (Check all that apply)

PRIVATE

[ ] Full time

[ ] Part Time

MUNICIPAL

[ ] Full time

[ ] Part Time

VOLUNTEER

MILITARY

[ ] Active

[ ] Reserves

GOVERNMENT

[ ] State

[ ] Federal

[ ] EMS

[ ] EMS

[ ] EMS

[ ] Army

List Agency

[ ] Hospital

[ ] Fire

[ ] Fire

[ ] Navy

[ ] Industry

[ ] Fire/EMS

[ ] Rescue

[ ] Air Force

[ ] Police

[ ] Red Cross

[ ] Marines

[ ] Other

[ ] Other

[ ] Other

[ ] National Guard

Describe:

Describe:

Describe:

[ ] Coast Guard

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AFFIDAVIT (MUST BE COMPLETE)

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you ever been arrested?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you received a DUI/DWI violation?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Are there any criminal charges currently pending against you? If yes, please explain?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Are you currently on probation or parole?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you had any voluntary surrender, disciplinary action, consent order or settlement imposed or is any disciplinary action pending on your license/certification in any state (including Louisiana) or jurisdiction? Have you had other than honorable discharged from the military?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you been named in a civil/malpractice case relating to your employment as a health care worker? Have you had clinical privileges suspended, revoked or limited?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you had or have a physical, mental or emotional condition that might affect your ability to practice safely as a certified EMT?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

Have you been convicted of a felony?

Note: Even though an arrest or conviction has been pardoned, expunged, dismisses, or deferred, and your civil rights have been restored, you must answer “Yes” and attached certified copies of criminal record(s).

IF YOU ANSWERED “YES” TO ANY OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS, YOU MUST ATTACH A WRITTEN EXPLANATION AND ANY RELEVANT COURT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED TO THE BUREAU OF EMS, FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION.

APPLICANT’S STATEMENT

I hereby affirm that all statement I have made in this application are true and correct; that the photograph attached hereto is a true one of me; that in consideration of the issuance to me a certificate, I affirm that I shall abstain from unethical, deceptive and fraudulent methods of practice and from immoral, unprofessional and unethical conduct, and that I shall not associate professionally with nor become a partner or employee of any person who resorts to such practices, and I hereby affirm that the violation of this oath shall constitute cause sufficient for the refusal or revocation of said certificate and surrender the rights and privileges that accrued to me there under. I hereby authorize all hospitals, institutions or organizations, my references, personal physicians, employers (past and present), business and professional associates (past and present) and all governmental agencies and instrumentalities, local, state and federal or foreign to release to the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to release to the organization, individuals and groups listed above any information, which is material to my application. ______________________________________ ____________________ Applicant Signature Date

COPY OF CURRENT

NATIONAL REGISTRY

CARD HERE

COPY OF DRIVER’S LICENSE

(PLEASE DO NOT ENLARGE MORE THAN

3X3)

[Richard B the EMT]

I was just informed that, while this was posted in the AM, by the PM, all positions had been filled, and several more on a call-up list. It's closed out, even if the pipe isn't.

[tskstorm]

Of course its a job in this poopy economy