Big Cern

Giving the Francene Hair Diaries a run for their money!

New Paramedics!

Congratulations to our new Paramedics: Beverly Cannon, Ashley Fain, Katrina McCrary, John Kesler and India Cross! One word of advice: RUN!

Effort Saving Idea

Here we see one of our paramedics saving himself ALL the trouble of
walking those exhausting ten feet to the card swiper at the pumps.

Preview of the "Francene Hair Diaries"

Below are a few of the images to be included in the Francene Hair Diaries. Much more work needs to be done on this project, and I am asking you, the reader to contribute as part of an OpenArt presentation. Please email me photos you take of our beloved co-worker Francene and her inimitable hairdos. My address is linked in the box on the right marked "Want to be a member of this blog?" As we all know, she has one of the most versatile mops in all of EMS and presents styles that range from the demure to the bizarre. We need your pics. God put cameras on our cell phones for a reason people, and this is it. We need photos honoring Francene - the good, the bad and the frightening.
Because we love her and she's such a great sport!

I ALMOST Gave Him Money

My homeless guy had the best cardboard sign I've seen in a while. Ya
can't call him stupid!

What's the Deal?

Why is it that of all the shifts, B watch (odd days) is consistently
late getting themselves 10-8 on time? Not just once in a while, but
nearly every shift!

I can maybe understand being a little late on the first day of your
rotation, but when almost every truck has "paperwork" issues, stock
issues or just plain not answering the radio, then that makes a
problem for the entire division.

We've made it a matter of pride over the years to "watch each other's
back." For the most part, we keep that up. But B watch, I'm
disappointed; you're dropping the ball.

If you are one of the few on this watch that gets 10-8 on time, I applaud you. Keep setting a good example. But take that one step further and start motivating your shiftmates to do the same. It's rough enough without problems like this; each one has to do his part to keep everyone's morale up and continue NOEMS' reputation as the best in the country. We are counting on you, don't keep disappointing us.

Scary Sky

Hurricane Gustav looms over Canal Street.

New Poll!

In view of our new best friend Gustav, here's a question for everyone:

What is your favorite flavor of MRE?
Leave your responses in the "comments" section beneath this post. Peace!

Didn't Think This Could Happen

Two streetcars ran into each other! Apparently there's one place on
earth where the tracks cross. These two happened to try to occupy that
one place at the same time.

Streetcar collision

One was turning into the barn on Canal; the other one ran into it!

Jeb Tate, RN

Yet another one of our EMT's has taken the plunge into the purgatory
that is the field of nursing! Gratz to Jeb Tate, RN. He passed his
Louisiana state boards today! And I was remiss in posting Samantha
Graham's passage into the paradise of poop also. So a belated Gratz to
her too!
We can haz a raise now, missah?

Slavery in EMS

Poor Katrina, already precepting for free, washes the truck while white oppressors look on. Slavery is alive & well!

By the way, Katrina is an excellent student!

Creative AMA Writing 101

Ever get bored calling in those same old AMA's? Same dull formula every time? Ever actually start snoring during a medical control report? I know I have; that's why I've created a handy list of alternate vocabulary to use when calling in AMA's.

After the billionth time of saying "blah, blah, blah... the patient really doesn't want to go, we've encouraged her to seek medical attention but she still adamantly refuses... blah, blah, blah," it gets a little bland doesn't it?

Well, next time you need to call in an AMA, why not vary your radio report a little with some different, obscure vocabulary? After all, variety is the spice of life at EMS! Mix and match words from the lists for a fun twist on your reports!

"Blah, blah, blah... the patient

adamantly
firmly
inflexibly
rigidly
insistently
stubbornly
unyieldingly
pigheadedly
intransigently
obstinately
obdurately
firmly
pertinaciously
emphatically
brassboundly
implacably

refuses transport with EMS. We

strongly
ardently
explicitly
firmly
soundly
vehemently
vigorously
zealously
keenly
forthrightly
forcefully
earnestly
urgently

encouraged
exhorted
goaded
pleaded
urged
prodded
pressed
begged
admonished
spurred
beseeched
solicited
implored
supplicated
petitioned
coaxed
entreated
adjured
insisted

that he/she go to the hospital, but they still decline. Calling for an AMA... blah, blah, blah."

Now isn't that more interesting? You get to enjoy your AMA more and you have the added fun bonus of sending the new little residents scrambling for their dictionaries! Everybody's happy!

Thanks for letting an old dog join the blog....hope to hear from some of ya'll soon.

I've also added this great photo I took of Brian B. Christmas time around 1996

Brett (B. J.) Schneider

Brian Bordelon

One of our former paramedics, Brian James Bordelon, died August 11th of cancer. Many of us at EMS remember Brian well. He was an outstanding paramedic, one from "the old days." He took no shit from anyone, and was perfectly happy to dish it out too. We are proud to have known him and serve the city with him.

We remember all the good times we had with him - going for a beer, enjoying his beloved Jazz Fest together, trying to imagine what it was like living with Placide Jumonville and Thomas Jordan. He entertained us all with his stories and writings. He gave us countless hours of amusement as he terrorized new EMT's (those EMT's might not remember him so fondly!).

We will certainly miss Brian. Fond memories or not, he is not one to be forgotten!

Here's his obituary.


Brian (on left) & me at Jazz Fest.
Farewell, Brian!

Tactical Condoms, Anyone?

Tactical: –adjective

1.	of or pertaining to tactics, esp. military or naval tactics.

2.	characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure: tactical movements.

3.	of or pertaining to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.

4.	expedient; calculated.

5.	prudent; politic.

Just the other day I was at Code 3 buying some new uniforms. I couldn't help but notice the dazzling array of items for sale labeled as "tactical." There were tactical uniforms, tactical boots, tactical flashlights, even tactical socks! Out of curiosity, I went to Gall's online catalogue and typed in "tactical" on its search bar. It came up with no fewer than 316 items, all with the appellation "tactical" in their description. Among them are tactical shirts, a tactical goggle pouch (free with purchase of tactical goggles!), tactical shorts, tactical key chains, tactical underwear and tactical water bottles. I believe that this proves my theory that if you insert the word "tactical" into the description of any item regardless of its nature, emergency responders will buy it.

I researched the definition of "tactical" as noted above. It is difficult to determine under which of the 5 definitions "tactical socks" would be categorized. I can certainly see how something like a nuclear warhead would be classified as "tactical." It would be difficult to foresee a use for nuclear weapons other than for tactics of some sort. (Cheney: "Hey, Dubya, we got any of those non-tactical nukes layin' around?" Bush: "Sure do. Wanna maybe lob a couple at, say New Guinea? They're not tactical or anything, they're just for fun.") Yet the tactical nature of key chains or underwear eludes me. I have a hard time imagining that before-action mission briefing: "Okay, guys this mission is top secret black ops. Make sure you have your tactical socks with you as they'll play a huge part in this invasion attempt. Also high priority is your tactical goggle pouch and tactical water bottle; lives may depend on them. The enemy may have tactical shirts on so be prepared for that contingency - you all know what to do with an enemy with tactical shirts..."
And so on.

Well, I must go to my kitchen to make a tactical sandwich for my shift tonight in my tactical ambulance with my tactical clipboard and tactical pen. I'll try not to forget my tactical stethoscope and tactical radio pouch. Lives may depend on them.

EMS - Emergency Miniature Services

Why didn't we start doing this long ago?

Hurricane drill pic!

Times-Pic Pic's

Times-Picayune photos with revised captions.



At an archaeological dig behind St. Louis Cathedral, researchers unearth a 17th century crack pipe in nearly pristine condition. "Clearly, this is a very important find," said archaeologists. "We're beginning to see the importance of crack in the economic and sociological development of New Orleans early days."




Swiss students on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar, experiencing the culture of New Orleans. Moments later EMS pronounced this young man dead from head trauma after colliding with a pole. His fellow Swiss students described the scene: "All we heard was a big 'TING' and he was dead. We dragged him to La Madelaine, thinking some croissants would revive him. But no. He is dead."










Neighbors, rallying against racism, dig up the lawn of a family in Metairie where "KKK" was burned into the grass last month. When asked about why they had waited a month before doing something about repairing the damage, the homeowner replied "We still ain't done nothing about it. We just waited till whitey came along and dug it up. We need our reparations. He can plant me some new azaleas while he's at it, too."

Pix

Another kid shot - "keeping the New Orleans brand out there!"
Now just imagine this scene photographed in front of endless puke-yellow brick walls. We can see the difference our new pastel projects have made!

One of our own - again

I just heard that a former NO EMS employee was shot in Metairie. Some of you may remember Louis Valentine, who worked here for a while in the 1990's and later worked at EJ and Acadian ( I believe). I just heard today that he is in University after being shot by his ex-wife. I have no idea on his condition; perhaps some of us could find out. In any event, our thoughts and prayers go out to him. Get well soon.

Our motto

New Orleans EMS
...So that others may live.

Disclaimer - it says that others MAY live. Not necessarily you. But you may. If you catch me on a good day. And I got enough sleep. And if I'm not too aggravated from my last patient. And if I'm not too lazy so that I let my green EMT-basic partner tech the call. And if I've had my coffee. And we have the supplies we need. And you haven't neglected and/or abused yourself for so many years that no amount of treatment will fix you. And if you don't annoy me too much. Then maybe, just maybe, others (you) MAY live.

Shift Change

OK, I can kinda understand why they started this policy "no units at Calliope till your relief is 10-8." And for the most part, units are doing a good job of coming up a little early in order to get the previous shift off on time. Special gratz to Mr. Frank Petta in that department!

Everyone please keep up the good work! Those of you who who are minutemen, please try harder! I will too. Even though I don't recognize half the staff most days with all the FNG's, y'all are the best bunch of people I've ever worked with.

Dispatchers, you need to get on the streets! Before you rearrange every truck in the city because a call came out, give just a minute or so to see how it will play out. It may not be necessary to move me from the the beautiful and enchanting Elysian Fields and Miro. Just a reminder.

Sad Day

Today we found out that Kathy Adams passed away, wife of Lynn Adams here at New Orleans Ems. Sadly this happened on Mothers Day which makes it even harder to accept for her family I’m sure. We all need to place Lynn and his children in our prayers. The service’s will be held in Picayune Mississippi on Wednesday and Thursday, all arrangements will be posted as it come available.
This is written with a sadden heart.

America's Most Wanted, Heros that is!!!

BOTH KEELEY AND DAVID FREZEL HAVE BEEN NOMINATED BY AMERICA’S MOST WANTED TELEVISION SHOW AS HEROES OF THE YEAR. IF THEY WIN NOT ONLY WILL IT BE PRESTIGIOUS FOR US AS A SERVICE BUT THEY EACH STAND A CHANCE OF NATIONAL EXPOSURE AND A MONETARY REWARD AS WELL. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO VOTE FOR THEM ON AMW.COM UNDER THE ‘ALL STAR’ BANNER AND TELL A FRIEND TO DO SO ALSO.

Streetcar collision

Kevin: "I know CPR."

Mardi Gras 2008

Evening to all,
As we settled down after another Mardi Gras we need to look back and reflect. This year was different in many ways. A lot of first time employees, new Bike and Gator team even our own Command Trailer. The earliest Mardi gras in twenty five years, and one of the shortest on record.
With that we can as a community hold our heads up high because with this fine city still just shy of 50% population from post Katrina. We collectively cause the need for more EMS items than ever before, not recent years not ten but freaking ever. Let us not forget the rain even cancelled a days worth of parades during this time as well! Which left a few of us with the sudden realization that as a whole us New Orleanians are unable to consistently sustain a normal functioning ability to live with out the need for someone else to tell us what is wrong with us!!! Being drunk, my hand hurts, something fell on my foot, and juice got in my eyes etc etc is no reason to call or activate an emergency response!! But low and behold it happens more often than anyone with the brains God gave a rock would dream of!!! Just because you travel and spend your cash here, doesn’t mean that you can come and decide for the first time in your life to binge drink and survive!! More tourists visit our cots than anyone else during this time simply because they drink themselves to stupidity!! Sure our people maintain their share of ignorance (which we take pride in) and can justify shooting at least one person at each parade. For what, a damn 5 cent plastic crap bead!! I know what you’re thinking, you don’t just tell them, Hey stop being as dumb as a stump!! There isn’t any reason to send you an Ambulance for that Bullshit!!! Well we wonder why our selves!! So the sirens continue to roll!!!!!
Let us now look and talk about the Women and Men that provide this excellent profession medical coverage to all the citizen and tourist alike. For twelve days straight many of us worked twelve to seventeen hour days. Causing us to be away from our families and kids. From our ability to revel in the festive natural of this moronic event, so you may be safe. It starts with the ladies in our communication, yes okay guys a couple of you are up there too!!. These ladies daily not only deal with the call of service from people who most of them couldn’t walk if they had to think about the process of one foot in front of the other with out falling down! Then they have to control and coordinate the placement and disperse to call’s about 85 tired, angry burnt out medics. My hat goes off to them!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then the medic’s that roll on all these call’s for service. With minimal rest no food half the time and a never ending string of calls, they continue to show up each day. Some how being able to hold back the urge to simply beat the living crap out of the stupid drunks. Not ripping a new ass into the ones that want a ride because they have a cold, their back is sore or nine months ago got knocked up and simply didn’t have enough time to arrange a ride to the hospital. Let’s not forget not going off on the nurses that tend to give us crap! But each day dressed to the nines, fully prepared to serve for the day. Still professional and compassionate for those those truly need it. Once again proving why we here are the best of the best and if you question that, you just ask one of us. Twenty plus years of this Mardi Gras stuff and proud as hell to know each one of the men and women that are New Orleans EMS medics.
The administration that stood side by side with us each day. This it self proves why they are where they are in the service and why we are who we are.
Lastly the guys in rescue and supply. With out the unknown amount of hours and time supply puts in to obtain and keep the needed stock so that the job can be done would blow your mind. Rescue, keeping it all together and in order to help, lessen the amount of chaos during the season. At the same time looking so damn good!!!!!

Happy New Years to all!!

May you have a safe and fun New Years. Finding your drunk asses home on the first!!!

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays to one and all. A happy chin chin doesn't always mean a Happy SANTA

School Bus 20-I

20-F I-10/Metairie Rd

Keeley and Dave Go Swimming

Click here for the story and video.

Thanks for making us proud!!!

House collapse 05/29/07

Photo published in Times-Picayune 5/30/07

Better late than never

Don't complain about what you're willing to do nothing about

Since I've been back at EMS, I've had a great time. I love running the streets and working with everyone at EMS. But I've heard a lot of complaining about 'unfair practices.' This is of course nothing new. Anywhere you go to work there will be bullshit - with patients, co-workers and administration. And I realize that wherever you go to work there will be bitching; that's one of the reasons I started this blog, to have a forum in which to vent.

I've said this before to many of this blog's readers: if you aren't willing to do something about what you think is wrong, then stop complaining about it. Yes, New Orleans EMS has its problems. It ALWAYS has! There isn't a city department, corporation, family or coffee shop that doesn't. If you think it's bad at New Orleans, try working somewhere else and absorb the bullshit there! Things don't change for the better because of complaining, they change because of action, a step that few seem willing to take.

I love working at EMS, bullshit and all. For all its changes and difficulty, it's still the best job I ever had. I don't HAVE to work there, I can make a lot more money doing easier work. I do it because I want to. It can be that way for everyone if you have the right frame of mind. I hope others will realize this and work to make EMS a better place for us all!

Pics of our friend Joe Joe - R.I.P.

Championship Game

Alright all you Saints fans, we have to travel next week to Chicago!! The bears are in for a heavy dose Of Duece and Brees. The Saints are on their way to the Superbowl!!!!!

Dancing Crackhead

Dancing Crackhead

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Dancing Crackhead Encore Performance

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Kodak moments...

Who should be checking who's blood pressure?

Pretend you care! Run, medic, run! Run for the camera!
At least he's wearing gloves.

Bad Idea!

Someone is selling their old uniforms on Ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200042576233&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:11
and on craigslist
http://neworleans.craigslist.org/clt/226646418.html

I really don't think this is a good idea. For one thing, this is a uniform that's only worn by a few, those who earn it. More seriously, who the heck is buying these items and what are they going to do with them? This is just the thing that can pose a serious security risk for various events around the city. EMS basically has carte blanche as far as access into virtually any building or event in the city. Anybody wearing a uniform (with less than good intentions) would pretty much have the same access anywhere with no questions asked.
In addition, you know that there are those freaks out there who think of themselves as some sort of hero, the ones on scenes who say they're EMT's when in fact they've never had any kind of training at all. If such a person was to "treat" someone while wearing this uniform, how would it reflect on us, especially if there was some royal screw-up on their part? In addition, New Orleans EMS may hold some legal responsibility in such a situation.
Would you expect to see NOPD selling their uniforms to non-police? Of course not; you can imagine the havoc that the fallout would create. For the same reason, I'd encourage y'all to never give or sell your old uniforms to civilians, and if you know who is involved in this practice to please advise them to stop!

More NOEMS In the News

Jeanne Dunn interviewed on NECN-TV in Boston 8/29/06 (video)

Ron Mason, Jeanne Dunn & Dave Frezel Talk to the Las Vegas Review Journal

An older article in which Ken Bouvier and Jeff Brown (!) talk about the EMS career

MAST in NOLA

MAST Ambulance has a page on their website about providing mutual aid right after the storm. They have up a slideshow of about 200 pictures that you can either watch or preview and scroll through. There are several photos with our personnel and units, especially towards the end.

More Times Pic photos

All photos posted are from Nola.com and were published in The Times-Picayune.

Funny break

I know this isn't EMS-related but I saw this posted on a nursing forum and I wanted to share it with everybody. We could all use a laugh these days, I think.

These are actual entries in hospital charts that were posted publically to remind people to pay attention to what they are writing. Fitz, are any of these yours??? ;-)

1) The patient refused an autopsy.
2) The patient has no previous history of suicides.
3) Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.
4) She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
5) Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for ove a year.
6) On the second day, the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.
7) The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
8) The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
9) Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
10) Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year-old male, mentally alert but forgetful.
11) Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.
12) She is numb from her toes down.
13) While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.
14) The skin was moist and dry.
15) Occasional, constant infrequent headaches
16) Patient was alert and unresponsive.
17) Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
18) She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.
19) I saw your patient today, who is still under my car for physical therapy.
20) Both breasts are equal and reactive to light and accommodation.
21) Examination of genitalia reveals that he is circus sized.
22) The lab test indicated abnormal lover funtion.
23) Skin: somewhat pale but present
24) The pelvis exam will be done later on the floor.
25) Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.

Hey check out this photo from the compound days that's up on David Naccari's website promoting "Katrinalaya," his song about, well, you know... Pretty cool that he chose this picture for his website!

You can check it out here, or click the picture above to see it on the katrinalaya.org website and read his story. And the song is cute too.

Algiers 34-S 28 Aug.

Way to dodge the cameras, guys!

NOLA EMS or Homeland Security EMS?

According to the Gambit Weekly, our illustrious mayor Uncle Ray has proposed a brilliant plan to increase the pay of NOPD and new fire department recruits. Yes, that's it. Left out of the plan are countless other "essential workers," the type of city workers that stayed in New Orleans during the hurricane. No explanation of why dispatchers, civilian NOPD workers, veteran firemen and, oh yes, EMS workers were left out of this plan. Juliette was just as much in the dark about such a plan as anyone else was, as it seems the mayor announced this pay plan out of the blue, without consulting anyone about it - in particular those who would be affected by it!
Here's a snippet of the article:
----------------------------
Also left out of the loop was Dr. Juliette Saussy, the city's director of Emergency Medical Services. She testified this spring before the Federal Communications Commission on the travails of city ambulance workers during Katrina. Dr. Saussy admits she was caught unaware when her boss announced raises that did not include her and her 90 employees. "I think any time you start talking about the three public agencies -- police, fire and EMS -- you need to talk to them together," she stated in published reports.

We agree. In fact, city Homeland Security chief Terry Ebbert should take those words to heart since he has asked the Civil Service Commission to transfer EMS from the city Health Department to his own command. Regarding the pay plan, it's not too late for the mayor to consider the importance of consensus building. History holds enough lessons for him on that count.
-----------------------------
In regards to the command overseeing EMS, it seems that Homeland Security would have oversight on the running of EMS, rather than the Health Department. I would imagine that EMS workers would remain city employees and civil service workers, only the command structure would change. Instead of answering to Dr. Stevens, we'd answer to Homeland Security.

Here's a link to the full Gambit article.

What are y'all's feelings on this?

NOLA Poll

Administration Idiots (from Lexie)

I found out that administration has been checking up on the mypsace pages. I know that Barbara Ireland has a fake page to check up on people too, I haven't found out what her name is yet, im still looking . I just wanted to let everyone know because I think its shitty and totally not professional. Spanks, you're the bomb and we miss you here in this pit of ems hell!!!!!

Congrats to EMS-SWAT!

New Orleans EMS SWAT medics graduated today! Sincere congratulations to all of them for all their hard work throughout a hellacious three weeks of training and education. They will be better people for it and New Orleans will have an even more outstanding emergency response team thanks to the efforts of Nick Culotta, Josh Hill, Russ Latimer, Keith Thomas and Keely Williams.

Strong work guys!

City Business article "Code Red"

Click this link to read a recent article in City Business about the current EMS situation in NOLA. WDSU covered this story its noon news today, interviewing someone from the magazine about this article. I was glad to see this topic covered on the local news, but it would have been nice if the station had directly involved one of our people instead of secondhand from a features writer. But that will be what our P.R. SOD person will be for, I guess.

Anyway, it's a relatively short and interesting article despite involving Acadian (the "backup" provider for Orleans Parish, according to this piece). Look for quotes from Chris Cruthirds about OT availability due to staffing shortages.

In the "WTF?!" department, my favorite quote was this one:

The agreement New Orleans EMS has with the Morial Convention Center requires it to find new accommodations by Friday. But another extension is likely. Reis said several possible locations have been scouted and EMS hopes to have a permanent home within a month.

White House, we hardly knew ye??

Press photos from Nola.com

20-I with Engine 25 at Carrollton/Walmsley, 2/11/2006

34-S at Fourth/Annunciation, 6/25/06

All photos copyright The Times Picayune

More from the news outlets

US News.com on NOLA EMS shortage and wait times
EMS Responder.com on the new NOEMS
Emily Bruce's Homily on Katrina (I don't think this was posted before but it is moving)

26 shooting 5/22/06 in Nola.com

All photos copyright The Times-Picayune.

Entire gallery of press photos here.

Paramedics Save Lives (Despite ER Staffs' Efforts)

People say we practice "cowboy EMS."
I say "Damn straight!"

So Frezel is bringing a guy who got all beat to hell to Elmwood. Halfway there he codes, and Elmwood diverts the unit to E.J. (By the way, does the trauma center accept any trauma patients? WTF?!) So Frezel arrives at E.J. with the guy in asystole. (Hey Dave, what's up with no IV's on the guy?) So we start coding him; I'm charting everything and calling out reminders like 'time for another Epi.' After 4 Epi's and 3 atropines the guy goes into V-tach w/ a pulse, then after shocking him into pulseless V-tach, then into V-fib. After Amiodarone and several more shocks, the guy is still in V-fib. Nothing's working. Dr. Creel is standing there wondering what else to do. So I hollered out, "let's give him some mag sulfate." The doc looked at me quizzically and said "Well I guess if you want to, but I don't think it'll do any good." So I told the nurse pushing the drugs to give a couple grams of magnesium sulfate.
Right after she did, and circulating it for a few seconds, the v-fib converted into a beautiful sinus rhythm with pulse and a decent blood pressure! The doc's jaw hit the floor. He said "I haven't used magnesium in years; what made you think of that?"
"Doc, I've used it a million times, and I know the shit works. Always," I replied.
"I'll remember that."

Same night: Susan brings a lady with a decreased LOC to Tulane. The patient wasn't really protecting her airway so they decide to RSI her. After pushing the succinylcholine, the ICU resident tried three times to intubate the woman, three times he only pulled back a bloody ET tube. Then Ehlenberger tried. Again, no dice (big surprise).
So Mike Condatore, one of the RN's there, said "Hey, why don't you let Greg [Gavel] try. He was a paramedic with the city for years."
The docs step aside and let Greg give it a shot. One quick attempt by Greg, and the woman was tubed!
"Uh, nice technique," said Dr E.
"How'd you learn to do that?" the ICU doc asked.
Greg answered, "Experience, Doc; lots of practice!"

2 lives snatched by paramedics from the jowls of a doctory death! Tell us more!

Times Picayune 5/16/06

Do you have to stick me? I don't likes no needles!



Darryl: What I think happened is the perp shot him from the back of a red car, using a 9mm, probably a Taurus. The bullet entered at the mastoid process, taking out his medulla oblongata, then did a little dance and traveled to his left hand along the cephalic vein, backed up and visited his duodenum and nicked the aorta on the way, then exited above his asscrack. Anyway, this muthafucka's dead.

Today in USA TODAY

Why is Donny pulling the stretcher with Melinda? Because Ashley was 10-42!!!

Donny, you better quit cockblockin' my 15 minutes, yerd.

You can read the article (mostly about Ochsner bitching about uninsured ER pt's) here.

NO's Finest

In the news

Kevin is waiting for someone to ask him if he knows CPR.

NOPD has a blog too

Check it out, NOPD has their own version of the NOEMS Blog: Signal26.com

They are much bitchier than we are these days.

STAT - the game

Check this game out.

I'm at 26 so far. See if you can beat me!

NOEMS in the News

Katrina kinda made us famous again. Here is a handy list of links documenting our illustrious activities in the public eye.

Thomas Jordan the Bootless Hero
USA TODAY in the Trenches with NOEMS
Keeley and Keller in Vegas (photo of Frezel and Jeanne)
JEMS: Valerie from Delaware Rode it Out with Us (FIXED)
JEMS: What the Media Didn't Report About EMS in New Orleans
Katrina Lewis Gets Some Christmas Gifts**
Christmas at the White House (Katrina Lewis and Kenny Bouvier)**

**NEW!

There are lots of links out there to blogs and bulletin board posts pertaining to us and Katrina. All you have to do is Google "New Orleans EMS" and you'll get a bunch of returns. If you come across a link to another article out there, please edit this entry and add it!

Oh, and did you know that Sept. 29, 2005 was declared "New Orleans EMS Day" in Kansas City, MO? It's a fact!

Need your stories and photos!

Hi all! Fitz here. Just wanted to let you know I've FINALLY started writing my book! It's gonna be called "Ramp Rants: Stories From the Streets of New Orleans EMS" (Thanks for the idea for the title, Nick!).
Of course, I'm going to include our whole Katrina story. There will also be anecdotes from our everyday calls. I'd like to have as much input as possible from you all. If you have a good EMS story, one that stcks out your mind or the one your friends like to hear about or one that affected you, please send it to me and I'll try to incorporate it in the book. Photos will be much appreciated too. Please include a description of pictures you send.
You can send stories and pictures to me at sfitzmorris@gmail.com. You can also just say hi. Looking forward to hearing from you!
-Fitz

Holy Crap!

Well! How 'bout this? Not much of an EMS service we got here. But everyone has done an outstanding job with the disaster! I'm proud to have served with such a fantastic group of medics. NOBODY could have managed as well as we did! I guess functioning for so long with so few resources made the old saying possible - we've done so much with so little for so long. we could do anything with nothing at all! We proved it of NOHD-EMS!
I know most of you there don't even have access to the internet, but if you check the blog, let us know how you are, where you are and what your plans are. We all did an outstanding job and have been given our opportunity to truly shine. Even though there's not much call volume these days, EMS is still playing a crucial role in the recovery and rescue efforts. Nobody knows that city like we do, and the National Guard and NYPD and all the volunteers from all over the country now depend on HD people to guide them.
If and when the city gets rebuilt and restarted, it'll be an interesting exercise to see how things change. I doubt we'll be a heavily populated city anytime soon. And there will be lots of new houses! By the way, if the National Guard or whoever decides they need to napalm certain neighborhoods because of contamination, I'm sure you HD people will do a great job of directing them exactly which areas of the city need napalming (hint,hint;wink,wink). You know what I mean!
Be careful out there! Y'all are some of the most beautiful people I know and I love you all!
-Fitz

Moving Right Along...

Well, after attending the "SOD" meeting the other day, I have to say I think that NOHD is making good progress in the right direction. We've gotten new equipment (whoda thunk we'd EVER get laryngoscopes?) and we have dedicated sprint units & alternates. Plus, they're pushing hard for improving our education and training! That's gonna make a big difference. The only catch is going to be us.
What do I mean? Traditionally, EMT's have been resistant to change. Just listen to the whining that went on when the new administration took over, or the bitching that took over the blog (yes, I know, I did it too). Likewise, the bottleneck in making New Orleans EMS a world-class service is going to be the medics who are content with maintaining the status quo. That has to change, which means we have to change. We need to be willing, even eager, to seek out new opportunities and creative ways of thinking. Juliette is throwing the protocols out the window! Which means that now we have to think on our feet, to actually be good EMT's, rather than good protocol followers.
And what about the new opportunities in EMS? We will now be able to attend training like tactical EMS and use it! High angle techniques, water rescue, programs from the Dept of Homeland Security, like WMD, urban search and rescue are just some of the things we can get involved with! Isn't that why we signed on with NOHD in the first place? Talk about experience!
Anyway, I'm excited about the new changes. I met with all the new sprint personnel and I'd trust any of them with my life if I was hurt or sick. They are the best. Just like I hope we all will be!

Blog Password!

In the interest of goodwill, I have decided to compromise with "administration" and rather than deleting the blog, I have set a password, ostensibly to keep the media hounds off the backs of whoever. (Because there's SO MUCH information on the blog that could be a threat to national security!) Anyway, the password is "blog". Just type it in at the prompt and it will take you to the blog. Feel free to share this information with whoever you think will be interested. Except of course the CIA, FBI, KGB, Interpol, the Times Picayune and all those other high-level, top secret agencies just itching to find out when HD's next barbecue is or whatever. Good luck! Y'all be safe out there!

One of the family Needs Our Help

As we all know Jay Metzger Had a heart attack earlier in the week. He has had some complications since and as of Friday remains in Tulane Hospital. He need help due to a recent illness he has no more sick or annual leave. This will add a burden to him and his family during an already stressful time. If anyone can help by donating either sick or annual time to him, I know that he would appreciated this very much. Your thoughts and prayers are very much so appreciated as well. Thank you very much for your time and thoughts.

Greetings From The Big Apple!

Well, I'm just back from New York City! And what a cool city it is! Easy to get around (you don't need a car) easy to have a good time in, easy to find fun stuff to do. And it's HUGE! I spent 5 days just in Manhattan and didn't scratch the surface!
EMS must be miserable, all those high-rise buildings with no elevators. And the hospitals I saw have no ramps; the ambulances just park on the street and off-load in the middle of traffic! Still, statistics say that NOHD, per ambulance, is twice as busy as NYC. They run 12 calls in 24 hours. HAH! That's a slow 12-hour shift for us!
I happened to find myself on 5th avenue and saw everyone lining up behind barricades on Sunday. Curious, I asked and found out it was the start of the gay pride parade. I hung around to see how NYC handled parades. The start of the parade was dominated by New York's contingent of gay police, fire and EMS workers. While the Police and Fire departments made a decent enough showing, New York's EMS gay contingent was woefully lacking! Maybe 6 or 8 EMT's were in the parade along with a rainbow-draped unit. Big woop. NOHD could beat that with A and B watch tied behind its back!
If you ever want to practice your foreign language skills, try a stint in New York! I must have heard at least 20 different languages on the streets. I caught myself a couple of times speaking Spanish to people who spoke no Spanish at all, just because it was so common there! And if you want, you can easily practice your French, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Polish and Japanse without even trying!
Well, missed y'all on this trip! Lemme know if any of you go to NYC anytime soon and maybe I'll join you!
Adios!
-Fitz-

Well..........I don't know, FUCK! I need to 10-42, but I cant't, and if I 10-42 for too long, I'll be 10-7. Then if I'm 10-7 for too long then I have to clarify why I'm 10-42 for so long, but maybe I shouldn't 10-42 here because I might not hear and they'll carry me 10-50?. Is it because its been so long sine I've peed, that I have to pee a lot? Or maybe I'm constipated, or maybe I have diarrhea and I have to sit for a while, and I just have to sit and shit, I shouldn't have had he chili on my 10-40. There now I think I'm 10-8 again.....Oh wait! Maybe not....It's time for me to get off, but here I am at grand route, 100 ft from Moss street with 3 other units, this is very productive. God forbid if there's 2 trucks waiting for the relief to come in. Maybe they're 10-42 or they were switched on the schedule and no one informed them. I'm in a six o'clock truck and maybe there's no relief coming in. I could be here all day. Fortunately I have the kind guidance of dear barbara with truck washing particulars to look forward to. I cannot wait to file my paperwork in numerical order, download the calls from the computer, wait for it to reboot, shut it down, restock my truck, seal my cabinets, and sanitize for "your protection." ......to be continued secondary to 10-19......Can I get a witness?