Read Chief Rubin’s email to the department
Read Phil Mendelson’s April 27 anti-deficiency letter
Click here and scroll down for previous coverage of the Rubin/Mendelson battles
Let me be the first to admit I was wrong. Having watched the videos from the last two council hearings where DC Fire & EMS Chief Dennis Rubin appeared before the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, I thought there was a major improvement in the relationship between the chief and Chairman Phil Mendelson. It looked like after more than a year of very public bickering there was no longer any significant fire or smoke showing and this blaze had finally been contained.
The editor of STATter911.com clearly needs to seek out Dave Dodson for some much needed training because he completely missed the signs that there was a major fire still brewing in the walls and ceiling. It appears the blaze is rapidly extending and even Chief Rubin admits it has the potential to cause great damage.
Right after the last rather civil hearing Phil Mendelson sent a letter to the city’s chief financial officer asking for Chief Rubin to be investigated for failing to live within the department’s budget. Mendelson has been holding monthly hearings on the department’s overtime expenditures in addition to the committee’s regular oversight hearings.
Now STATter911.com has received an email that Chief Rubin has sent to his department outlining some serious overtime cuts in the FY 2011 budget made by Mendelson’s committee. In it the chief explains his views on how things got to this point and provides details on how firefighters and anyone else can sign up to testify at the next overtime hearing, scheduled for Wednesday. Click here to read the entire memo.
Also on STATter911 …
- Dennis Rubin sues DC over retirement. Councilmember Mendelson scoffs at The Rube wanting more money. – December 7, 2011
- The latest from your Nation’s Capital: Mayor backs fire chief after article on sexual harassment claims. $70,000 in shirts that are safer for firefighters but have the wrong logo sit in warehouse. – March 8, 2012
- ‘The fire chief needs to be careful in his personnel actions’. Advice from DC Council Chairman after ruling that Chief Kenneth Ellerbe retaliated against union president. – November 1, 2012
- 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
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
Dave is that your interpretation of that memo, that Rubin is trying to rally the troops? You can’t be serious, if your are please inform us all who will rally around this clown. If you look a little deeper you’ll see that Mr Mendelson’s focus is on what drives the overtime, rather than the overtime itself.
He has created unecessary positions, which leads to more promotions, higher salaries, vacancy’s then need to be filled for those who were promoted, which then creates overtime, other than the normal overtime available for people out sick, on leave etc….On top of this, he has spent close to 2 million dollars in unbudgeted expenses like as if he had a seperate account with unlimited funds. So yes he has failed to stay with in his budget, but then the guy is never at work so what do you expect….when the cats gone the mice play….and the 2 mice under him are more like dirty mice…
You seem to be so intrigued by these 2 people, but you’ve never taken that interest to another level. Maybe if you did, you just might understand who this guy is and why CM Mendelson is coming after him. There’s a whole lot more to know about this guy than just watching a council hearing here and there. Then again, this is your site and your free to do what you want.
I don’t know Chris, but when the chief explains in detail to firefighters why he thinks Mendelson is wrong, highlights the hot button issue of limiting how much compensation members of the department may take home and then gives details on how you can sign up to testify at the next hearing, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he is rallying the troops.
As for not providing a better analysis of Phil Mendelson’s motivation, I am probably guilty. My plan is to offer him a chance to respond with details.
What can I say, I am a very flawed individual. Just ask my wife.
Statter
“I might add that the word “VACANCY” is never used in his letter, even though I’ve testified before his Committee on numerous occasions about how more than 130 operational vacancies continue to cause overtime pressures”.
Neither is the 13 million in unfunded/unbudgeted positions and programs you created.
If you read the letter that Mendelson wrote to Natwar Gandhi he not only asks for anti-deficiency notices, his FEMS complaints and solutions read like he thinks this FEMS is a corporation. The solutions for a corporation will not work with fire and rescue. Mendelson says in his letter “Reduce the number of transport units in service from midnight to 7 a.m. on week nights, when relative demand is low.” I had no idea that he has a crystal ball and can determine what level of “relative demand” there will be. And the moment staffo is reduced “when relative demand is low”, is the moment an incident breaks out and Mendelson will come trotting forth to complain about lack of staffing.
Does Mendelson understand that the snowstorm coverage that he so loudly complains about was reimbursed? Does Mendelson know that employees could not get to the stations, which had to be staffed, so those on shift had to remain to provide mandatory coverage? Does Mendelson understand training???? (his statement: “adopt alternative methods for delivering in-service training (other than remedial NREMT) that does not require taking uniformed employees out of operations.”)
FEMS is NOT the average corporation. Mendelson, by failing to understand how fire and rescue emergency services are run, perpetuates his own personal battle. Rubin needs to speak up, quote statistics, define reasoning and get aggressive in support of FEMS.
Dave were all human and flawed in someway or another, plus you know I like a good debate and nothing is personal. I’m more than sure if your wife spent 5 minutes around me, she would think your an angel..lol
Not that I agree with anything this clown does, I do realize that under normal day to day operations, members work overtime everyday and work overtime under unusual circumstances like during the snowstorm. This is overtime the members are working because people are out sick to members on annual leave during the summer which creates alot of overtime for ALL members.
I too thought that hearing was a bit too cozy until it was explained to me by a person far more intelligent than myself. That smiling back and forth that even Rubin seemed to think was CM Mendelson’s way of being cordial to him was in fact the opposite. This man is so full of BS when he gives testimony, provides less than truthfull answers to the councilmembers questions and you get a point where your at the end of your rope. CM Mendelsons smiling etc is his way of showing how fed up he is with this guy.
Were all aware in this business, overtime is unavoidable and that at no time will their be a day where someone doesn’t work overtime. As it was explained to me, as I too misunderstood CM Mendelson and his theories on why overtime is out of control, it’s not the fact that overtime has gone over it’s alloted amount, it’s what’s generating the overtime which has allowed it to get out of control. Though it’s not specifically being mentioned, the amount of positions that this clown has created is outrageous.
Example: When you have 30 plus people in your PIO department, that alone should raise questions. Though most of these people are assigned to the CSU’s, Rubin created this ridiculous and unecessary addition to his already beefed up personal PIO department……I’m sure these units have helped in many ways, but they were an addition to the PIO deparment, not a necessity to the PIO department.
By creating the CSU’s, you’ve now taken members out of their assigned companies and promoted firefighters to the position of Sergeant, which then creates vacancy’s and causes an increase in overtime. Let’s see…4 platoons with each platoon having 6 CSU’s on the street, with 2 firefighters and 1 Sergeant per CSU. That comes to 24 Sergeants being promoted and 72 firefighters being taken away from their assigned companies. This is what CM Mendelson is focusing on among other things and RUBIN is responsible for these unecessary positions because HE CAUSED THIS!!!! What department in these tough economic times have 6 CSU’S….
One wonders if the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has been evaluated in some of these situations. As a retired Emergency Services Administrator, We noted that Senior Management staff were not eligible for “overtime” since their job positions were classified as “Salaried-exempt” as required by the FLSA. Is there a union agreement in place that specifically represents these senior FD staff that requires “overtime?”
As for EMS certifications, is the NREMT a legally mandated requirement for DC? If I recall correctly, then paying an employee to train/recertify for that legally required certification is not considered as compensable since it is a requirement for employment by law? Ancillary or additional training required/provided by the employer is considered as “compensable” hours requiring pay.
As for sick leave and overtime, overtime is to be paid for “hours worked” as accumulated within the pay period. Unless there is a union contract or HR policy that states otherwise, it is perfectly permissable to require an employee to actually work “40 hours” before they are authorized to collect overtime at 1.5 times their base pay rate.
Maybe someone should ask the US Dept. of Labor to send someone to the DC government to review their payment plan, classification of employees, union contracts, etc. to ensure everyone is compliant. I’m sure they have an office right in town???
You would be surprised as to the number of government (and private) agencies that are out of compliance in some manner and have been making costly “assumptions” over time that hurt employees and taxpayers as well.
As for unfilled staff positions (vacancies), there are certain thresholds were it is actually “cheaper” to fill the vacancies with new personnel vs. paying overtime to existing staff. There are also potential safety concerns (i.e. fatigue, potential for errors) if existing personnel are working too many overtime hours, especially at busy stations.
As for creating new unfunded positions and programs, there should be a formalized process to “authorize” and fund these issues with city government. Sometimes you can find “savings” and creative methods to fund new or expanded programs, especially after reviewing current programs, staffing, etc. to maybe trim some excess funding in some of those areas.
However, if the “new” programs and initiatives remain unfunded even after budgets are finally approved, then whatever “good” they would create and now remains undone is now placed squarely on the back of those who authorize the programs and their funding. Those “number crunchers” take responsibility in setting priorities as to what the Fire Dept. should be doing! Basically, priorities should be set around the “core” activities required by each government agency. Unfortunately, many agencies can deteriorate over time and its takes an enlightened new leadership to bring the ship back on course. And that leadership will take a few hits along the way (both external and internal) by those who have their own agenda (or maybe a prior lack of accountability?)
It’s hard for any emergency service agency to do the impossible for any length of time. You can only squeeze a grape so much.
Rally the troops? Too late for that Mr.Rubin. If you or your cronies didn’t try to make us eat poo-poo sandwiches all the time maybe we would help you. You sir created this mess with your PEC’s that can never be OOS, unfunded EMS Capt’s, more Chief’s than the NFL team in Kansas City, 18% pay raises for Assistant Chiefs, and the list goes on. The most dis-hearting thing about all of this Mr. Statter is we the troops are going to have to suffer because of his arrogant ass trying to have a battle of wits with someone that is clearly smarter than him. Mr. Rubin do us a favor…get vested as soon as possible and then be gone.
So, I love OT. I think everyone loves OT who works in Fire/EMS. However, you gotta know there are limits to it. Unlimited OT will destroy a budget, and after so many consecutive years of OT for staffing it is costing more than just hiring people.
I read this letter and my first reaction was…so? I can’t say that the council is destroying Rubin’s ability to run the department by limiting the OT.
No OT anymore for Chief officers…I figured that was standard everywhere.
No OT if you call out sick…been standard every place I work.
No more than 32 hours OT a month…That is a bunch of OT in a month. Who has that much time on their hands? I probably can get 24 a month for a stretch but 32+ and you are working for Uncle Sam anyway.
No more than “X” amount of much time to get your EMT…really? I think many places make you have EMT prior. If you came here without it then you get it in the academy and if you can’t pass it then you are out. Seriously, if you have that many people who can’t pass it then you have real problems in your academy. Make them get it on their own time if they continue to fail.
As for the Blizzard, there are always issues that come up when weather hits. I don’t think the council is blind to that. However, how much more OT did DC have compared to the surrounding counties? Did the city call people in just to call them in, or did they have them on extra vehicles?
Hookman, You seem to have an opinion on most things and as usual you are wrong. Do you ever work? Or do you keep a laptop in your car at work. Like many have said I have never seen or heard of you leaving anything positive!
didnt u get my post
Mr. Statter,
Real Journalism involves researching and investigating, then reporting. If you wish to be concerned with this issue, you could break a “major story” here. Dive into some of the facts and attempt to corroborate some of Rubin’s testimony. You may find his facts to be a bit out of touch.
Anyone within the system can tell you that the OT issue stems from the Paramedic Engine Company system in-which we operate. If one where to research the amount of time and a half overtime earned by the ALS providers accounts for an overwhelming amount.
Dig a bit deeper you may also find that the whole PEC system in and of itself, is not much more than an artificial attempt to bandage the EMS system within the city. However, no one has pressured Mr. Rubin or Mr. Saadah about its validity.
Yes Barney I did get your post. If I recall it was nicely witten. I just can’t run it with the expletives and I am not allowed to edit your comments.
Thanks anonymous. I do appreciate your information on what “Real Journalism” is. I have been searching for that for almost 40 years. I am just a blogger who is on TV. Or is it a TV reporter who blogs.
I am very aware of the staffing pressures caused by the PECS. With limited resources (AKA time) I try to provide as much raw material through the blog for people to make their own decisions. Having the ability to spend time on such a story is just a luxury that isn’t here right now, but your point is well taken.
This is only one of many issues that pass through this blog that could use a closer look. Unfortunately there is less and less of that going on here in Washington or elsewhere across the country in all parts of the news business. Not an excuse. Just a reality check. I am just as unhappy as you are about it.
Dave
To stay on point with the PEC issue, I find it extremely interesting that Chief Rubin has allowed Sa’adah to champion his initiative of the Paramedic Engine Company with a single ALS provider as the sole resource of delivering ALS care to the District. As already stated most jurisdictions are going away from this delivery method as their sole source of providing ALS care to its citizens. They may still use them, but support them with an ALS transport unit. The DCFD uses BLS transport units to support a single PEC Medic on an Engine.
Sa’adah and company have delivered the message to the rank and file of the DCFD that they must ride the BLS ambulance, and learn to accept it as part of the job. Just one question, if EMS is so important and having all members accept it, and embrace it wholeheartedly as part of their job, how come the only way that Sa’adah and company can get ALS providers to apply and accept jobs here in the District is to tell them that they will only ride an Engine Company, and never ride a transport unit? This message contradicts what they are telling the rest of the rank and file of the Department.
Everyone knows that the Overtime issues is anchored around the PEC Medic program, it is simply the Gorilla in the room that everyone chooses to ignore right now. On any given day the Department will be 20 to 30 members heavy, and still working 10 to 20 PEC Medics on Overtime. This eats up the allotted Overtime budget for the Department, it is simply that no one cares.
@Dale….well stated….
As for Sa’daah….I can’t believe someone who’s been named in a wrongful death suit can be in charge of anything!!!
@Smoke….
Usually when it relates to Dennis Rubin, I don’t have an opinion on most things, I have an opinion on ALL things…
However, I never realized that my opinions constituted the truth, but I’m usually on target. If you think I am wrong then back it up rather than just saying I’m wrong. I know more than you think I do, it is one of the perks of being HOOKMAN. When you get to my blogging level, you to will be privy to the highy secretive information I receive.
Do I work?….are you paying my mortgage, car payments utilities etc…? Last time I checked, I saw my name on those bills and not Smoke man.
Do I have a laptop in my car? No, but if you know someone who can hook one up I’d appreciate it. Until then I’ll post from my Crackberry when away from my laptop.
Who are the many you refer to, that said they’ve never heard me say anything positive?
Since I post in the comfort of my own private locations, how could you have seen me post anything?
In your next reply, if you have one at all, try to come at me with something that can add to the subject, other than your theories about me which make me think your just another disgruntled HOOKMAN stalker. OKIE DOKIE SMOKIE!!!!!
” Does Mendelson know that employees could not get to the stations, which had to be staffed, so those on shift had to remain to provide mandatory coverage?”
I’m sure he does know about the “on-duty” employees that had to remain and provide mandatory coverage. Part of what’s being questioned is the need for the AFC’s and DFC’s that were called in for the blizzard and paid OT.
Chris,
I try not to correct people very often when they have some valid points but before someone does it in a negative way please let me advise you there are only 6 Sergeants assigned to CSU’s. It’s a day work spot not a shift spot.
Dave,
The issues with the PEC system are only a small part of the overtime. Ironically EMS in general is a problem that creates overtime. The “old system” of EAB employees could not do their job or basically refused to do their job the right way forcing Firefighters to pick up the slack. This created vacancies within the department and thus created overtime. The EAB employees are constantly calling in sick, EAL, AL, and whatever else they can do to NOT be at work thus creating overtime. There are certified paramedics working in non-transport positions all over the city. They are in places like light duty (because they are milking an injury) or in charge of the computer division just to name a few. If the city could get these people back on the streets at least ¾ of the overtime would be solved. Some of these issues were pre-Rubin some not but personally I would have computer programmers working on computers and the people that have been on light duty for ever should be shown the door….You know they way they did Joe Morgan!
The city’s idea of training is a joke. How can you punish people for advancing their education because of a budget? Let them get educated so things run safely and smoothly to prevent another “issue” that costs the city even more money. The training people seek or get is not like an office worker going to a seminar it is life and death education for both the citizens and themselves.
People need to stop treating the fire department like it was a business……..Its not……It is a service. Customers have a choice when they want something………You get what you get when you dial 911 therefore you are not a customer you are just a citizen in trouble. The fire department does not create revenue with the exception of EMS runs. Stop putting the monies we earn the city in the general fund and put it toward the fire service. We would make enough money to cover our budget and MPD’s budget within 2 months. Start fixing the apparatus when it is first broken instead of letting it get so bad before you work on it that it cost 10 times the amount it would have if it was done right the first time when it needed the repairs originally. Give the right training to the right people and you would save money on law suits and mistakes. Make one department again instead of 3 very separate ones (EMS, Special Ops, Ordinary Ops), stop supplying services to places that can afford to pay outside vendors to do (I.e. Nationals Stadium, Verizon Center, etc…That’s what private ambulance services are for and you get a kick back from that to help with the budget) Stop settling every lawsuit before you give the legal system a chance to work…..People know the city will cave therefore the sue…..and win when they shouldn’t. Train MPD to stop calling EMS for every drunk they run because they don’t want to transport to C-PAP. Stop dispatching 2 engines a basic a medic unit and a supervisor and a man down that you know is a drunk. That one alone would save a few million in apparatus repairs and fuel a year.
Some things I said are just basics but they would save the department millions of dollars. But hey what do I know I just show up to work and try and do my job the best way I can and try to keep my guys motivated enough to do theirs as well.
I am not a Mendilson fan or a Rubin fan. Do I think they both have a job to do…Yes…..Do I think they feel their ideas are valid…..Yes…..Do I think they are out to “get the guys”….No. I think they both have a set way of management that has worked for themselves for years and it is clashing in front of the public.
At this point in time contracts, raises, overtime, health benefits, equipment, etc are all perks…..I just want my brothers/sisters and myself to go home safe. Let the politicians be politicians and let’s just be firemen and EMS providers. The rest will work itself out when it does.
Thanks for the vent, I needed that.
Brian,
I like many of your points. I think Paramedic Engines are something that most cities don’t want to talk about when it comes to budgets and OT. However, there are many issues surrounding them besides just OT. Cities sell their departments based on times that include Paramedics to the scene…thus the attraction for paramedic engines. There will never be enough ambulances to keep those times consistent. Further, Paramedic Engines also justify positions that would otherwise be in question. It isn’t popular to say, but it is reality.
The idea that DC isn’t doing 1 for 1 medic care (at least 1 on the engine, and 1 on the ambulance) is unbelievable. You are exactly right in that if you are telling people EMS is a priority then treat it as such.
As for funding, I believe legally money must return to the general fund. I have heard the same stuff in multiple cities and the money always goes to the general fund. That’s the way it is.
One thing I think you are wrong about is whether or not the department should be customer driven. You state that citizens don’t have a choice when they call 911 so they simply get what they get. That is the wrong attitude to have. Your customers are taxpayers which means they directly pay your salary…and OT. Departments are trying to be more “customer” driven because it matters.
Customers do have a choice…it’s called an election. If the department wants people to want to help them keep jobs and pay then you better be customer driven. Closing fire halls, closing special companies, privatizing EMS, and reducing pensions are all examples of “choices” your “customers” have when it comes to your department. If you don’t think people can turn on you…ask your brothers to the north in Boston about how much love they are getting now that they forced a 19% raise on the taxpayers.
@Brian…..that was a valid correction. To much information in a small brain can sometimes lead to an occasional break down in my memory.
Did anyone else notice that the memo from Chief Rubin is not 100% accurate according to the testimony provided by Mr. Mendleson? Chief Rubin states members will never be allowed to work more than 200 hours in 2 consecutive pay periods while Mr. Mendleson states members will not be allowed to work more than 200 hours of overtime in 2 consecutive pay periods.
I would think if you are going to try to “rally the troops” you would at least want to have all the facts straight……………….unless your intention is to mis-lead and deceive to support your agenda.
In regards to the snowstorm, why would all the Assistant Fire Chiefs and several Deputies need to staff the Operations Center on overtime 4 days after the event was declared over? I’m sure that kind of abuse is not helping the overtime crisis.
The Assistant Fire Chiefs are not allowed to earn overtime, but then again, their not supposed to be in those positions anyways…We shall see:)….woop woop excuse me coming through…first or last baby……shake n bake…..boy that feels good to say…..Hey Dennis, Warry and Boo…guess what……SHAKE N BAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…lol
Brian,
It is in fact the PEC system that is the root of the overtime issue. If the members at the “rock Garden” returned to work, you would quickly find that it would not correct the OT issue. Look at the staffing being back filled every day(TELESHAFT). If that isn’t enough evidence, go to the public record office and look at the pay stub of a guy by the name of Botwin. Enough evidence?
We are not the only Dept. in the country who has had an overtime issue. If you look in just the DC metro area, you will find that other jurisdiction have the same issues. The common theme is the Paramedic’s and the extra money we pay them. They have created a monoply on the overtime, which we have allowed, because they apparently provide a service that “regular” cannot.
Bottom line, a quick trip to the hospital is what saves lives… in my 12 years in the FD, I HAVE NEVER seen a paramedic perform and intervention that saved a life. Not one that couldn’t, or hasen’t been performed by an BLS provider.
Anonymous,
I am glad you can use my name but not your own.
I will admit that I work alot. I am single have no kids and have the ability to put my self available.
Now for you to say “in my 12 years in the FD, I HAVE NEVER seen a paramedic perform and intervention that saved a life. Not one that couldn’t, or hasen’t been performed by an BLS provider.” Only shows your ingnorance to prehospital care. Your suggestion that just scoop and run in all cases is appropriate demonstrates your lack of EMS education.
In conclusion I came on this job as a fireman, I rode the ambulance, I went to school on my own time, on my own dollar to better myself. Instead of complaining about a member that has gone out to advance himself, try advanceing yourself.
Next time you feel the need to use my name, please attach it to some what educated comments.
“need to staff the Operations Center on overtime 4 days after the event was declared over?”
Yes, it was needed. The snow may have stopped falling, but the city was still a mess and the department had a lot of operational issues in dealing with the conditions that still existed. The Fire Operations Center helped to actively supervise and manage the many things which we were still facing.
The DCFD and it’s members did a great job during the two major snowstorms we faced in a 5 day period. If the agency didn’t enact the increased staffing etc. which was done during that time things would have been a major mess. The city would have been completely crippled if not for the FD during those storms and the their aftermath.
One of the problems is the the DCFD doesn’t have enough paramedics to meet it’s staffing factor. Just as we have multiple firefighters assigned to each company so we can cover our leave liability etc., we need enough medics so that when one of the PEC medics is on leave or in training we will have sufficient personnel to fill in for them. That would reduce the amount of OT needed to maintain all/most of the PECs as ALS resources.
On days when we end up with extra medics due to hardly anyone being off, we can place them on transport units (1 and 1 staffing).
“in my 12 years in the FD, I HAVE NEVER seen a paramedic perform and intervention that saved a life. Not one that couldn’t, or hasen’t been performed by an BLS provider.”
I find this very hard to believe.
And now with the expanded/improved ALS protocols, the DCFD medics will have even more chances to save lives.
“stop supplying services to places that can afford to pay outside vendors to do (I.e. Nationals Stadium, Verizon Center, etc…”
The Nationals pay for the services the DCFD supplies to them, so why stop that?
The Verizon Center is another situation. Due to the city wanting Abe Pollin to build the Verizon Center, they offered that the city would provide some services for that facility at either no cost or a reduced rate. But since they agreed to provide that, they can’t take that away now. Maybe they should ask the facility’s owner if they can get some/more reimbursement due to the city’s financial situation.
Bottom line, a quick trip to the hospital is what saves lives…
Psst- check your knuckles, I think they’re bleeding!
in my 12 years in the FD, I HAVE NEVER seen a paramedic perform and intervention that saved a life. Not one that couldn’t, or hasen’t been performed by an BLS provider
I have a sneaking suspicion that you wouldn’t know it if you saw it.
Although I envy the OT afforded to medics, I do not fault them for working it. When I have to scratch and claw for 12 hrs, and then do someones peoplesoft that has worked 36 or even 48 in a pay period( I have done the afore mentioned FF/Medic’s many times), it infuriates me. But to attack someone by name in a public forum is wrong especially when you do it anonymously,at least have the testicular fortitude to attach some sort of identity to your post…..not a sermon just a thought !!!!!!!
Way to go Bubes….your really got the troops to rally around you today………..I think the only way you could garner any support from the rank and file, is if you needed help cleaning out your office.
CBEMT says
Bottom line, a quick trip to the hospital is what saves lives…
Psst- check your knuckles, I think they’re bleeding!
in my 12 years in the FD, I HAVE NEVER seen a paramedic perform and intervention that saved a life. Not one that couldn’t, or hasen’t been performed by an BLS provider
I have a sneaking suspicion that you wouldn’t know it if you saw it.
Hmmm, Just because one does not practice para medicine while working for this department, does not mean they have not else where. Watching a paramedic evaluate a patient on scene for an amount of time that would exceed transport to a hospital makes my skin crawl. Common sense is quickly out governed by a combination of a God complex and incompetent protocols, combined with a lack of proper medication.
I am single, I am available, I sign up, I dont get WDO….
For a Firefighter/Paramedic to earn an income greater than that of his/her Battalion Chief(4 ranks their senior) is appalling. Skip me the “for the good of the citizens” argument, or the “you too could be a medic” banter. When its said and done, its greed, brought on by a mis-allocated use of resources.
If the claim that 90% of our daily buisness is EMS; that the medics perform the majority of our EMS workload; and that their skills and abilities are the much needed tool to save the citizens of the District; than wouldn’t that mean that we need to keep those resources fresh and rested? Wouldn’t we want, no NEED them to not be over worked? Not to mention the fact that they must somehow be exceeding the 36 hour consecutive work limitations set forth for just that very reason?
Not enough Paramedics? Nonsense. Too many paramedic positions. DC already has twice the paramedics than Boston, who is just as busy, and does a better job. The difference? No PECs in Boston.