Law Enforcement

Highway Incident Tips - Everyone Goes Home

Bill Degnan — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:11:04 +0000

Highway Incident Tips - Everyone Goes Home

Submitted by Bill Degnan on Wed, 02/12/2020 - 11:11

TIM First Responder Training. Source:FDoT

"What is the objective of this ride-out?", the Deputy Sheriff asked me.

"At the end of the shift... you and I are going home."

Move Over Laws Aren't Enough To Keep Responders Safe At The Roadside

Bill Degnan — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 23:01:58 +0000

Move Over Laws Aren't Enough To Keep Responders Safe At The Roadside

Submitted by Bill Degnan on Fri, 02/07/2020 - 17:01

Sure, it's the law that you have to move over (and/or slow down) when emergency vehicles are stopped at the roadside. But lives are still being lost while we're trying to save others.

There ought to be a law. And there are. Plenty of them. But why is that not enough?

We Have Stories, Locked Inside

Bill Degnan — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 19:12:56 +0000

We Have Stories, Locked Inside

Submitted by Bill Degnan on Sat, 02/01/2020 - 13:12

When I arrived on scene, I helped package the last patient who would be going by ambulance.

I would tell you the details, right now. Except that somebody's father might read them.

I talked with one such father, in particular, and it was not my place at the time, to tell him what I knew. In a mile's travel, he would know. He would probably insist that he see, as I had seen.

There was someone else on scene, who caring and competent men had determined had no need for the services of an ambulance.

“I’ll be Okay; I can Handle It” First Responder’s response to Stress

Jonathon Walker — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 03:35:00 +0000

“I’ll be Okay; I can Handle It” First Responder’s response to Stress

Submitted by Jonathon Walker on Wed, 01/29/2020 - 21:35

In order for one to become certified as a first medical responder such as a Paramedic, a student must be instructed through an institution, such as a college or fire department, and must learn objectives that meet the current standards of care. Those standards include care for someone having a heart attack, stroke, has been involved in an automobile accident and so on. During that training, there is a chapter labeled “Wellness of the EMT.” Within this chapter is a very small section that pertains to the Paramedic taking care of themselves when they are not taking care of patients.

OPINION: DC 9-1-1 - This ain't gonna' be your day.

Bill Degnan — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 12:27:57 +0000

OPINION: DC 9-1-1 - This ain't gonna' be your day.

Submitted by Bill Degnan on Sat, 01/25/2020 - 06:27

DC's 9-1-1 center is part of the Office Unified Communications (OUC). But, I sit here thinking how it should be reacronymed to OUCH. Residents, visitors and people who work in our nation's Capitol call them on the worst days of their lives.

To understand the story, you have to read Dave Statter's article (linked below) and watch the videos that are referenced there. He's been doing the heavy lifting on this story for some time now. And, he proposes a comprehensive external audit to help find the way forward.

Whatever you are doing today is a better day than this day. But goodness can be found.

Bill Degnan — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 17:49:54 +0000

Whatever you are doing today is a better day than this day. But goodness can be found.

Submitted by Bill Degnan on Wed, 01/22/2020 - 11:49

Each victim is assessed, triaged -- categorized. Who is beyond help? Who needs immediate Care? Who can wait? Who just needs a ride? Finding body after body after body.

Think Outside The Box For Responder Wellness

Bill Degnan — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 17:08:02 +0000

Think Outside The Box For Responder Wellness

My first reaction was, "We have a box???" But, the article explores things that individuals or agencies can use to improve the well being of first responders. There's a reason it was probably the subject of the first chapter in your EMS textbook.

The writer, a patrol officer with Taunton (Mass.) PD, should get credit for having figured us out. You know we're all broken toys. So, take some moments for yourself and let the healing begin.

Bill Degnan Wed, 01/15/2020 - 11:08

Manage Scene Lighting For Safety

Bill Degnan — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 07:23:04 +0000

Manage Scene Lighting For Safety

Maybe there's too much LED and Xenon light on scene -- potentially blinding or distracting motorists. Too much red. Not enough amber. You drive where you LOOK!

There are recommendations I have read, that would drastically reduce warning lights, once traffic control is established.

Please take a moment and read the linked presentation.

I-95 Corridor Coalition › Gui...PDF
WARNING LIGHTS, PARKING and SCENE SAFETY
https://i95coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Guide_Clear_RF.pdf%onscene.us

Bill Degnan Sun, 01/12/2020 - 01:23

Law Enforcement

Highway Incident Tips - Everyone Goes Home

Highway Incident Tips - Everyone Goes Home

Tags

Move Over Laws Aren't Enough To Keep Responders Safe At The Roadside

Move Over Laws Aren't Enough To Keep Responders Safe At The Roadside

Tags

We Have Stories, Locked Inside

We Have Stories, Locked Inside

Tags

“I’ll be Okay; I can Handle It” First Responder’s response to Stress

“I’ll be Okay; I can Handle It” First Responder’s response to Stress

Tags

OPINION: DC 9-1-1 - This ain't gonna' be your day.

OPINION: DC 9-1-1 - This ain't gonna' be your day.

Tags

Whatever you are doing today is a better day than this day. But goodness can be found.

Whatever you are doing today is a better day than this day. But goodness can be found.

Tags

Think Outside The Box For Responder Wellness

Tags

Manage Scene Lighting For Safety

Tags