A caller advised 911 there was heavy smoke coming from the apartment below her, at 320 NW 87th Road, in the Jacaranda Club Apartments, of Plantation Florida at approximately 3:45 Wednesday morning Dec 20th.

When Police , Firefighters and Paramedics arrived could not locate the occupant. While searching the apartment, firefighters found a cat that was barely breathing and lethargic , so paramedics used a special designed pet mask to provide oxygen to the animal. After about five minutes of therapy the cat began to breath normally and became active again.

"This was our third successful use of the pet mask " stated fire chief Robert Pudney ."They are proving to be an invaluable tool".

Isn't that nice? For all of us pet lovers, we appreciate tremendusly my fellow paramedics in the Fort Laudertale area and wish them to be equally sucessfull with their human rescicitations , since we do not have 9 lives as that cat did....!!!!

Merry Christmas to All and a Happy New Year !!!!

When the Lord made EMTs and Paramedics, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one,"
And the Lord said,
"Have you read the specs on this order?”
An EMT/Paramedic has to be able to carry an injured person up a wet, grassy hill in the dark, dodge stray bullets to reach a dying child unarmed, enter homes a health inspectors wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle their uniform.
He has to be able to lift three times his own weight, crawl into wrecked cars with barely enough room to move, and console a grieving mother as he is doing CPR on a baby he knows will never breathe again. He has to be in top mental condition at all times, running on no sleep, black coffee, and half eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands.
The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands....no way." "It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord,
"It's the three pairs of eyes an EMT/Medic has to have."
"Is That's on the standard model?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees open sores as he's drawing blood and asks the patient if they may be HIV positive, (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job).” "Another pair here on the side of his head for is partner's safety. Another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say 'You'll be all right ma'am' when he knows it isn't so."
"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow." "I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk out from behind a steering wheel without incident and feed a family of five on a private service paycheck."
The angel circled the model of the paramedic very slowly,
"Can it think?" she asked. "You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the symptoms of 100 illnesses, recite drug calculations in its sleep; intubate, defibrillate, medicate, and continue CPR nonstop over terrain that any doctor would fear...and still it
keeps its sense of humor."
"This EMT/Medic also has phenomenal control.
He can deal with a multi-victim trauma, coax a frightened elderly person to unlock their door, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how EMTs and Paramedics were unable to locate a house quickly enough, allowing a person to die.
A house which had no street sign, no house numbers, no phone to call back." Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the EMT/Paramedic." There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."
"That's not a leak," said the Lord, "It's a tear."
"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.
"It's for bottled-up emotions, for patients they tried in vain to save, for commitment to hope that they will make a difference in a person's chance to survive, for life."
"You're a genius," said the angel.
The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- An exotic dancer saved a client's life this weekend .Karnesha Nantz went to the Port St. Lucie home of Daniel Karpisnki to entertain the 46-year-old client.Nantz said she noticed Karpinski had lost consciousness and stopped breathing.

"I began doing CPR," Nantz said. "I did about three cycles of CPR and basically called 911 to see if I was doing it correctly, and also to have the ambulance rushed to the scene."

Paramedics took Karpinski from his home to Saint Lucie Medical Center. Karpinski was released from the hospital and said he considers the dancer his hero.He said that he accidentally took too much medicine. Karpinski said he was slightly embarrassed by the whole thing, but he was glad the dancer was there to revive him.

For more info refer to this link :http://video.nbc6.net/player/?id=139990 of a the local TV station Channel 6 of NBC, in South Florida. How about that ? Is this amazing or what? So , keep on...pumping , you can save a life too !!! 

HIALEAH, Fla. -- A surgeon amputated a 17-year-old boy's arm on Florida's Palmetto Expressway , after a Saturday morning crash involving a cement truck.Police flew the surgeon in by helicopter after the 8 a.m. wreck in the northbound lanes near South River Drive. Police said the boy was a passenger in his father's cement truck and the two were headed for work when his father lost control and the truck flipped on its right side.

Rescuers worked to free the boy without success after the crash, finally determining the only solution was field amputation. A surgeon from the Ryder Trauma Center was flown in and about 50 firefighters worked to get him access to the boy. For the safety of the patients and rescuers, specialized tow trucks were used to stabilize the overturned truck.

The surgeon was able to free the boy, but his arm was not salvageable. He was flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

 

While most of us celebrated Memorial day this month and honored the fallen heroes of our military through the years, there was another memorial day celebrated across a 600 mile trek from NYC to Roanoke,Va during a bike ride for the men and women of EMS that put their lives on the line for those that they serve.

Every year there are heroes who die helping others. Since 2001, EMS providers from around the nation have gathered to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Though they gather from all corners of the nation, the riders share the common bond of seeking to honor our EMS heroes. Through fields and over mountains, the memories of lost loved ones keep the riders moving forward.

This year,local cyclists rode in memory of two fellow emergency medical technicians who died in 2007. Nicole White, 20, was a Virginia Tech student who died in the April 16 shootings. She was a volunteer EMT in her hometown of Isle of Wight and Craig Dorsey, 24, was a volunteer EMT and firefighter in Ghent, W.Va. He died in a gas explosion at the Little General Store in Ghent in January while responding to a gas leak.

Two ambulances stolen in Oakland, then recovered

Some car thieves go for Jaguars or Porsches. Others prefer something a bit more exotic -- like an ambulance. Police said the medics were dropping off a patient at Summit Hospital and left the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. Police called the FBI and Department of Homeland Security because it was the second rig stolen in a few days' time, which raised concerns that it could be related to a national security threat.

American Medical Response, is inventoring of the contents of their stolen ambulances, to see if any equipment or controlled substances like morhine were taken ; the thieves did get away with the keys, which can be used on any AMR ambulance.

Amazing....but true, so....always lock your Riggs...you never know!!! Mine, locks automatically went the doors are closed; it is a pain to keep unlocking it every time, but it will be never stolen !!!

Have a safe tour everybody and keep....safe !!!

 

Learn more about this new site, take the tour and join for free...one site for everything,add friends and family,check out what's being shared,take part in discussions... http://multiply.com , 'Multiply' makes sharing simple !!!

When you do, join my group : http://paramedicsrus.multiply.com/

See you all there ....at 'Paramedics R Us'...!!!

Greece is not known only for its beatifull islands, but for ....skiing as well!!!Kalavrita ski resort is situated on the North West side of mountain Helmos at an altitude of 1,700 meters (base) to 2,340 meters (summit).
It has been operating since 1988 and consist of 7 lifts, 12 ski runs, spacious free parking, cafeteria, restaurant, ski rental shop, ski school and First Aid Station.It is located 14 kilometers from Kalavrita and only 203 Kilometers from Athens.The ski centre is open daily throughout the ski season (December to April) from 09:00 to 16:00.

I was the Paramedic on duty for the past 3 years that organized their First Aid Station which operates today and treats on the average 500 injured skiers/month

Check out this site ( I assisted in the English Version )and ...happy skiing :

http://www.kalavrita-ski.com/en/default.asp

 

Here I am, on duty during an emergency medevac of a trauma patient with a C4 fracture,foolowing a pool accident, to Athens International Airport.The patient was air lifted and transported via air-ambulance to Italy, for further treatment and rehabilitation, following surgery at KAT, Athens best Trauma Center.( Refer to my pics )

This is the  medical crew of our medevac service, where I was the aeromedical operations supervisor during my last 3 years in Greece.

Athens Assistance Medevac incorporates the airambulance services of Interjet: http://www.interjet.gr/

Athens Assistance is a member of International Assistance Group:http://www.iagnet.com/Maquette/one.asp

 

Athens Medical Center is not simply the leader in the Greek private healthcare , but moreover, it is the largest provider of healthcare services in Europe, offering high quality patient care services with over 1,000 nursing beds, 2,500 dedicated employees, and a network of 2,800 highly respected physicians. You can get more info at:

http://www.iatriko.gr/index_ir.html

It operates its own Emergency Medical Services - Life Line 1012, a pioneer in the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical care , supported by specially trained physicians and paramedics and a fleet of 10 fully-equipped ambulances – mobile intensive care units.

It was my honor to have organized and served as the Director of this service from its first day of operations on 09/1997 till 05/2003.

This service was based on the latest american standards of the industry, incorporating as well the first portable telemetry device in this field-refer to my pics

You can download a video illustrating the use of this device , a unique tool in providing Advanced Life Support on the streets of Athens,Greece from:

http://www.lulu.com/content/576484

 

My first job in Athens, following a 10 year career as a 911 NYC EMS Paramedic in USA, was a challanging position as a Paramedic in the ER of Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center...the most modern and specialized Cardiac Center in Europe...Aristotle Onassis, known as the Greek Tycoon, married the widow of our assasinated President JFK !!!....Jackie O( O for Onassis ) and Aristotle made 'history' back in the 60's, for those of us that remember!!!

The 'Onassis' foundation donated this Cardiac Surgery Center to the Greek Goverment and its people 10 years ago and operates today as the most advanced Center in Cardiothorasic Surgery !!!I was the first Paramedic in Greece,back in 1995( refer to my pics) that was hired at OCSC to work in the ER and add my training and experience to their staff.

Check out the Hospital's site:

http://www.onasseio.gr/english/Onaseio/default.asp

This is our local EMS Paramedic Ambulance unit....it is provided by 'Sunstar Paramedics' , the one and only ambulance service in the Pinellas county!!

Check out their web site at : http://www.sunstarems.com/ and

Sunstar Television Network at : http://www.sunstar.tv/

Also check my "Share Fotos" album section for more pics.

Have a safe tour ....partners !!!!

My hometown's City Fire-Medics!!!

Each firefighter is EMT certified. Each paramedic is firefighter certified. The Department operates on a 3-shift rotation of 54 personnel on each shift. The shift includes 2 District Chiefs, 11 Lieutenants, 10 Driver/Operators, 14 Paramedics and 17 Firefighters.

Check out Pinellas County's BEST !!!

http://www.myclearwater.com/gov/depts/fire/gallery/index.asp

The Best Olympics EVER !!!

I was on duty as a Medical Officer, during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens,Greece....(Refer to my pics)

I had a ....blast; the best 12 hour shift in my ...life !!!!

Check out this reference on 'youtube'....you will love it !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2atZjcBqs4

And let's NOT FORGET that GREECE ,also won in 2004 another 'metal' Check the following site and you will see ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcUe3SlfuK8

 

 

I have been teaching CPR , via the American Red Cross ,for a long time , to the public and health care professionals...I find it a "BIG MUST" for everyone!!!

'Keep on pumping...learn CPR and save a life' !!!

The quidelines have changed...update your certifications..!!!

Learn the new CPR Standards :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OU26dntz5Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbBrieNeb4s

The Auxiliary Police Program is a great opportunity for private citizens to promote public safety through their own personal participation. Volunteer Auxiliary Police continue to be an invaluable resource to our Department and communities, as they perform uniform patrols as an effective crime deterrent. Their patrol presence and keen observation and reporting of incidents requiring police response, as well as interaction with the public, aides in crime reduction and enhances police-community relations. Another important function of Auxiliary Police volunteers is serving as a  citizen ready reserve in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

I joined this squad, following my promotion to Aux.Police Sgt, from the 72nd pct of Brooklyn NYC. 

The 61st pct of NYPD in Coney Island of Brooklyn , operates a Rescue Squad via the Auxilliary Emergency Service Force.In this foto you can see our 1955 REO-Police truck and members of the squad,which I was a member for 5 years back in the late '90s.

Check out our sites:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/pct/auxpct.html

So what is BRAVO? BRAVO is the largest volunteer ambulance service in the State of New York that serves one community. BRAVO is a community-based organization where friendships are made and team efforts provide the best in pre-hospital emergency care to our neighbors, friends and families. It is a group of civic-minded volunteers who leave the warmth of their homes to answer the many calls for help regardless of hour or season. BRAVO is a way to express ones humanitarian values, securing personal satisfaction and growth.

BRAVO stands for professionalism, dedication and community service. It strives to, keeps its members on the cutting edge of pre-hospital emergency medical care. Because of the skills and professionalism of BRAVO volunteers, they have been involved in many regional incidents. New York City EMS routinely uses BRAVO's services at mass casualty incidents, like the plane crash at Kennedy Airport in 1977, train derailments, major fires in the borough, building explosions, the Century 21 collapse in 1990, and the World Trade Center Bombing in 1993. BRAVO, under the NY City Fire Department Bureau of EMS participates in the NY City Marathon, The Five Borough Bike tour and many other very large events. They are invited to all official mock disaster drills in the city. BRAVO members have proved that at a moment's notice, they could put together teams and respond to their neighbor's calls for help.

Bravo's Mission Statement :

• To aid the injured, wounded, sick, infirm and aged persons of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and the Fort Hamilton communities in the case of an emergency, by providing First Aid by BRAVO volunteers, who are highly qualified medical personnel;

• To transport the sick and injured to local hospitals, free of charge;

• To promote safety from accidents by disseminating knowledge of First Aid methods and procedures to the community.

 

I was  a proud member and crew chief for BRAVO for  10 years when I used to leave in Brooklyn,NYC

Check out their site :( and my pics)

http://www.bravoambulance.org/

 

My pic shows my old bus-By the ER Bay of SIUH-standing by...this is 53w,we are 98 central, do you copy? Those were the days!!! I loved that job ....My first job as a Paramedic !!!!

 

Staten Island University Hospital operates 4 ambulances within the New York City 911-system. These ambulances respond to emergency calls at the direction of 911 dispatch. In addition, Staten Island University Hospital operates an ALS transfer service. This service is utilized to transport patients both between facilities as well as to other institutions, as needed.

          Check us out at: http://www.siuh.edu/

         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLPzqSava8

         http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2u84NjVIMo

I was on duty during the 1st attempt on the Twin Towers on 2/26/1993-Refer to my pics

This patient was an off duty Police Officer, removed from the 1st tower with difficulty in breathing due to smoke inhallation.This picture was published by 'US News" magazine, 2 years later !!!

Check this site ,since only a few remember that day ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdUxdBpnvKg