EKG's You Can Text!

1. So I texted a bunch of EKG rhythms on Twitter. Feel free to peruse my work, repost it on Twitter or on your blogs. I got like a dozen new followers from it! The basic ones are at the bottom; work your way up the page to the more advanced rhythms. Or do it the other way; I don't care. This is the best way I could find to write EKG's via keyboard. Enjoy. (Sorry, but I doubt you can get continuing education hours.)
   Torsades des pointes (French accent mandatory): VVVvvvVVVVvvvvVVVVvvvmmmMMMmmmMMMvvvVVVvvvVVVmmmMMMmmmvvvVVVvvv
   
2. Cardizem:V~V~~VV~V~V~~V~VV~~V~V~V~~V~V~~~~V~~~~V~~V~~~V~V~~~V~~~~V~~V~~~V~~~~V~~~V~~~~V
   
3. A-fib with RVR: ~~V~~V~V~~V~VV~V~V~~V~V~~V~VV~V~V~~V~V~V~~V~~~V~V
   
   SInus pause: --~-V~--~-V~--~-V~----------~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~-----------~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~
4. 
   
5. Epinephrine: -----------------------------------------------~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~
   
6. Asystole: --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
7. Atropine: ----------~-V~----------~-V~----------~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~
   
8. Synchronized cardioversion: `V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`V`VCLEAR<>BLAM<>--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~
   
9. Defibrillation w/ conversion: MmwVwMmwwvvVWMCLEAR!<>BLAM<>------~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~--~V~
   
10. Ventricular fibrillation: wWwWWWwwWwWvVVvwMMwMMmmmvvvMM
    
11. Pacer rhythm w/ capture: --|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~--|W~
    
12. 3rd degree heart block: ~V---V-~-V--~V---V~--V-~-V--V---V~--V-~-V--~V
    
13. 2nd degree heart block, Type 2: --~-V~--~-V~--~-V~--~--------~-V~--~-V~--~-V~---~---------~-V~
    
14. 2nd degree heart block, type 1 (Wenkebach): ---~V~--~-V~-~--V~~---V~~-----------~V ---~V~--~-V~-~--V~~---V~~-----------~V
    
    • Delete
15. 1st degree heart block: -~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~-~---V~
    
16. Atrial Flutter (3:1 conduction): :vvvVvvvVvvvVvvvvVvvvvVvvvVvvvVvvvVvvvVvvvVvvvV
    
17. Atrial Fibrilation: ~~~V~V~~~~~~V~V~~~V~~~V~~~~~~V~~V~V~VVV~~~~V~V~
    
    
    1. Premature Atrial Complexes: --~-V~~V~--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~~V~-~-V~--~-V~-~V~-~-V~
       
    2. Ventricular Bigeminy:--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~
       
    3. Unifocal Premature Ventricular Comlplexes: --~-V~--~-V~M--~-V~M--~-V~--~-V~--~-V~M--~-V~
       
    4. Multifocal Premature Ventricular Complexes: --~-V~--~-V~--~-V~W--~-V~M--~-V~W--~-V~M--~-V~
       
    5. Adenocard: ~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~-------------ohshit---------~V~--~V~--~V~--whew
       
    6. Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia: --~-V~--~-V~--~-V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~
       
       Supraventricular Tachycardia ~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V~V
    7. 
       Ventricular tachycardia: VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
       
       Sinus tachycardia: ~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~~-V~
    8. 
       
       Sinus bradycardia: --~-V-~--------~-V-~--------~-V-~-------~-V-~--------~-V-~-------~-V-~-----
    10. Sinus rhythm: --~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~--~-V-~
        

Hospital Clinicals - A Million Hours of Misery Or A Million Chances to Become an Excellent EMT?

Hospital Clinicals - A Million Hours of Misery Or A Million Chances to Become an Excellent EMT?

You remember your hospital clinical hours, right? Maybe you're doing them now. They never seem to end. Back in the dinosaur days of EMS when I was in paramedic class, the only place we did clinicals was in the ER, because the emergency room is the most like EMS, right? And back then, EMS wasn’t exactly taken very seriously. Appreciated, yes, maybe even commended, but seldom taken seriously. Most of our clinical time (two hundred forty hours!) was spent watching the nurses start IV’s and push drugs, watching the doctors intubate patients and helping fetch and carry things thither and yon. Few of the nurses trusted us enough to actually stick a patient with an IV. We only practiced intubation after the patient was pronounced dead. 12-lead EKG’s took the same place as Egyptian hieroglyphics in our curriculum. At best, we might inspire enough confidence in the staff to allow us to give a pill or rub some ointment on a rash.

Nowadays, the curriculum includes over four hundred hours of hospital clinicals spanning not just the emergency department, but the ICU, med-surg floors, labor & delivery and surgery. On the surface it seems like the ways to be bored have increased exponentially. And if you’re looking for something to do, you may find yourself in the same predicament we did back in my class, when the Tyrannosaur was the king of the earth, and go look for an empty patient room to nap in.

One thing is for certain, when you take your hospital clinicals you’ll be a newbie. A “lowly” EMT (actually, you’ll be worse- an EMT student!), so judged by the nurses and doctors on the floors who don’t know you from Adam. You may be able to run circles around any other EMT, but there’s no way you’re going to prove that to crotchety old Nurse Ratchet. And she won’t care if you did.

So is there any benefit to the spectrum of torture your instructors are putting you through? If you want to be an excellent EMT, there most certainly is!

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to stick an IV. The CRNA or anesthesiologist might let you intubate a real, live person. Good, you need that. But it’s no big deal. Why? Because you can teach a monkey to intubate or start IV’s. All that takes is training. As an excellent EMT, you need to seek out education. And the hospital environment provides you with multiple opportunities to do so. Training teaches you how do do stuff: “Is my scene safe? I put on universal precautions. How many patients do I have?" Blah blah blah. What to do on every scene you’ll ever have. What education does is teach you how to think critically about your scene, especially when your scene is one of those “what if...” situations that EMT class can’t prepare you for. A great deal of education can be gleaned in the hospital.

Let’s look at some examples. One thing you’ll have to do on every call is write a run report. “Nobody’s gonna read this thing besides a lawyer,” you say to yourself. On the contrary! Many, many times the very first thing a physician or nurse will do when initially encountering your patient is read your run report. Your run report stays in the patient’s chart until he or she is discharged. It is referred to nearly every time a new doctor or nurse has any interaction with your patient. Even if they’ve been in the hospital for months and you’ve long forgotten about the call, your words are still being read and taken into consideration. If you are doing clinicals, try to take note of how often EMS reports are read. Now imagine those are your words being read. Is the report clear? Is the mechanism of injury and pertinent history accurate? What did you do for the patient? Why or why not? And be assured, your spelling, grammar and penmanship are under keen scrutiny. It is those words that will make the difference as to whether we EMT's are to be taken seriously by the medical community!

Speaking of what you did or didn’t do for the patient, another valuable lesson you can learn from hospital clinicals is the concept of continuity of care. Though your responsibilities may end when you hand over the patient to the emergency department staff, the patient’s care does not. More importantly, what you did while the patient was in your care has repercussions long after you’ve gone home and forgotten about the call.

Did you intubate the patient? Once your patient is intubated, you’ve assumed responsibility for the airway & breathing - two of the cardinal aspects of the ABC's. By intubating them, you’ve effectively made them vent-dependent. Once the body realizes it doesn’t have to breathe, many times it doesn’t start again. In your hospital clinicals, take a look at the patients who are intubated, particularly by EMS. A week or two after you’ve patted yourself on the back for “getting that tube” while hanging upside down in an overturned car in a ditch at night, that patient may well be getting a tracheostomy. That sweet grandma with CHF might not ever be able to speak the words to thank you for “saving her life” because she’s dying of ventilator-acquired pneumonia. Are you SURE you absolutely NEED to intubate that patient? Is there anything you can try to prevent an intubation and subsequent vent-dependency? The chest decompression you performed, the perhaps-less-than-aseptic IV and the hypotension you induced by walking your patient to the ambulance also all create a huge change in the continuing course of care for the patient.

The drugs you push have effects beyond the ER doors, too. Educating yourself about them can make the difference between an EMT who can pass his test and an excellent EMT. If you’re in clinicals, take a look at how the course of care is altered by drugs the EMT’s gave. Did EMS max out the patient on Atropine? The care changes. When EMS pushed labetalol on the hypertensive crisis, did the patient’s asthma kick in and now they have to be intubated? Another detour in the path of care. That patient with eclampsia - why is the ER giving them levophed after EMS pushed the magnesium sulfate? All those drugs have side effects, some of them deleterious. What may make you seem like a hero at the moment may cause an unnecessarily extensive hospital stay for the patient, added expense for insurers or taxpayers and a negative outcome in general.

In the hospital, you’ll encounter equipment that you’ll believe you will never have to think about again. Wrong! Many patients are discharged to home care with a variety of medical devices. As was stated earlier, the emergency room is the most like EMS right? Well, that’s no longer the case. A huge part of EMS calls nowadays have to do with ongoing care. That’s right- home health. People call EMS when their home oxygen machine breaks or their premature infant’s feeding tube is clogged. Imagine going to the home of a chronically ill patient who’s receiving tube feedings. The feedings are still running to the PEG tube and you have to disconnect it to package them for transport. How do you disconnect it? How do you flush it? Use your hospital clinical time to find out. Some patients go home with a Wound-Vac device to remove exudate from a surgical wound or pressure ulcer. When and how should you disconnect it? How long can it safely remain off? What should you do if it is accidentally dislodged? Again, pay attention and ask questions in the hospital. Some patients have a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter). Can you use that for IV’s? How should you access it? If it starts coming out, what should you do? There is a cornucopia of devices that you may not feel you need to know about, but in reality you will have to deal with frequently. Quinton cathers, Foley catheters, suprapubic catheters, colostomies, home ventilators, home CPAP and BiPAP machines and tracheostomies are only a few of the things you have a golden opportunity to learn about while doing your hospital clinicals, and you will be glad you did when you encounter them on scenes.

You can take note of other things too. True, cleaning a patient isn't a priority in EMS. But try to assist the nurses to turn and bathe that 600-pounder in the ICU. Help them keep the combative head bleed still for a minute during the CAT scan. Feel the soreness in your muscles the next day. The nurses will acquire a newfound respect for you and you will appreciate what they do when they have to do it without your help.

Use your hospital time to really learn about patient care, not just the bare minimum of EMS training. Understanding that what we do in the back of the ambulance has a lasting effect on our patients’ outcomes will make the difference between you being an adequate EMT and an excellent EMT. Remember, any trained monkey can start an IV and memorize ACLS algorithms. Being an excellent, educated EMT is not only what makes you stand out, but is also what truly makes a difference. And making a difference is one of the reasons we all started in this field, isn’t it?

Chronicles of EMS - An EMS Reality Series That Tells The Truth!

I know you tell war stories. I certainly do. And the questions that your non-EMS audience ask sometimes make you laugh. "How do you deal with death all day, every day?" "Do you have to cut cars up all the time?" "What's the worst call you've ever been on?" If you've spent more than twenty minutes in the back of an ambulance, you know all too well that such calls, while memorable, are the exception rather than the rule. Instead, on a typical shift we wonder about which frequent-fliers we'll be transporting, how many drunks we'll be scraping up, if it's nursing home Dump Day and where we're going to try to eat lunch. And we try not to think about who's footing the bill for our services. Sometimes we long for someone to tell our story- our real story, not some overly dramatized spectacle.

Your wish has been granted.

With Chronicles of EMS, Thaddeus Setla and Chris Montera have created an EMS reality series on the web that tell the REAL story in EMS. You can follow along with San Francisco paramedic/firefighter Justin Schorr and Mark Glencorse from North East Ambulance Service in the United Kingdom and see American EMS as it really is. No explosions, no Code 3 club, and every patient isn't dying from some unlikely scenario. Mark & Justin run actual EMS calls in San Francisco and show what it's really like to be an EMT - dealing with the chronic bullshit, the homeless, the drunks and occasionally even a real patient ("Trauma" on NBC, are you listening?). Also of note is Justin's warning to Mark - no meal breaks!

It's interesting to see Mark's reaction to the way EMS is run here; he's a paramedic in England. Compare his comments about U.K. EMS with the way it goes in the States. It was a long time in the making, as Justin explains in the first part of the video. Facebook, Twitter and blogs played a key part in CoEMS' creation, and I'm happy to have had a miniscule influence in it. The guys have done an outstanding job illustrating what we really do.

Watch episode one of Chronicles of EMS here.

And if you'd like to follow everyone on Twitter-

Follow Justin Schorr here.

You can follow Thaddeus Setla on Twitter here.

Follow Mark Glencorse on Twitter here.

And follow Chris Montera here.

And don't forget to join the Facebook page of Chronicles of EMS!

CoEMS is sponsored by Zoll (still my favorite monitors).

Looking forward to Episode 2 and more!

Sticky Situation

OK here's an interesting scenario and I'd like to hear from you. According to this story  http://bit.ly/bzSYxz a Jefferson Parish deputy recorded on his cell phone the dying testimony of a gunshot victim while in the back of the ambulance. 

My question: Is this OK or not OK? We all know HIPPA law prevents any of us medical people from recording images, voice or any specifics about patients, particularly if they will be made public (as this recording surely would be). Even our conversations must be tailored so as not to divulge such information. Does HIPPA include such informal legal testimony? If you were the paramedic, would you prevent the deputy from recording your patient? If there were no police around, would YOU record the patient's testimony?

The legal implications seem frought with peril. A video is far more convincing evidence in court than the debatable memory of a paramedic who was distracted with patient care. On the other hand, remember the trial of the shooters at the Louisiana Avenue car wash? They were acquitted despite there being a video of them shooting. How much of a risk would it be to your job if you knowingly allowed a police officer to video record your patient?

Oh, and if you are the paramedic who was on this scene, I'd love to hear from you about any backlash or issues that may have come up with this.

Write your comments using the link below. Thanks!

Military Allows Facebook, Twitter, Other Social Media

Apparently the benefits of social media outweigh the security risks. Hmmm... Where have I heard that before?

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61Q07G20100227?type=technologyNews

At the risk of sounding bitchy...

Many of us loved the shooting game on Facebook. It was a bit of diversion that only a small group of Facebook friends could see. Guess the time of the next shooting. Closest guess won. No private information was given, no one got hurt, there was no national media attention. The game died because I was ordered to cease & desist for, at best, unclear reasons.

This very blog has been a bane to the EMS hierarchy. Apparently it has the reputation of "stirring the pot," a pot which apparently needs to remain unstirred. In reviewing the past dozens of articles written on here and the comments in the tag-box, I can't find any stories that might be considered "pot-stirring" (this current article notwithstanding). It's been a place to encourage others for professional improvement, point out a job well done, post photos from the Times-Picayune of us in silly poses, and cite links to other helpful EMS-related websites. How any of this is "pot-stirring" eludes me.

Therefore I find it fascinating that social media websites such this one exist unmolested: http://www.facebook.com/ProjectNOLA/posts/341940306666#!/ProjectNOLA. It is not my Facebook page and I have no idea who is involved with is creation or maintenance. It details crimes in the city as they happen, by someone who obviously has a radio scanner, with very specific information on who, what, where & when, etc. It also clearly has a large base of followers from the general public. Nowhere in the many comments and updates on it do I see a cease & desist request from any city entity. Further, it is just one of a myriad of similar online sources for the gory emergency responder details of the city in which we live and work. Here's another one, and another, and another, and another.

I was informed in one of my many cease & desist meetings that the internet is not the proper medium for letting out frustrations. It was recommended to go to a bar and bitch about work with my co-workers over a drink. Alternatives to such "therapy" were not explored. I must ask, is drinking & complaining the only approved method of stress reduction? After Hurricane Katrina I explained my own methods of decompressing to the CISD psychiatrists. One doctor called two other doctors so I could repeat my coping methods to them, namely writing about my experiences and channeling my frustration, sadness or joy into a productive medium. They were fascinated and encouraged me to continue doing so, saying "You obviously have a very effective way of coping with stress."

So, sorry for stirring the pot once more. Since websites such as the Facebook page above continue unbridled in their haste to inform the public with raw, unfiltered information for anyone to read and comment on, I will continue to feel justified for posting my own take on my EMS experiences. Until such public websites and social media are stopped from their own "violations," please do not single ME out as a troublemaker for my methods of dealing with stress and creativity by simply telling war stories.

There. I've said it.

-Fitz

Mid-City Shooting

Night of Endymion, Palmyra & S. Gayoso.

(Via NOLA.com)

Don't Kill the Messenger...

Below is an excellent article why the rampant paranoia surrounding social media, blogging and the Internet is unfounded, particularly in the EMS field. There is nothing wrong with using the internet or social media to decompress or let the world know that we are indeed plain ol' human beings after all. I didn't write it, so don't get all out of sorts because I agree with it.

http://michaelhyatt.com/2010/01/five-reasons-why-your-company-doesn’t-need-a-social-media-policy.html

Social Media in EMS

Here's an intersting article about using social media at EMS. If the PIO's were able to use facebook or twitter to update the public about the goings-on such as mini-press releases, Community Outreach projects or CPR classes, it could be a valuable tool in making a positive impact for EMS in the city. Since social media on the internet is a worldwide phenomenon, EMS could have a positive image of community involvement and responsibility that extends all over the world. Might be worth considering.

http://www.ems1.com/ems-products/technology/articles/601956-Using-Social-Media-at-Your-EMS-Agency/

EMS 2.0: An Inconvenient EMS Truth

An excellent, thought provoking look into the reality of EMS and it's
necessary future.

http://ambulancedriverfiles.com/2009/10/ems-2-0-an-inconvenient-ems-truth/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

- Sean Fitz

Funny Ambulance Commercial

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sao-uEKgJ6Q&feature=youtube_gdata

- Sean Fitz

Worth Following

Here's an EMS website that I find very interesting. They post EMS news, research and pilot programs. You'll find it useful!

http://www.ems1.com/

You can also follow them on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/EMS1

MVA I-610 & Canal Blvd.

Car flipped over. 9,000 people on scene. Patient ok. Photo from
nola.com. Fitz' best side.

911 Email

Wow! Oh wow! Man this sounds hilarious! I can just see some drunken
sot sending the email intended for his ex-girlfriend begging her to
come back to him to 911 accidentally!

Ok, here's the contest: what kind of emails do you think that a 911
email address would get? The article says it's for people who might
not be able to call (but they CAN email?). How do you think such an
email would read? Best entry wins! Post as comments.

http://www.911dispatch.com/db/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2663

- Sean Fitz

The Prequel to "Found Wanting" Is Beginning!

Ta da! Chapter 1 of "Weighed In the Balances" is up! It starts about
15 years before Marc's murderous rampage on the streets of New
Orleans. What turned him into a cold-blooded killer? What details of
his life sent him over the brink? I have a lot of places I want to go
with this story, and I'll visit them all in painful detail! Hope you
enjoy the first chapter.

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com

- Sean Fitz

Casa Collapso

House collapse on Duels & New Orleans St. Workers chopped through the
roof and pulled the patient up. 1 trauma activation with an L-spine
injury. Power lines were exploding under me while I was extricating
the patient off the roof. Very much fun!

La. EMS Memorial Bike Ride

The Louisiana EMS Memorial Bike Ride is sponsored by the Louisiana NREMT Association (LANREMT) and is part of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc.  

The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc., honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.
The registration fee for this one day event is $50, with each rider obligated to raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. For those who are unable to participate but wish to make a donation, please do so through the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.laemsmemorial.org

For those wishing to obtain more information about the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride please click on the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.muddyangels.org

The Wall Pumps Are NOT 10-7!

Every day I hear someone say they can't fuel up on the West Bank
because the Wall Blvd. pumps are supposedly 10-7. And every day, I go
fuel up there with no problem.

I've tried to explain that there is a knack to using the Wall pumps.
They have been quirky for at least 18 years. I'm shocked that the
older employees have forgotten how to use them, or chosen not to
enlighten the newer ones.

Here's the secret gris-gris:
Use PUMP 5!
Use your card, flip the handle, insert the nozzle as usual.
Start fueling, but it will be REALLY slow. Let go of the handle for 10
seconds. Then squeeze it again and it will work fine.

Share the knowledge with others.

Brit Gets Jail for Sore Throat 911 Calls

Wow! Can we get some of this kind of proactive action here? I can think of a few callers that would benefit from this kind of therapy. 

http://www.emsresponder.com/web/online/Top-EMS-News/Brit-Gets-Jail-for-Sore-Throat-911-Calls/1$9873

Sent from TwitterFon

- Sean Fitz

Found Wanting - Chapter 12 is up!

The last chapter of "Found Wanting" is now posted! Thanks to everyone for reading it and offering so much encouragement! And yes, I hope to try to get it published! I may take a little break, but there's already a gleam in my eye for my next project. By popular demand, I'm hoping to write a prequel to "Found Wanting"! I hope it's as well received as this story has been.

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Special thanks to Jon McCarthy & Tommy Evans for help with the plot and technical aspects; to Clarence Bradley, Tammy Guenard, Joey DeLoach, Monique St. Romaine and everyone who helped put a fire under my ass for the next chapter. And a very heartfelt thank you to all the heroes, past and present, living and dead, of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services. Every one of you are my inspiration!

-Sean Fitzmorris

"Found Wanting" - Chapter 11 is up!

I was on a roll. I really loved writing this chapter. I hope you enjoy it as well!

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com

WWL Report On Our Station

http://m.wwltv.com/wwltv/db_20227/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=7LARu9ii&src=cat

Chapter 10 is up!

Our heroes have a lot to discuss. Enjoy Chapter 10 of "Found Wanting"!
http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Found Wanting - Chapter 9

Ok, y'all, Chapter 9 is posted! Hope you like it! Don't forget, every patient I describe in this entire story is an actual patient I've had; only the names have been changed. I can't make this stuff up!

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Chapter 8 of "Found Wanting"

Sorry for the delay! Chapter 8 is up. See if you can recognize a little tribute I made! Hope you enjoy.

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Scavenger Hunt!

We’re going on a scavenger hunt! All you have to do is find the street signs till the end, where you win the grand prize. It helps if you write down the street names and read them out loud so the contest judges know you were there. The only hard part will be finding the streets! Here we go...

We’ll start close to the station, so no one gets lost. All you have to do is leave the station and head over to the eighth district and find Gainy Street, then around the corner to Poyfar. From there, just go down the road into the first district to Grayver Street. It’d be a good idea to stop on Pwadras Street as well, before shooting on over to Ibberville.

Now lets make a little jaunt uptown to the sixth and second districts and visit Announciation. You might get there by way of Simon Boulevard Avenue. Then drop by Vincanes, before heading off to the third district.

In the third, we’ll stop by Genhayg Street, Cantina, Mowton and Aragorn in Lakeview, then move over to Trafflagar; it’s right off of Deesax.

It’s easy to get to the seventh district from here, so we’ll pass by Boing Street, make a pit stop on Linehubber and go all the way out to Canes Street. Next we’ll come back towards town a little and visit America or Americus (they’re interchangeable).

To get to the fifth district, it might be easiest to take Alamonster. Make your way over to Lizard Street, and look for the cross street too, Yuerquehart.

Lets take the scenic route back and visit the beautiful French Quarter. Dekatour is one of the nicest streets. You may also want to see lovely Barak Street. Near the cathedral, you can stroll up Peer Antine. Stop by the corner of S. Peter and St. Peter (also interchangeable) before moving onto historic Caenal Street.

Only one more district in our scavenger hunt- the fourth! Once you get off the bridge, see if you can find Faragoot Street. Once you do, make a quick stop on Murl, Morel or Merrill (again, totally interchangeable). Near that, you’ll visit Odean Street and then head to Patolemy. We’re almost through! On the way to the end, just pass by that other Lizard Street. Then make your final stop on the scavenger hunt where you can claim your grand prize. It will be on... Succotash Street!

Yay! You made it! Your fabulous grand prize is - Hooked on Phonics! It comes with a companion prize too- Hooked on Phonics for Dummies! Aren’t you happy? Make sure you take your prizes with you and use them a lot before the next time you key up that microphone at work! Everyone will appreciate you!

Really. They will!

Chapter 7 is posted!

Chapter 7 of "Found Wanting" is up! Hope you enjoy!

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Signal 30, 1700 block of Duels, 5/16/09

A few minutes after the tornado. Kenny, Derek & Ben on scene. Yours
truly not in the picture, thankfully. From nola.com.

Tornado Over New Orleans 5/16/09

Comma-looking thing. From Pontchartrain Expressway.

Tornado over New Orleans 5/16/09

Not a great pic; taken from Pontchartrain Expressway looking toward
the lake.

Louisiana Rolling Roadblock!!

Okay just bare with me on this one. I have had enough and have always wanted to express myself on this matter. Being that I travel the Interstate system daily I have become more and more frustrated at the way others drive. The main gripe I have is those using the left lane, as I see it improperly. This has been called the Louisiana rolling Roadblock for years, and with just cause.

Let’s be clear this is not being directed at any particular group. Not racial, not age, not the truck services, not low dollar car drivers or even the high dollar drivers. Not even the cabbies, but I could go on for days about cabbies. This encompasses every single fool idiot that driver in the left lane 10 – 15 mph below the posted limits.

Let me give you some parameters that are known or should be know by all divers. On mutli lane roads, the first lane, right lane that is for merging traffic as well as the slower traffic. The center lane is the through lane, normal diving speeds and then there is the left. This lane was designed to be the Emergency lane, for all Emergency response vehicles, as well as the passing lane, faster driver’s lane.

That being said lets take a gander at some of the thing’s I have seen. Of course I only bitch due to the fact I drive fast most of the time, not excessively but faster than post limits. Which means I shoot straight over to the left lane to start the trip at a good pace. All is good until the next exit comes up, only to see another connoisseur of speed dart over to the lane ahead of me. Oh hell no he didn’t, yes he did. The gas pedal all of sudden no longer works in his car like a stealth bomber he was undetectable due to no light, but has slowed to a whooping 50 mph. Keeping just enough room in between the car in the middle lane so you can’t just switch and pass him on the inside. At these speed the entire city of Kenner rushing in to the Big Easy has swallowed us up like a hurt horse in the stretch. No where to go blocked in. Ease up on him, maybe to entice a lane change, nah but hey he does have brake lights now! Miles have passed then finally a break you shoot a round him like a sling shot. I myself don’t use the flashing light in the mirror out of respect knowing that this only makes me slam on my brakes. But I do give that head shaking glare as I time my return into his path narrowly missing his front bumper. Then it is speed time until the next idiot arrives.

We have all kinds of offenders that constantly perpetrate this heinous crime. So look out for them, I will list a few that I have encountered. First the ever popular white haired, old fogy that has zero reason to be in a moving vehicle of any kind at all. The young, look at me I just got my license, to busy chatting with everyone in the car. The sports car which by the way cost’s more than my yearly salary. They are way too good to be asked to move over. The hoopdie, which should only be under a pneumatic car crusher instead of being driven on the roads. With some thug at the wheel, and some form of sound blaring from the exterior speakers. The cabbie oh those cabbies that is all I have to say!! The service trucks that with its size, feels it can go where ever it wants. The every day Sunday driver, just slowly making its way forward to their destination. All of them are of course talking or texting while performing this feat. Now don’t drive up on them at a speed at or above the limits, since it makes them uncomfortable, you can tell this by the popular braking being done. Forget the fact there is no one in front of them. Or the turning of the head and yelling that is being done at you with some friendly hand gestures sent to show the love. Then the one that just gets my laughing so hard I can’t drive. After a 3 mile tailing, finally you get the break you need. Signal, change lanes, speed up. But wait the car which couldn’t go faster than 50 or change lanes suddenly explodes forward, those friendly hand gestures a waving. You having some restraint realize now you won’t make it unless you go about 90. Just back down and ease in behind the traffic and starting laughing and such a fantastic move by the other driver.

Sadly the only way I have found around this issue and to keep my road rage down. Is to now travel in the right lane at a higher speed average, slowing when on coming traffic hits, but since these fools are making a bee line to the left lane it clears quickly.

If only we could have spontaneous combusting laser guns, this whole thing could end rather quickly.




--
T-Man

Chapter 6 is up!

Posted Chapter 6 of "Found Wanting". Trouble in paradise!

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com

Chapter 5 is up!

Okay all, just posted Chapter 5 of "Found Wanting!" It's a rough shift for Marc & Brian.

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

EMS Trivia Quiz

Actually this was pretty good quiz. I’ve demolished it with my ridiculous answers, but feel free to take it yourself for real. Here's the link. It's on a pretty good EMS website, EMS1.com.

Bledsoe's EMS Trivia Quiz

1. What is the plural of pleura?
You've only got one pleura so who cares.

2. Your patient has a blood glucose level of 4.2 mmol/L. Is this high, low or normal? Convert the reading to milligrams per deciliter.
Normal. Press the button on the glucometer to convert it.

3. What is Hennebert’s sign and what condition is it indicative of?
A stupid thing that Dr. Hennebert described. Indicates Hennebertitis - inflated ego of a research physician.

4. How is Arnold’s Nerve stimulated? What effects result from stimulation of Arnold’s Nerve? What nerve is Arnold’s Nerve a part of?
Find a guy named Arnold and stick him with a needle. It’ll be stimulated. Effect will be saying “ouch.” It’s a part of Arnold’s nervous system.

5. The ligamentum teres is a remnant of what embryonic structure?
The umbilical cord’s connection to the vascular system. (Couldn’t think of a funny one.)

6. What is the appropriate treatment when an IV infusion of norepinephrine or dopamine extravasates?
Haul ass and tell the doctor when you get to the hospital.

7. Who invented the esophageal obturator airway (EOA)?
Someone with no gag reflex who was inspired while having sex. Maybe this guy?

8. What was the first dedicated civilian medical helicopter program in the United States?
When the Korean war ended and the guys from M*A*S*H went home.

9. Who was the publisher of the first version of Nancy Caroline’s Emergency Care in the Street?
Harlequin Romance Novels - Really, doesn’t it sound like a cheesy romance thing? Maybe a sequel to Nancy Caroline’s Love in the Janitor’s Closet?

10. What company provided the ambulances used in the television show Émergency!?
The lowest bidder.

11. What is the purpose of adding lactate to Lactated Ringer’s solution?
To make women’s boobs bigger.

12. Your Spanish-speaking patient is telling you, “Estoy embarazada.” What are they trying to tell you?
“I’m so embarrassed that I got pregnant from a gringo on spring break in Mexico that I came to America for free medical care.”

13. Which company published the now defunct Emergency magazine?
Apparently, one with poor managerial skills. AIG?

14. What are the three Greek humors?
Comedy, tragedy & drama.

15. What is a reticulocyte?
A single-celled reticulated python.

16. What was the name of the ambulance company in the movie Mother, Jugs & Speed, and what did it stand for?
Dunno - never saw it.

17. DRT is an abbreviation for what?
Dead Right There

18. What was the drug Hyperstat used for?
You inject it into your partner to get him off his ass. Do something!

19. What was HelaFoam used for?
At clubs when they have a HelaFun Foam party.

20. When your partner said, “We are going to hang three,” what did he mean?
You just had your third idiot patient who deserves death more than a ride to the hospital.

21. How many grams of glucose are in a liter of D5W?
50 - another one I couldn’t think of a funny.

22. What is an MICN?
“Medic I Can’t Name”- used when gossiping about the mistakes of a co-worker but you don’t want to get him in trouble.

23. What ambulance was known as Moby Pig?
Mine.

24. What slang term for MICU was used by many EMS operations in the 1970s?
“Ambulance.” Or “Meat wagon.”

25. Who are Joe and the Deer?
The guy from that famous 911 recording that kept getting attacked by a deer.

26. Who published the first EMT textbook in full color?
Highlights Children’s Books - still used today.

27. Who manufactured the orange Biophone used in the Emergency! television series?
The lowest bidder

28. What is an oral screw and when is it indicated?
Oh hoh hoh - I’m not even going there! But it’s indicated when you have a really sexy partner and a slow night.

29. Which actor from the television show Emergency! was the only one who was a certified firefighter?
The safety guy. He stood behind the gaffer, near the best boy.

30. Which individual shot or stabbed the largest number of people in the United States (and Canada)?
If by “shot or stabbed” you refer to giving shots or stabbing with IV’s, we all are guilty! Criminals ain’t got nothing on us.

True Friendship

Found Wanting - Chapter 4 is posted!

Sorry about the delay. Just posted Chapter Four of "Found Wanting"! Enjoy!

http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

Chapter 3 is up!

I just posted Chapter 3 of "Found Wanting"! Someone actually gets it in this one! Enjoy!
http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com

Found Wanting - Chapter 2 Now Up!

OK readers, my next chapter is up at http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com. Enjoy! More to come!

34-S 4/5/09, photo by Times-Picayune

EMS Short Story

I just wrote chapter one of my new FICTIONAL short story, "Found Wanting." It's about a burnt-out paramedic... and you'll find out the rest. I'll post future chapters as they're written. Hope you enjoy.

It's on my other blog, New BurningTiger. The link is: http://newburningtiger.blogspot.com/

G&L in Public Safety

You are invited to a meeting and recruitment drive for the Louisiana
Group of PROTECT AND DEFEND (PAD). The event will be hosted by the
PAD Southern Chapter Events Coordinator Travis St. Pierre at his
residence (821 Perdido Street, Unit 2E, New Orleans) on Saturday,
March 28, 2009 from 7:00 pm until. There will be plenty of food and
drink.

PROTECT AND DEFEND is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, per
501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Our intent is to serve the interests of
gay and lesbian law enforcement, firefighters, military, and other
public safety and justice system workers from all over the world. We
are primarily a social organization that intends to organize public
and private events with an eye towards charitable fundraising for GLBT
organizations. For more information, please visit our website at
www.protectanddefend.org.

Please try to attend this event and please bring any friends that are
members of law enforcement, fire, EMS, or military, either active,
reserve, or retired. Also, feel free to bring your partner or spouse.

Membership in the organization is only $27.00 (per year) and you may
join via the website (www.protectanddefend.org)

For more information regarding the organization or this event, please
contact me (504-915-8411) or Travis (504-427-1913). Also, please RSVP
to either Travis or I so that we can insure the proper amount of food
and drink.

We look forward to seeing you!

Stay Safe!

-Ross

New Orleans EMS Featured in JEMS Magazine!

http://www.jems.com/news_and_articles/announcements/09/new_orleans_ems_responds_to_a_large_variety_of_call_during_mardi_gras_2009.html

1 Shot Dead in Vehicle, Another Brought to Hospital

From nola.com

Sammy Grammy's wedding!

Another Times Photo

In the photo you can see Clarence, Dave, Ben, and Katrina. There is mystery medic hiding behind Ben, do you know who it is?

Pretty Day in the 0.25

Disaster Averted

Ok, here's a great example of CYA:

Responded to a 20-I. On scene, NOPD says "I can't believe they called you for this bullshit! This accident happened over 2 hours ago!" He indicated that one of the passengers had said something about back pain. We went to the car, expecting to be cancelled. The grand total of damage to the car? A cracked rear light cover. Inside were two females, one saying her neck hurt, one saying her lower back hurt. The one with neck pain vascillated about going to the hospital with us but eventually said for us to take her. Her friend said she would go too.

Slightly pissed off about the whole obvious bullshit of it all, but I figured they should get the whole "treatment" because this was obviously a sprouting personal injury lawsuit. Brought the stretcher and collar and LSB over to the car, immobilized them properly, blah, blah, blah.

Neck pain on the benchseat, heavy girl on the stretcher. Asked neck pain when her LMP was. "8 months ago." Why? "I'm 8 months pregnant; I'm due next month." Okay, whatever. (Didn't realize she was pregnant; thought she was just "shaped" that way.) Both have rock-stable vitals, no obvious injury.

We're code 77 for like 2 hours before 6239 relieves us at University. No new complaints, the girls are fine. We move on.

Later on that day, 6239 (Katrina) relieves us again. She says that the ultrasound on our pregnant patient revealed the fetus was dead! Holy crap! "From the accident?" I asked. No, apparently it had died earlier and she didn't know it.

Here's how it could have happened in an alternate universe:
NOPD: "Y'all can cancel."
Us: "10-22 per NOPD unit whatever." Or maybe make patient contact and "You don't really need to go with us, you can drive yourself to the hospital if you want." 10-22 or patient refusal dispo.

One month later the woman goes to the hospital to have her baby. It's dead. The fetal demise could easily be attributed to the earlier accident and lack of medical care at the time. Who do you think the first people would be to spring to mind to sue for negligence or something like that? Yep, EMS.

Really, really glad we took her to the hospital. New rear light cover: $50. Ambulance ride to the hospital for bullshit complaint: $700. Two paramedics keeping themselves out of a shitload of trouble for said bullshit complaint: Priceless.

34-S 1/17/09

Photo from Nola.com

The Francene Hair Diaries!

Our beloved Francene Jones and her amazing hair - the good, the bad and the frightening. Thanks for being a good sport! You're awesome.




This should be available on YouTube soon, too!

PSA video!

Susan's posted the final version of the PSA on YouTube. Click the video and it will take you to the YouTube site. You can copy the code and paste it onto your MySpace & Facebook page or into emails to friends! Everyone share to get our great service reputation out there! Everyone looks great, too.

New Phonetic Alphabet

Due to inconsistencies with spelling difficulties over the radio, particularly when spelling out street names, we have arrived at a new phonetic alphabet. Up until now, there have been varying ways to clarify various letters. For example, when trying to say the letter “A,” should we say 'A as in apple; A as in alpha; A as in Anthony', and so on. The following list creates an “EMS-centric” list of mnemonics so as to better communicate exact spellings over the air. Please use these mnemonic phrases to clarify the spelling of words:

A as in ambalamps
B as in better be up on time
C as in CPR-ah
D as in do you speak English
E as in everybody re-centralize
F as in free ride to the hospital
G as in GOA
H as in hell no, you can’t have a forty
I as in idiot 911 callers
J as in just get in the truck
K as in kept past ETOD
L as in late call
M as in medicaid
N as in no getting off on time
O as in obnoxious
P as in parametric
Q as in drag queen
R as in refusal
S as in stupid
T as in ten-forty-two
U as in ugly
V as in vaginal bleed
W as in write-up
X as in x-tremely fat
Y as in yes that call was for you
Z as in zero payment for this transport

With these easy-to-remember phonetic alphabet substitutions, we trust all will have a more efficacious time communicating on the radio. Thank you.

A Boxing Day Carol

Not EMS related, but seasonal.

Once upon a time, long ago, there was a man named Jesus. Jesus got into a fight with another man named Santa. A great battle ensued. Santa won the battle, which ended with Jesus being squirted out of a virgin vagina as a baby. The details of this phenomenon are complicated, so don’t ask.

When Jesus grew up, he challenged Santa to a rematch. Every year since then, the ongoing rivalry has resulted in a Death Match Ultimate Cage Fight. Wagers were staked on either Jesus or Santa. Wagers can take the form of cash or prizes. Today these wagers are called Christmas Gifts, since we now live in a more enlightened society. We’re not sure who has the advantage; Jesus lives in our hearts but Santa watches us all year. Somehow this surveillance has a bearing on the outcome of the fight, perhaps by gauging support for which contestant is our favorite.

In the uncertainty of the fight’s outcome and the inherent dangers of such a bout between two powerful pugilists each year, Christmas trees were invented. These brightly decorated trees are placed near windows and doors as a hedge to protect us in case one of the Death Match fighters gets knocked out of the arena into our houses.

Santa needs milk and cookies to refresh himself between rounds. These are placed near the stockings that are hung by the chimney with care. The stockings are used as makeshift boxing gloves in case Santa’s and Jesus’ wear out. Since the Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths block other entry points to houses, Santa must use the chimney to enter. Jesus has easier access; he can just return home to our hearts and exit through any of our body orifices into our houses. Jesus eats the Christmas dinner leftovers to refresh himself. Christmas dinners are deliberately made to have an excess of food specifically for this purpose.

Since more people seem to favor Santa over Jesus, experts are predicting him as this year’s winner. Results of the fight are posted on December 26th. And this, friends, is the reason December 26th is called Boxing Day. Merry Christmas!

Professionalism 101

"Give me a drama delay."
"My patient needs to fix her hair and makeup."
"I'm 10-97."
"Yes, ma'am, yes ma'am, thank you ma'am, I'm here for you ma'am. You just let me know ma'am."
"CCCrrkkkkzz[garble]...NOPD here code three!"

Lately I've noticed a trend on the radio. In all my seventeen years of working for EMS in New Orleans, never have have I heard the amount of unnecessary chatter over the radio as is prevalent today. Oftentimes this chatter passes the bounds of steam-valve stress relief and strays into the realm of actual rudeness. In extreme circumstances, it can even create a hazard to our safety.

What do I mean? More often than not, we hear crews "walking" on each other on the radio in an effort to get their transmissions across. It is understandable that this may occasionally happen, particularly during hectic times. But I have noticed this happening far more frequently than in years past. The only factor I can attribute this to is simple discourtesy. Many times a shift, I will hear dispatch in the middle of a conversation with a crew, perhaps giving out details of a call or relaying other information, or maybe a crew asking for clarification of a location when in mid-transmission a different crew will barge in on the conversation with "put me Code 77 at Ochsner" or something to that effect. Cutting in on someone else's conversation is simply rude, particularly when it is centered on subject matter that can wait for a more appropriate time.

I am not saying that your Code 77 or your 10-10 or your on-scene delay isn't important. However there is no reason that any of these radio transmissions cannot wait for a few seconds until the current on-air discourse is finished. There are certain things that are vital to get out in a timely manner. Dispatching calls is one of them. A crew in danger is another. Requesting more units is another example. These radio transmissions must have first priority. But a large majority of our radio transmissions are simply routine status updates that should wait until whoever is on the radio finishes speaking.

"Professionalism" is an amalgam of many aspects of conduct. It is important that we treat our patients with respect and courtesy. We would never speak rudely to a physician that we were giving a report to. The mayor, the governor, the president - all deserve no less than the utmost respect when in conversation with them, regardless of our personal opinions of them. This is simply what is expected when dealing professionally with others. Should it be different when dealing with our co-workers? Courtesy, allowing others to finish their conversation, is one extremely important aspect of professionalism. Not barging in on a conversation already in progress is doubtless one of the things your mother taught you when you were a child. Though it may have been many years since Mother taught you this principle, it is no less in force today.

It is human nature that we feel that what we have to say is the most important thing at the moment. It takes practice and conscious effort to temper this impulse. Next time you need to key up your radio, take a split second to listen and determine if there is a conversation already underway. If there is, wait a few seconds if you're just giving a routine status update. No one will die if you go 10-10 a few seconds late. Lives do not hang in the balance regarding your "drama delay." If you are in a critical situation, please break in on the radio, by all means. Look at the radio conversation at the top of this post. Which do you think is the most important transmission? Which transmission is yours? Please, just be polite!

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