¶ (Pilcrow, baby, pilcrow!)
I am a new member on here and i thought this might be a good time to introduce myself, i am 17 years old and my name is Ryan, I have my Firefighting 1 and 2, and i am a first responder, and by the end of this year i will have my EMT-B. I ride out a lot with local fire departments and am currently trying to become an EMT on an ambulance in a neighboring county. I come from a family of police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. I am from Indiana and live in Hamilton county, unfortunately every fire dept. here has there own ambulance so i am attempting to get on an hospital ambulance in the next county over. (Yes, i do know i basically just repeated myself)
I love the medical aspect of being a firefighter, i am training hard and studding to become a great FF/EMT. I have recently got my LED Lights on my POV and yes i did go through my chief, and homeland security. I do understand that i have to obey all laws while my lights are on, i also understand that my lights are nothing more then courtesy lights. I am not a freelancer, and i do not listen to the scanner turn my lights on and just go. I only respond to calls if i know that the department needs an extra pair of hands or if for some reason the department can't get there. Also in advance i will apologize if i use such terminology like DRT or DOA which seems to frustrate some people, i am not cold hearted it's just that my local department use that terminology so it is pretty much second nature to me.
In case u are wondering y i am explaining myself so much, it is because on a FF forum some individuals got angry at me for a lot of reasons, i think it was simply because of my age and they saw me as a little kid. I promise i am responsible and do take my future profession very seriously, i am not in it for the glory, i am in it to help people and make a difference, as well as be there when people need it most. One more thing u probably have noticed that while i type i text as in i use u instead of you and r instead of are and you get the idea. I also do not use correct grammar while typing. I do this because forums are made for typing quickly and getting a point across, forums are not meant for grades (this is not grammar class) reason i mention this is because i got trash talked by alot of FF's on the other forum because of it.
Well anyways its great to meet u all and i am looking forward to have in depth discussions about the job as well as anything else that may be brought up.
First, it is correct that correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are not always required online. However, good spelling, grammar, and punctuation, along with a logical progression of thought, will almost always lend credence to any position you wish to take.
Secondly, any "time saved to get a point across" is nullified if paragraphs are not used. There is a ton of science on why paragraphs work. It would have been nice to see some, but everyone forgets now and again.
I hope I don't sound like I'm treating you as a little kid, as I'm not. I'm treating you as a peer, which people sometimes do not recognize, which leads them to go away with bent feelers. Don't let that happen. I'm young, also, at 21, and I did my initial EMS training at the age of 17. I think I might have some valuable insight, if you don't let your feelings get hurt. Others do as well, although some of our best haven't been posting too much lately. Feel free to PM me whenever, if you happen to have a question, and I'll answer you. Some things I will not ever discuss in a public place, and that is for the safety of my career.
Anyway, I've worked the gamut of jobs in EMS, including volunteer, and I would say that POV lights are never
needed. Keep in mind the risk you are taking with them, and the fact that you will lose respect of many EMS professionals for having them. Consider the following:
-Why are you using them?
-If the department cannot get there, as you state, then you are
there alone. Are you a part of a team? There is added danger in
being by yourself. Many people may also not feel comfortable with a
lone teenager showing up first to help them. Are you actually saving
lives by doing so? Remember, I still am often in the same position.
-Do they save time? More importantly, do they save time that is relevant to patient outcome?
-Consider the added risk to yourself and the public due to their use.
Many people do not expect a POV to have lights on it, and may not
know how to react. Many people are also have a harder time
acting rationally and being calm when they have lights on.
-If they are a "courtesy light," then you are not allowed to break any traffic laws, period, unlike ambulance lights, where one is allowed to while also taking on the added liability. So why, then do you have one? What function are they serving?
I would suggest you remove the light. Attempt to obtain a position with a professional, paid service where you are reimbursed for your time. Don't accept systems where "anything goes." Despite my age, I spent this entire summer helping "reorganize" one service, as it had fallen into a dangerous state. The service was a small, paid-per-call service where volunteers were often adrenaline junkies or those seeking money (Up to $75/call.). Along with a new medical director, some chaff got cut, as well as people responding POV, due to some terrible events with EMTs responding POV "to help."
I can say definitively that such a system is a danger to the public. Work to streamline your volunteer system. If there is a
need for you to respond POV, then your system's
operational needs are not being met. Strive for excellence and promote a progressive change that eliminates this. Promote scientific- and safety-based standard operating protocols. Be the force for change. At a recent meeting with over 200 EMS personnel, I was the youngest person in attendance, yet I was the most up-to-date on current trends in medicine and in EMS curricula. Don't be the system that stays stuck in the past, and don't be the system that struggles with stagnation. Be the person that improves your system, so that when your members show up at the local emergency departments, the nurses and physicians are pleased to work with you, have trust in your decisions and skills, and feel that you are a valuable peer.
Welcome to the site.