mark__m
22p19 comments posted · 0 followers · following 0
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points
BTW - we don't retire early. Of the dept that do many can only do so because they've contributed into a supplemental pension - basically they're svaing more than you and I so that they can. You can negotiate this with your employer too. What's stopping you?
We obviously know about continuity of care. Again, I don't know what you're trying to say
Don't cry, apply - as we say.... (we are hiring right now BTW)
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points
As far as Ontario medics being better than Alberta medics. I'll take your word for it, I have no desire to ever be there so don't really care. Perhaps the incidence of ALS calls are a lot higher out there? Albertans are a lot tougher of people after all and "sub-par" EMS is probably OK for us, right?
This argument isn't very productive if you guys all nit-pic at minor points and don't discuss the actual issue itself
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 2 replies · +1 points
just because a city is smaller doesn't mean a SINGLE ambulance is less busy. ie - Toronto may have 100 ambulances while Kenora has 1. Sure, Toronto itself will be busier but the 1 Kenora ambulance might be just as busy as any 1 of the Toronto Ambulances
I understand that you have not seen how a real integrated service works. Just because you haven't seen it does not mean it doesn't exist.
About the same time to train here in Alberta. I'm pretty sure that we know the same stuff (in fact I checked it out about a dozen years ago).
I don't know what to tell you about 33 of 37 stat. I can tell you that ALL of the guys on my job (210) came on BECAUSE it is integrated.
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 2 replies · +1 points
2nd. there is a difference between firefighter 1st responders and a fully capable ALS engine. As I think the article suggests, a fire/medic has all the experience and training as any EMS worker.
To all the naysayers that claim its not possible - it is if you do your homework
Also, this is NOT taking away jobs (there's not enough skilled workers for all the jobs anyway!) but enhancing them and providing a better service for everyone. Who can complain about that?
Having worked at a FULLY integrated service I KNOW that this works first hand. Our department is the envy of many municipalities across North America - maybe boastful but I'm every bit as proud to be a paramedic as a firefighter and I can/have done BOTH jobs with equal skill and experience. (we do all the transports too)
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points
Although you MAY be right - it cuts both ways
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points
I cannot believe you're telling "taxpayer" that the life of his or his loved ones is not worth the response of an engine crew because the ambulance crew has been in the hallway for 4+ hours.
Why not sell the small vehicle that the medic has, put him on an engine. That way he can be further utilized to do fire? (also, 1 less FF) - its the exact same arguement.
I think you're overplaying the amount of EMS calls that you do as well. Most of the time the EMS crews are sitting in the hallways. I do at least as many responses on the fire truck than many other EMS crews - especially the larger centers... just sayin'
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 1 reply · +1 points
The IAFF is a union - the public does not fund a union...
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 1 reply · +1 points
How many guys does it take to fight a house fire? How much equipment?
How many guys does it take to get someone to the hospital? How much equipment?
How much does each cost?
One will always be A LOT more than the other. Why? They are different jobs and you cannot compare them this way.
What's more important? The severe asthmatic 6yr old or another 6yr old trapped in a burning building?
14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 4 replies · +1 points
I'm sure for the years I have in (less than you) I've seen just as many sick people as you have over the same period and I would also assure the other firefighters that I've seen just as many fire responses (the fire is just as hot here as other places)