I was trying to figure out what emergency lights are allowed in Maryland for "Vollies" while operating personal vehicles. The law says "red and white" with consent.
In conducting further research, many members of the EMTLife forum cynically implied not helping or endangering your family's life when happening upon an emergency after calling 911 may the best course of action. The PD/FD [insert whatever agency you want here] will not respect you if you hit your "discos" or ill-advised light bar to safely render assistance. The posts seemed to be generated by certain members.
As a former volunteer EMT-D with over thirty years experience in the trenches with Trenton Vollies, Brooklyn Voliies and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Vollies and a number of paid ambulance services part-time; service at Ground Zero on 9/11, which left me "totally and completely" disabled, to say I was stunned by these posts would be an understatement.
I have always aided pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists involved in accidents or suffering medical distress without seeking either fanfare or recognition. It was the right thing to do. And my reward came from knowing I possessed the skills to either provide "first aid" or save a life, period. The victims were invariably grateful.
I was always highly respected and even commanded most scenes I came upon by both Fire and Police. I used my personal vehicle, or offered my assistance as a "Member of Service" while walking, or responded to calls as a member of the aforementioned agencies.
I didn't care what FD/PD or anyone else thought. I was in it strictly to save lives. I had a day job as a professional. And it seems to me many of the posters do not. They seek personal recognition or aggrandizement through EMS, which is their chosen career path.
It is irrational to train for 120 hours, pass a written examination constructed to be comprehended at the 8th-grade level (which is the reading level of most high-school educated adults in the United States), a practical examination designed for you to pass, and expect to command the same degree of respect as either a cop or a firefighter, period.
Continuing your education, becoming a 'medic, nurse, NP, PA, or physician will garner you the respect you crave if you're not in it to be a "Good Samaritan" as most of us are...
Just an old 'tech's 2 cents.
In conducting further research, many members of the EMTLife forum cynically implied not helping or endangering your family's life when happening upon an emergency after calling 911 may the best course of action. The PD/FD [insert whatever agency you want here] will not respect you if you hit your "discos" or ill-advised light bar to safely render assistance. The posts seemed to be generated by certain members.
As a former volunteer EMT-D with over thirty years experience in the trenches with Trenton Vollies, Brooklyn Voliies and Wyandanch-Wheatley Heights Vollies and a number of paid ambulance services part-time; service at Ground Zero on 9/11, which left me "totally and completely" disabled, to say I was stunned by these posts would be an understatement.
I have always aided pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists involved in accidents or suffering medical distress without seeking either fanfare or recognition. It was the right thing to do. And my reward came from knowing I possessed the skills to either provide "first aid" or save a life, period. The victims were invariably grateful.
I was always highly respected and even commanded most scenes I came upon by both Fire and Police. I used my personal vehicle, or offered my assistance as a "Member of Service" while walking, or responded to calls as a member of the aforementioned agencies.
I didn't care what FD/PD or anyone else thought. I was in it strictly to save lives. I had a day job as a professional. And it seems to me many of the posters do not. They seek personal recognition or aggrandizement through EMS, which is their chosen career path.
It is irrational to train for 120 hours, pass a written examination constructed to be comprehended at the 8th-grade level (which is the reading level of most high-school educated adults in the United States), a practical examination designed for you to pass, and expect to command the same degree of respect as either a cop or a firefighter, period.
Continuing your education, becoming a 'medic, nurse, NP, PA, or physician will garner you the respect you crave if you're not in it to be a "Good Samaritan" as most of us are...
Just an old 'tech's 2 cents.
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