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mark__m

22p

19 comments posted · 0 followers · following 0

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points

I don't know what you're trying to say here but assume its negative (based on your other remarks). What do you want me to say? If you guys want a voice get a decent COLLECTIVE union and stand together and then you'll begin to get the same things - for some reason EMS people tend to stand alone in their own communities and don't want to band together (don't know why that is).
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

Maybe I'm not explaining myself clearly. Out of 10,000 people (with all other things being equal) you should have roughly the same amount of calls per year. If there's more people, than there's more ambs - just because its a larger center doesn't mean that the crews are busier.
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

- which is why I tried to say in the same time period (or within 12 yrs). I'm not saying who's seen more either but I'd suggest that its the same given the same amount of time. Our ambulance typically sees 8-10 patients in a 12hr period so I think it'd be just as busy as yours.
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

CONT
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

Seems to be 1 side that is always comparing EMS to fire (nothing new, this has been going on forever). As someone who has worked both (and now a fully integrated one) --- You cannot compare them equally. They are 2 different jobs requiring different manpower, equipment and training. To suggest that fire service budgets should supplement an EMS service and STILL be expected to perform at a high level is unrealistic for stand alone systems. We're undermanned for both services.

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points

I dunno, Pete. This applies to EMS services as well where the average experience level of the crew is 2-3 yrs. Some major centers are hiring entry level trained people (only a 2 weeks course). Theres first aiders out there with more than this!
Although you MAY be right - it cuts both ways

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Saved by the bell · 0 replies · +1 points

Our FD does run the ambulance service and has quite well for nearly 100 years.

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

If you're going to speak against the fire service you need to get some idea about it.
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

I've already said this but...
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

MadMedic - Come down to Lethbridge. It is possible to be experts at both - we've been doing it here for years (as has Red Deer, Fort McMurray, Strathcona and host of other smaller Alberta depts).
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)