Click Read more at the bottom of an article's teaser, to display the full article.
Juan Brown brings his wildfire/aircrew perspective to the story. Cites drought and lack of forestry management (excess fuel) as fire factors.
No one ever expects tragedy to happen, and yet tragedy has and will continue to happen every day to someone. When tragedy does happen, those involved look for someone to take charge and be a leader.
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.
Here's a story where AIr Traffic Control (ATC) cleared a pilot to a safe altitude. The pilot read back an incorrect (potentially unsafe) altitude -- and, ATC failed to notice. It turned out ok.
What can EMS learn?
You can readily see some parallels. Multitasking, high stress, life and death, vital communications...
You may have seen recent news regarding an altercation involving two FDNY paramedics ↗️while on duty.
The Inside EMS Podcast with Chris Cebollro and Kelly Grayson explores root issues behind altercations such as this.
Grayson cites a failure of leadership and unnecessary organizational pressures.
A one hour on-demand video with Mike McEvoy, PhD, NRP, RN, CCRN, EMS Coordinator Saratoga County, New York & Executive Editor, JEMS
The content is sponsored by iSimulate.
https://www.jems.com/webcasts/monitoring-and-hydration-in-firefighter-rehab/↗️(Link opens a new tab)
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.
[Edited, 16Jan20, to clarify communications from the aircrew and for the addition of link(s) to a pilot's-perspective analysis of the incident. Also, 17Jan20 to add link to Part Two of Juan Brown's video. --ed]
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
An advantage to having come to EMS from a Construction background is that one can view safety from a different perspective. In EMS, the paperwork is after action. In Construction, it is said that when the weight of the paperwork exceeds that of the project, the construction phase may begin. No less true for construction safety. Before a task can begin, a Job Hazard Analysis must be produced and approved and it is briefed with the workers before any new phase of work. Over the years, some of us assembled our own version of "The JHA From Hell".