And I'll reiterate:
There is no reason why EMS cannot be taught extrication in school, ambulances equipped with basic hydraulic tools, and safety gear put on.
Some agencies do it already, so if you're saying it can't be done, you're wrong.
Settle down there, hero. I don't know how it works in other states, but around here EMS as a separate entity is becoming more obsolete, as many FD's are beginning to do all their own EMS. It makes the most sense. To say that FD's are not at all patient centered is ignorant, FD's have evolved over the years and although some old Jakes like to resist it, it's becoming increasingly EMS focused. I'm a volly FF, and a Private agency EMT so I get both sides of it. FF's don't go to the Academy just to wet their willy on the red stuff, we learn extensive rescue techniques and, and that goes back to the Firehouse where FD's train train train to perfect them. On top of that, there aren't a lot of FD's that will take someone who isn't a basic, or in some cases a medic.
You know those big red trucks with all the woo woo's? These days they carry a whole lot more than hoses and nozzles. Some go so far as to equip ALS engines, but just about any FD has apparatus designated for rescue scenes. They come equipped with all manner of equipment one would need, and a full crew to boot.
Does it really make sense that FD's should actually just devolve and try to stuff all that equipment on to an ambulance? Not to mention the man power issue. Sure, you can recall an instance where 2 people can extricate someone but anyone with a brain will admit that it is far from ideal, because scenes become more complicated than that. Calling an additional ambulance for resources for one pt instead of an engine company is ridiculous.
The biggest roadblock to this concept is funds. I don't care what XYZ agency does, mine runs BLS in vans. We don't have enough room in them as is, no we are not carrying cutters and spreaders on our trucks, not even in the box trucks. Who is going to pay for this training either? Is my company going to put me through the academy to learn how to use these tools? Some agencies are stingy about reimbursing employees for coned, much less superfluous rescue training that the FD already has, and has been doing for years.
EMS has enough trouble getting over the ambulance driver image, I think it needs to stick to what it's ultimate purpose is: Safely treat and transport your patient to the hospital. More technical, and complicated tasks should stay in the realm of FD's. I won't deny that some FD's have to justify their budgets these days, and that's because there aren't as many fires as there used to be. But just as EMS has evolved from being taxi drivers, to advanced care, FD's roles have evolved. If anyone doesn't fit into this picture, it's police.
