Read Chief Dennis Rubin’s prepared testimony
DC Fire & EMS Department Chief Dennis Rubin testified Friday before the DC City Council’s Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. This was a scheduled oversight hearing. It included discussion of the recent death of two-year-old Stephanie Stephens. A criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department Homicide Branch is determining if there was criminal neglect by a senior paramedic when the decision was made not to take the little girl to the hospital after her mother’s initial call to 911 in the middle of a blizzard on February 10.
Kenneth Lyons, president of AFGE Local 3721 representing civilian EMS workers, gave indication to reporters that the transport decision was a mutual one between Stephens’ mother and the paramedic. Numerous sources have confirmed the medic failed to get a signed release or fill out an electronic patient care report after the response.
In his opening remarks at the hearing Chief Rubin said, “The department is revising our non-transport policy to include the addition of a mandatory supervisory verification that assures all patient protocols were followed prior to the unit leaving the scene.”
On numerous occasions during the hearing Chief Rubin took full responsibility for the failures in the Stephens case. Here is an excerpt from his prepared testimony:
Before I begin, I must offer my most sincere and heartfelt apology to the parents and family of Stephanie Stephens for her death. I am the father of three children and grandfather of one and I cannot begin to imagine how I would feel if placed in the same position. I can only say that I was profoundly shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the circumstances of this case and since learning of them I have devoted almost all of my time to investigating and reviewing this Department’s actions. My heart goes out to the parents and family of this little child and if there was anything I could do to change what occurred, I would act immediately to make it happen. That said, and as the Fire and EMS Chief for the District of Columbia, I must accept responsibility for the actions of our employees. Public responsibility for failure in this case will be mine and mine alone and I do not intend to share this responsibility with others. Good leadership begins and ends at the top and I can only hope that my testimony today will reassure this community that the emergency medical services system in the District of Columbia is not broken and does not suffer from a lack of sound judgment and responsible actions by the vast majority of our employees.
Here’s more on the hearing from 9NEWS NOW’s Audrey Barnes:
A day after DC police launched a criminal investigation into a decision by a senior paramedic not to transport a child who later died, Fire Chief Dennis Rubin was summoned to a council hearing to explain some recent department missteps.
Like the case of Stephanie Thomas, who testified that she called paramedics to her home last spring when her nine-year-old asthmatic son was having chest pains and trouble breathing.
“I requested transport to Children’s Hospital,” Thomas says. “The paramedic told me that wasn’t necessary, to put him in the shower with some steam, and if I needed them later, call back.”
Within an hour, she says her son’s condition worsened, so she drove him to the hospital herself. The first question she was asked was, “Why did I take so long to bring him in?”
Thomas’ son survived. The case is eerily similar to that of Stephanie Stephens, who died the day after one crew refused to take her to the hospital to treat her breathing difficulty, and suggested steam as a treatment.
“The buck stops with Chief Rubin,” the head of Local 3721 Kenneth Lyons says. “He knew about these other cases and tried to cover them up, blaming it on semantics, while families grieve.”
Rubin says he accepts the blame and will investigate the Thomas case. He says he just learned about it.
“We will get to the bottom of this,” Rubin says. “We’ll get it resolved.”
The council’s oversight committee expects to release its findings soon.
Also on STATter911 …
- Video: Citizen who lost son praises EMS response but blasts DC firefighters. Tells hearing they are ‘terrorists’ trying to make Chief Ellerbe look bad. – April 1, 2013
- DC Chief Kenneth Ellerbe on why safer cotton shirts for firefighters are sitting in warehouse: ‘Sometimes there’s trickery in terms of one administration to another’. – March 9, 2012
- Demoted Macon-Bibb County, GA Captain Stephanie Burke says she was scared by gun prank. Chief Marvin Riggins paints a different picture as he narrates longer version of video at hearing. – January 26, 2012
- Chief Kenneth Ellerbe responds: Live interview this morning discussing sexual harassment claims when chief was in Florida. – March 8, 2012
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The only way to take full responsibility for it, is to accept the exact same punishment as the scapegoats, era, I mean the rank & file members get. If you’re not willing to do that, you’re just blowing 2 alarms worth of smoke up everybodies hiener…….so I say…strike the 2ns alarm.
After a statement like that, I would expect Chief Rubin to step down. I don’t know that he will, but I would expect it. Which does not absolve the paramedics of responsibility in these cases, but does point out that there are system wide changes needed in EMS delivery in DC.
Nothing will change at DC FD/EMS until the culture that nurtures bad care is changed.
Regardless of what the paramedics did or did not do, didn’t the child die the next day in the hospital? Rosenbaum died in the hospital a day or so later! There are problems throughout the DC EMS system just like all other systems in the country. No matter what you do, there will always be a couple of isolated incidents in departments that run hundreds of thousand call per year. When a patient is transfered alive to the ED staff at a hospital they become their responsibility to keep them alive. The EMS system was alot worse when only EAB providers were out there ducking calls, and lets not mention their LACK of skills to do anything more than just transport, provide O2, and once in a while start a line. At least now we are getting some young energetic skilled medics who were trained outside of DC that can provide true paramedic skills. The ELO’s are more worried about not giving EAB Medic Units runs and pounding the firefighting units, than they are about doing their job correctly. If the ELO’s were smart enough to pass the promotional exam with all of their many years as Paramedics then maybe they would be running the department and making a difference.
Dekalb County Fire Rescue outside of Atlanta had a structure fire go bad due to the negligence by the responding crews. A woman died because of their lack of effort. It wasn’t even a week later and every officer in charge on that call from chief to the fire fighter acting in charge were fired. The chief of the department resigned.
Now, that is a wake up call. If Rubin wants to take responsibility then quit for showing zero leadership.
Dennis L. Ruben. Three years of absolutely nothing!
Everyone seems to be singling out Chief Rubin. He has made somewhat of a decent EMS System. Yes being the Chief he has the sole responsibility. However the idiot senior Paramedic obviously didnot follow Departmental Protocol. ie; No Documentation to support decision not to Transport. “If is not documented it simply didnot occur”. What is meant here is the Senior Paramedic had full knowledge of the absolutely shameful and disgraceful decision not to Transport a Pediatric Trouble Breathing Case. Chief Rubin sets up what he believes is a good
Protocol Effort. Then the Personnel some of whom should not even in Public Safety. This particular senior paramedic I doubt could put a Band Aid on a paper cut. The issue of three Medical Directors in three years. One can reasonably think it’s because of the Mentality/Thinking of People who donot wish EMS to be a part of the Fire Dept. Merging Fire and EMS is designed to bring about amore Professional Fire and EMS Delivery Service. ie: EMT Training, Paramedic Training. One of the most critical elements of an effective EMS System is RESPONSE TIMES. It takes a courageous Person to own up and assume Responsibility as his position. Then there are those
who are adomently opposed to Chief Rubin. One can only believe they still think the 2-piece Engine Company is what is needed in good suppression efforts. This is simply not true. The days of 2-piece Operation is gone outdated. Pack it away. Single piece Engine Companies are the norm in every large and samll urban/rural communities in our nation. Fires get put out everyday in the District of Columbia. The equal amount of water is used as was in 2-piece Engine Companies. Wake up people smell the coffee. This the 21st Century Fire and EMS Service. Single Piece Engines, with a Paramedic on board makes for a quicker response time with ALS Training/Implementation
to serve the Citizens. So those superior Firefighters as they think, should take a step back and realize what occurred with
Mr. Rosenbaum and this precious Little Angel of Love shouldnot
ever again happen. The two citizens who went before the Council were fortunate they didnot lose a Loved one. If the leadership of the rank and file ie. IAFF Local 36 Ray Sneed would gather the personnel and instill the need to adhere and follow Dedicated DC Fire and EMS Protocols. Instead of running to Menelsohn with negative stereo opinions against Chief Rubin
then DC Fire and EMS can/will progress to one of the elite Public Safety Providers, such as their Fire Suppression efforts and History demonstrate.
Thank You
That was painful to read.
Anonymous posted at 11:08…SPELL CHECK or better yet have someone who knows how to write coherent and complete sentences proof what you write. While you may have valid points (even though I do not agree with all of them), you lose an incredible amount of legitimacy to your argument when it looks like a fifth grader wrote it for you.
#6…You write as if you were sitting at, near or under Rubins desk as he was writing the Protocols. He probably couldnt tell you 1 of them without looking at the book. You obviously have been brainwashed at the many Lemons to Lemonade conferences you’ve attended, that the dedicated Fire Chief of DC..oops I meant the Fire Chief who’s dedicated to himself, that you have NO CLUE about the clown show he’s been putting on the last 3 years, along with his puppets directly under him.If there was a number below ZERO, it would be assigned to him.
When you wake up from your nap sleeping beauty, I suggest you splash some cold water on your face and come out of the Rubes Fantasyworld you’ve been living in.
If Chief Corruption is taking full responsibility and won’t share that responsibility with anyone, then open a criminal investigation on him and nobody else. In the meantime, the lawsuits keep piling up against him here as well as the remainder left in Atlanta.
Single Piece Engines, with a Paramedic on board makes for a quicker response time with ALS Training/Implementation
to serve the Citizens.
Can you show us any evidence that this service delivery model improves patient care and reduces morbidity and mortality?
(Hint- you can’t. ALS first response has never been medically validated, anywhere. Oh, I know, you’ve a hundred stories about “This one time, the patient would have died without us…” No. Stories aren’t evidence.)
Criminal investigation…what a joke! What’s next? Oh… I know:
“Firefighter XXX your under arrest for using your MIP when you weren’t sick. You have the right to remain silent…”
“Firefighter YYY your under arrest for not turning your nomex in to be cleaned. You have the right to remain silent…”
“Firefighter ZZZ your under arrest for pumping that handline at 155 psi instead of 160. You have the right to remain silent…”
Dennis Ruben…if you think a criminal investigation is warranted, your crazy!
Cathey Lanier…if you waste your detectives on this, your not as bright as some may think!
Hey Dave, once again damming testimony from Civilians, Locals, people inside the depart & out. Chief stating he failed. Procedures, Laws, & Contracts, negated & still the same thing time & time again. Nothing done to change it more & more incidents, lawsuits,unfunded positions,etc. an incompetence in leadership. And yet the Mayor keeps it the same.
I’m a afraid that it’s the nature of D.C. Politics…sad.
Dave, you need to investigate why now criminal charges, but not charges for the E30 Acid Reflux, AFC Case, & others. It seems that there is a little saving face, going on. Those were also situations in which someone died. We know you are friends with the PIO office, but Dave you owe it to the Citizens to report the Truth! Ask the Mayor, the Chief, Kenny or Pete, why this case and not the others? Something fishy is going on…Hmmm.
“Nothing done to change it more & more incidents, lawsuits,unfunded positions,etc. an incompetence in leadership. And yet the Mayor keeps it the same.”
Must be some good dirt he has on the Mayor.
I think he is still there because he won’t quit and the Mayor doesn’t want to fire him. If Fenty fires him then it will be front and center on him. He promised to fix EMS. He promised Rosenbaum’s family. So, if “his chief” gets thrown out…then HE failed. It is obvious to most people that he has failed but he is trying to divert attention.
I think they are criminally investigating this case because it is a big problem. A 2 year old dead is horrific and strikes to the fear of everyone with kids. So, there’s no ducking this one or giving the same excuses. Gotta deflect blame to someone. Sad thing is it is wasting time and resources that could be used to improve the department. How are the police detectives going to give recommendations to the fire department about EMS?
As to Rubin creating a good EMS system…this wouldn’t have happened in a good system because the senior paramedic would have been “streeted” or “re-educated” long ago. If she still wanted to get out of transporting then she would have realized she wouldn’t get away with it…and took the little girl anyway. If Rubin had made a difference then none of us would be having this discussion.
Not Amazed…your intentions are good, but you mentioned 4 people who consistently lie to the public and the media, so don’t think your going to get anything out of them.
Pete Piringer has the majority of media outlets under his belt, with probably Fox5 being the exception. If Joe FF goes to the media, Piringer will squash any truth to the story. It could very well be a true story, but as pathetic as it may seem, they’ll believe him over Joe FF.
Crosswhite is another yes person who will do and say what Rubin wants him to, if it means Kenny will move up the ladder. People like that are a disgrace and just as much part of the problem, because they know what’s going on and its there obligation as employees of the District of Columbia Government to report waste, fraud and abuse. I can assure you there’s a lot of waste and abuse going on over @ 1923 Vermont Ave NW.
I have read the comments, and so far I have come to realize that the issues being commented upon, may have merit. The other day Thursday I think it was, WTOP Radio did their weekly show with guests in Washington Region. This week it was Councilman Mendelson. He was asked by the WTOP ereporter I think it was Segraves about the EMS situation and Chief Rubin. He was put on the spot to speak with a specific response on the performance and issues surrounding Chief Rubin. Mendelson wouldnot comment directly. He was then asked if he would sit down with Mayor Fenty, and Chief Rubin to bring about some answers/responses as to what,why,whynot, when who DC Fire and EMS Primary issues are currently/or will be addressed. Mendelson responded YES he is willing to sit down in such a meeting. One can only speculate he’s True to his word or he’s as phony as a three dollar bill. One can only hope the rank and file will through IAFF Local 36 leadership Ray Sneed will promote such a meeting. I watched the Hearing on TV. Sneed seemed heaitant he didnot speak with definitive complete sentences. He was quick to respond to questions that the idiot senior Paramedic in charge on the Little Angel Girl’s call was fault of Leadership. He should have at the least addressed the
question that there was in fact a mistake of total incompetence
and stupidity. One can only speculate again that DC Fire and EMS will climb out of this terrible boxed in corner situation, and once again restore the Professionalism and Citizen/Taxpayer Confidence.
Thank You
Stuart -
DCFEMS is, and has been, far more concerned with getting a PAramedic in every firehouse, than ithas been with quality. I can’t wait for someone to FOIA the payroll records from last year, I’ll bet there are some $200k+ paramedics, working so much OT.
I wonder if a good system would have noticed that a Paramedic failed to submit a Patient Care Report? I wonder if a good system would have noticed that a Paramedic failed to suit ANY patient care reports for more than THREE MONTHS?
Nothing will come out of a meeting between the 3, I can assure you of that. Dennis Rubin has been in office for 3 years, so a meeting at this juncture would do what? Answer – Nothing….
How many times has Rubin testified in front of Mendelson where Rubin was held accountable for any of the issues being addressed. Except for the wasted taxpayers money to look into the firetruck donation, Rubin sits there at the table and exchanges smart ass remarks to Mendelsons questions. Rubins display of arrogance at these hearings is just a prime example of a person who is accountable to no one.
The one person to do something to Rubin is Fenty, he seems to allow Rubin to do what he wants, because the Mayor seems to be on his own personal agenda just like Rubin is. These 2 will get in front of the microphone, as if their #1 concern is the citizens, when in fact their #1 concern is themselves.
Ray Sneed told Dave, while being interviewed after the sprinkler demonstration, which sent a member to the Burn Center and said something to the effect, that Rubin should be held accountable.Since then, what has Ray Sneed done or initiate through Councilmember Mendelson, to hold Rubin accountable for his failure in not following the guidelines of NFPA 1403..NOTHING
Rubin may never be held accountable within the District Government for anything he takes or doesn’t take responsibility for, but the DC Govt. Is only one entity, as there are other agencies that can sit down with Mr. Rubin and discuss a few things.
HOOKMAN,
Please change your name to HASBEEN. You add nothing to any of these issues other than your disdain and obsession for Chief Dennis Rubin. Which by the way, is very unhealthy. If I thought you had health insurance, I would recommend counseling for you. Please crawl back into your cave and let the real firemen tend to these issues.
PS. when will we read about your multi million dollar settlement against the city and Chief Dennis Rubin? You have been promising us this for two years now.
Want someone to blame?? I’d blame the Rosenbaums. They are the ones that got a court order to allow themselves to stick their nose into an agency they know nothing about. They are the ones that wanted this BS. Well here you go, you got it. Then I’d blame this joke of an administration for allowing it. Fenty hires Rubin, some schmuck that isn’t even an EMT. Then they announce that Rubin is going to implement a “World Class Dual Role Fire and EMS Dept..” World class?? What do you know about world class? You’ve never even ran a medical call you freakin retard. All he’s done in his tenure is practically bankrupt a city, create high turnover rates, cause people to lose their jobs, and create a system that provides some of the worst care I’ve ever seen to a community. And it’s not the people providing the care…..for the most part. It’s this idiotic system that sets every one of it’s members up for failure.
ANONYMOUS,
HASBEEN would be a really good back up name, but I own the rights to HOOKMAN and so far, its been very useful to me.
However, if I were to use the name HASBEEN, it to could be very useful…Lets see….
Anonymous HASBEEN following me on Statter911.
My comments concerning the leadership or lack of, in the DCFEMS Department, HASBEEN getting under Anonymous’s epidermis.
Anonymous HASBEEN saying the same thing over and over, because she lost her teddy bear, so it makes her innerself feel better to say bad things about HOOKMAN.
Because of my comments, Anonymous HASBEEN acting as if he was worried about something.
Nahhhh…I’ll stick to being HOOKMAN..things seem to flow alot smoother when it they from my heart.
Whats really neat about the name HOOKMAN, is that it tends to tell the truth about alot of things and seems also to get underneath peoples skin when they constantly hear things they dont like.
So Anonymous keep percieving and believing what you may, because im not following you on here…..AM I……I might redirect the obsession comment back at yourself.
You want me to crawl in my cave, but then your curious about my personal business. Here’s a hint….when you see a Class A RV roll through the District, with plates that read TKSDCGOV…you will know the HOOKMAN has monetarily succeded in a big way.
Until then, do yourself a tiny favor today…..Its national explore your own colon day. The best way to see it is to get your head as far in it as possible and dont forget to bring your Survivor flashlight with you too…Heard rumors that a DFC and a couple of AFC’s say, that it tends to get very dark in there. HAVE A NICE DAY SUNSHINE….
A Class A RV, now that is some high aspirations. I thought we would hear that your kid would have his education payed for, or something meaningful like that. But no sirree, not the hookman, he’s gonna get him a nice RV and tour the city…..jeesshh. Get over it….you are done.
COME ON THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, THE ONLY GOOD WAY IS TO FIX THIS CIV/EMS DIV, IS TO HAVE IT RUN BY THE FDDC F/F/ PARAMEDIC AND REMOVE THE CIV CONTROL 100%. MOST DEPT IN US ARE TURING TO FD EMS AND REMOVING THE SO CALLED 3 SERVICE IT WILL NOT WORK. AND WHY DO THEY THINK !!!!! A 3 SERVICE WOULD HAVE SAVED THIS POOR BABY. COME ON GET WITH IT, THIS IS 2010 THAT 3 SERVICE THING IS LIKE A OLD HAT IT IS NOT FITTING ANY LONGER. AND WOULD NEVER WK IN DC. LOOK AT OTHER REAL FD LIKE FDNY EMS. IT WAS A SO CALLED 3 SERVICE AND DID NOT WK WELL. LETS LOOK AT LAFD EMS ETC.THINK ABOUT IT MOST OF THE DEPT THAT ARE LOCAL TO DC HAVE EMS WITH IN THE FD AND THEY ALL WK OK ITS ALOT OF WK FOR ALL OF THEM. BUT LETS ALSO THINK ABOUT THE NUMBERS 140.OOO EMS RUNS ANYWERE IS ALOT, AND AS SAD AS IT IS TO SAY DROPPING THE BALL OCC IS LIFE SO SAD TO SAY. LET START LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS AND THINK ABOUT THIS FOR REAL. I AM NOT SAYING THAT THE PARAMEDIC/ EMT SHOULD HAVE DONE WHAT THEY DID AND/OR NOT AN SHOULD BE PUT OFF LWOP TO THINK ABOUT IT AND THEN RE TRAIN THEM
Forgot one more thing SUNSHINE……Its getting warmer out now, so if your thinking about stalking me on here, dont get your ovaries in a bunch, because ill be out on the golf course until I comeback to work ok…..By the way, hows that self colon check coming along for ya?????…..
“LOOK AT OTHER REAL FD LIKE FDNY EMS. IT WAS A SO CALLED 3 SERVICE AND DID NOT WK WELL. ”
STOP SHOUTING.
NYC Health and Hospitals was working just fine until the FDNY brass (NOT the guys on the trucks) decided that they wanted H+H’s run numbers. They still use single-role providers, but now engines are going to medicals. They love it, really. Just ask them.
Hey D-bag…….you can say what you want about me it doesnt bother me one bit. We can talk all day long if you want….Its very obvious that Im getting to you, because if I didnt, you would ignore me…remember im a HASBEEN right???
However, I’ll give you some advice…DONT MAKE ANYMORE COMMENTS TO ME, THAT MAKE REFERENCE TO MY SON OK..You cross the line when you talk about or make reference to ones family….Its quite apparent you cant man up on here and say who you are, so the name ANONYMOUS fits you well…..JUST REMEMBER your really not Anonymous
Eugene T
First, Most of the US isn’t turning to FD EMS. Half of the country uses something other than FD EMS. The IAFF likes to say that nearly all major cities use fire departments for medical response…first response. Oops, they don’t qualify that as often. EMS involves ambulances and 3rd services remain very popular across the country. Further, FD EMS isn’t always FF/PM. You mention FDNY EMS but funny thing is…they are just like your EMS-single role providers. Worse, they are the redheaded stepchild that was taken as way to get more money and power. They make less and work more. Further, NYC has about 20 other 3rd Service EMS systems that operate in the city through hospitals. You mention LAFD who had the highest number of paramedics in the US per population a few years ago. They also had a below average cardiac arrest save rate. In fact, the highest save rates were in Boston…another 3rd service…and Seattle with Medic One through the fire department. Both Boston and Seattle have the fewest paramedics of any US city. They go with good basics and only the most experienced paramedics. They have learned that fire department first response with paramedics has done nothing to improve cardiac arrest saves.
Let’s think about for a second…
Philly-Chicago-Indy-San Antonio-Austin-Nashville-Louisville-San Diego-Boston-St.Louis-Pittsburgh-Atlanta-NYC-Los Angeles County
There is a quick list of cities and areas using a 3rd service of some sort or single role fire department employees (evil civilians as you term them).
The problem with DC Fire is that the fire fighters think the “civilians” are always the cause and with the EMS providers it is always the Fire Fighters. The truth is it is EVERYONE.
The reason a 3rd service would work is it could be initiated from the ground up with policies and procedures to ensure a professional and progressive system that is driven by proof and patient care. It would look for providers who want to be in EMS and not fire fighters who don’t want to be in EMS. It wouldn’t be a stepchild department and could stand on its own merits. Quality paramedics who wouldn’t touch DC fire with a ten foot pole might actually be interested in coming to DC and being part of something that showcases EMS instead of embarrassing it.
Louisville de-merged Fire EMS when they became a consolidated county-city just a couple years ago. It happens and it works. EMS isn’t a one stop shop like the IAFF wants everyone wants to believe. DC Fire has had ample opportunity to get its act together. Time to move on.
3rd service with incompetent providers= the same problem
REALITY CHECK fix the problem:
ACCURATE DISPATCHING
QUALITY CONTROL
CONTINUING EDUCATION
THAT IS A SOLUTION.
The DCFEMS does not want to do EMS, so why continue to have it under their control. My brother who is a FF in DC said that a large number of FF’s can not even pass a basic EMT course. Its all about money and control, the FD knows if they give up EMS the city might close fire houses because 80% of calls are EMS related. The city needs to look revisit the 3rd service EMS system again for the best interest of public safety and not the interest of the FD
Let’s face some of the real problems with EMS in our department…
1.) Most of the firefighters live in other jurisdictions and have no real vested interest in providing good EMS to our residents.
2.) The fire department is a part-time job to many of these firefighters; many are more worry about getting off on time in the morning to go to their full-time jobs. Many even conduct business while working in DC.
3.) The average educational level of a firefighter in our department is just below a high school grade level.
4.) Most firefighters are still living off the reputation and history of our department from years ago.
5.) Many firefighters think coming to work is suppose to be like hanging out at their volunteer fire houses.
6.) There are no standards; we have many firefighters with criminal records.
So the next time you cry about Chief Rubin or the so called civilian EMS professionals stop and look at your self.
Well, if they can’t pass a basic Emt course, then they shouldn’t be a firefighter either. This has nothing to do whether the EMS system is run by the Fire Department or is a Third Party system, it comes down to the individuals working in the system.
Jim, If we go to a 3rd Service where do you think the employees are going to come from? The Fire Dept. thats where. Companys whould not close, thats a IAFF-Local 36 position to scare its membership. The City could hold out a pink-slip in one hand to the last 300-400 members most of which are paramedics and hold out a job application in the other. It has happened before with the school teachers and Charter Schools.
Oldtimer,
I totally agree with you, but there is a culture in the DCFEMS that does not care, and those individuals are bringing down the department. These same attitudes are even among some of the officers who’s responsibility is to ensure the agency is carrying out its mission. Some members of DCFEMS do not realize that they have one of the worst reputations in the country when it comes to EMS.
I don’t think there will be huge layoffs but there are going to be cuts if there isn’t an EMS component. I am not saying that EMS is the sole reason, but Louisville has closed a fire station since EMS was de-merged from the department. EMS accounts for a HUGE amount of workload in all fire departments today. The IAFF could give two you know what about EMS except that it realizes that fire services are dependent on it for survival. The number of fires in the US continue to plummet. Fire department statistics have ballooned since EMS was added, and those numbers are what departments use for money, personnel, and equipment replacement. It also helps justify salaries and positions.
If EMS is a 3rd service then the fire department would not be able to bill for services. That money usually goes back to the general fund for distribution. The money would be coming from another agency now, and at budget time there would be more competition coming from that other agency.
As to hiring, a 3rd service that is starting fresh would have the option of instituting new policies and standards. If people decided to leave the fire department for the new EMS department they would have to meet those standards, look elsewhere, or transfer out to other departments.
Hookman- newsflash- noone cares!!
The point was missed in part, And there are alot of other F.D. that do,a very good job with there FF EMT/ Paramedic, better look again at IAFF stats.OK let say there way a 3 service DC/ EMS, do you think for a sec that this poor baby would have done better. Please give it a rest, it was a Paramedic that made the call, riding on a engine or in a box it was a paramedic that did not transport the baby. Why to you think a 3 service would have done any better. a emt/ paramedic is a emt paramedic 3 service or not.And with your so called 3 service who do you think is going to house the amb / medic unit when they are not on the road, who do you think is going to maint the units the city yard please.This has been a power issue for years and the ems should remain were it is. A 3 service should be out of the question 100% if all the real info was out there.
OK OK Enough already. This terrible in fighting and name calling isnot doing anyone any good. Yes it is obvious DC Fire and EMS is going through an overwhelming change in culture. In today’s 21st Century Fire and EMS Service dealing one on one with people, the Taxpayers is what is more over becoming the norm. I read there werelistings of Large Urban Metropolitan Cities where Fire and EMS is separate. The city of Pittsburgh
recently went through a similar situation as was with the Little Baby Girl. They had an adult who stated he couldn’t walk down his stairs much less through the piled up Snow. The Gentleman passed away. It was reported in the media the two paramedics didnot get out of their vehicle to go to this person’s residence. I donot know what the actual circumstances
or end result was. These issues do occur and will continue as long people who believe themselves to be Firefighting Professionals exist. As a mere suggestion, would it,could it,
work and/or be feasible to operate a couple of say temporary type structures such as is used for DCFD when Stations are being rennovated. How about placing two such facilities one in the Northwest Corridor, and one in the Northeast corridor. They would have to be accessible to main thorough fare traveling routes so to keep Response Time down. In each Station have 3 or 4 EMS Vehicles. The Statistics should provide where the Majority of ALS Incidents occur as opposed to BLS Responses. Assign any/all DCFD/Uniform and Civilian Personnel to these Stations. Obviously the DCFD would still Respond with First Responder Units with DCFD Trained Firefighter EMT’s. This again is a mere suggestion. Perhaps no one will address the suggestion as a workable solution. At least it could/would be a start.
Thank You
What the hell are you trying to say. Could you put in plain English. Thanks
The previous comment asking for an explanation is simply this. Would it be feasible cost effective, and serve the Taxpayers to put a couple or several temporary Structures such as a Butler Type Structure to house perhaps 3-4 EMS Units. 2-BLS/2-ALS. These structures could/would serve respective areas where overwhelming EMS calls exist. Now obviously these Buildings would have response areas across into other Battalion areas. These Buildings should have quick easy access to Main Travel Thorough Travel routes to help keep Response Times down. As a thought possibly to look at, any/all DC Fire and EMS Personnel who would prefer EMS Duty over Fire Suppression would be assigned to these Stations. ie; One in North East Corridor, One in North West Corridor and possibly one in South East Corridor. The DC Fire and EMS Stations with existine EMS Units some of which could be determined as a primary Response Station would continue to house an EMS Vehicle. I am quite the DC Fire and EMS Authorities know from Statistics know where the critical need is Ensure Quality Service Delivery. As for the Stations within the city, all Firefighters would have their EMT Certification as it is now. They would Respond as First Responders in conjunction with their EMS Counterparts.
As was previously commented upon, this is merely a suggesstion
to hopefully aleviate the Negative feelings and actions of the EMS providers. T the very least it could/would be a start.
Thank You
The problem is that the firefighters don’t want to ride the BLS unit and there is no QUALITY control over the ALS personnel or BLS personnel. Nobody wants to take the bull by the horns and make people accountable for their actions.
Hey Hook, I thought you were in hibernation or something.
Hey posters. Check the difference between there and their. An education is wonderful.
I’m around, I’ve had to resort to Statter911 because the Phantom banned me from thewatchdesk for 6 months. Either way, I seem to attract Dennis Rubin Lovers/Stalkers wherever I go..Seems a lil woman on here, who has to remain anonymous, is attracted to me and follows me wherever I go…
For starters what chief thompson said in his interview was correct and factual.I dont know what the percentage is but a large majority of non black firefighters do look down on the EMS system. They regard riding the ambulance and providing a service to the citizens as a punishment. The problem is the personnel that are being hired. If you hire people who really have the desire to serve the entire aspect of there position you wouldnt have this problem. If the citizens only knew how many firefighters felt about providing a service to them on the ambulance versus wanting to rush to there unfortunate home burning they would be appalled. Yes a deep rooted culture exist in the department who think ems care is subservient to fires, but thats got to be fixed. When the layoffs start I can only hope we get rid of the ones who truly dont what to perform there job in its totallity and be left with members who have a stake in the true meaning of a public servant. One last thing the baby didnt pass because of the unit not transporting the mother should be held accountable for not realizing that the child has been ill for weeks maybe months
Hey, Hook there are people out here with you, hang in there. Don’t be surprised if dept officials (posing as posters) are trying to side track you. Stick to what you know is right. I’m just sad the media, the Mayor & the public let this go on & on. Incident after incident & they are still standing. I don’t think these guys can fall. With Vincent Gray undecided it seems it stays the same & maybe he wouldn’t change it either…sad.