Much has been said about the term “Brotherhood” and “Hero’s” since 9/11/2001, especially when referring to fire fighters, Peace Officers, EMS workers and Military. Perhaps this will help open some people’s eyes to the real meaning of brothers and sisters and a Hero
NOTE: Bo is not his real name it has been changed for personal reasons.
9/11/01 started as any other normal day for me. I had just got off a 48 hour shift as the local Paramedic Supervisor and was looking forward to a few hours sleep followed by some fishing in the lake that I live on and spending time with my kids. It was a warm early fall day in our small town. It was just after 8:00am and already over 70 degrees. Driving the hour home I had the CD player going my pager and my cell was going off non-stop before I just turned them off. There was no way I was going back into work for any reason. I figured that whatever it was could wait until I went back to work the next day. I got home in time to see my kids leave for school. My girlfriend had a look of horror on her face. When I asked what was wrong she turned on the news and showed me the WTC attacks. So much for a nice quiet day! Now I know why work was calling and paging me nonstop! My girlfriend was leaving that afternoon for a 2 week trip for work out of town and my job was telling me I was leaving for “ground zero” for an unknown amount of time. So now I am trying to get family and friends to take care of my kids while also packing for my trip to NYC. I was given a time window of 3 hours to get back to work as my flight was in 5 hours. I spent some time with my girlfriend and stopped by the school and used the principles office for a few private moments with my kids. I explained that right now some people were hurt and needed my help more then my kids did. We told each other we loved each other and we hugged, I told them that they were going to stay with Grandma and Grandpa for the next few nights and after that they would be staying with an old Navy friend of mine the rest of the time but Grandma and Grandpa would always have their cell phone with them if they needed something. After another round of hugs and kisses and warnings to be good I was on my way to work. When I got to work I was greeted with everyone gathered around a small TV someone brought in. Four of us (2 EMT’s and 2 Paramedics) would be sent to search for survivors in the rubble of what was now being called “Ground Zero” When we finally got to NYC it was pretty much the way we all expected it, a lot of confusion, hysteria, news vans all over the town. People looking like they didn’t understand what was going on, looking like they had not slept in days. One of the people in charge came over pointed to the rubble piles and wished us luck. We all hoped and prayed that perhaps maybe with luck on our side we would find survivors but as the days wore on all we found were people who did not make it out or body parts. I was surprised at the types of people digging at ground zero, we had Federal Agents from various agencies, we had military, we had Fire Fighters, EMS workers, K-9 dogs who specialized in body recovery, bloodhounds etc. We joined the line and started getting dirty. Every once in awhile we would hear someone yell for silence as someone thought they had heard a voice come from the rubble. Days turned into nights, Chow was whenever we got a chance to snack on something. Sleep was something not many of us were able to do.
I was often praying that my kids would not see me on the news. I did not want them to know what I was seeing or doing. Deep in my heart I knew they would. I knew they were safe with my family and friends who were taking care of them. After what seemed like months but was actually less then 10 days I called to check on the kids. They were fine they had seen me on TV and were worried about me. I was due home a few days later and the buddy of mine who had the watch of my kids is a former Navy SEAL who was now working as a U.S. Air Marshall he was being told to plan on flying a lot more in the next few days. I could not have asked for anyone better to watch over my kids in this time. My buddy was being trusted with the two things I treasured most in my life. If need be he would defend them to the death and not ask any thing in return. My flight home was delayed time and time again. We finally took the train home. As I pulled up to the house in the taxi it was around 2:30am on a Saturday Morning. Sure enough I could make out my buddy with a pistol indexed along his leg coming from the backside of the house sneaking through the trees and brush to see who was pulling up the driveway. I was greeted with a big hug, a “Welcome home Brother” I was given a quick brief about the kids and the situation in our town. I was told there was a bottle of “Adult refreshment” on the counter for me. The kids had been sleeping in my bed because they missed me so much. His wife thought that perhaps the feel of my bed would make them more comfortable. Also that I needed to check the answering machine in the next few days as it was full of people who were worried about me and the kids. We walked back into the house, his wife was sleeping on my couch and their baby sleeping in my son’s bed. His wife woke up and offered to fix me up some chow after giving me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. I refused and asked them to go back to sleep that I would fix everyone a big breakfast in the morning. I went into the kitchen saw the bottle my buddy had spoke of….. Ahhhh my favorite sipping whiskey. I went to check on the kids, both were snoring away. I went to grab my 2nd hot shower in too many days to count. I can honestly say that shower lasted over 30 minutes and I have never had a shower feel so good. Then I crawled into my bed with my kids. I didn’t sleep much that night if at all. Pretty much just spent the night thinking how lucky I was to have such good kids, healthy, happy, carefree, watching them sleep. (Any parent who has had to spend an extended time away from their kids knows what I am speaking of) thinking of how much I loved my girlfriend. I remember hearing my daughter trying to wake up my son saying the next morning “Hey dad’s here don’t wake him up” That did it for me. I was wide awake it was a rainy Sunday morning. As promised I fixed a huge a huge ranch style breakfast and my “Brother’s” Family and my family sat down and ate til we all got our fill. After the dishes and morning chores were done my buddy and I went for a walk in the woods and talked for awhile. We spoke of old friends, new friends, real world situations, as we walked through the woods that day looking for often used deer and elk trails to hunt on the following weekend, we spoke of his wife telling him the night before that she was expecting another child in 8 months, we spoke of me going to asking my girlfriend to marry me, we walked back to the house and watched the kids playing in the mud puddles splashing each other. My buddy took his family home, my kids went to get the Sunday paper and we went and crawled back into bed and we spent the best part of the morning in that bed joking and looking at the paper the rest of the day just hanging out. Playing, and talking about what I had been though and I tried to protect them from knowing what I had seen while I was gone. At the end of the day the kids were getting ready for bed I was sitting on the boat dock watching the fish jump, enjoying a good cigar and the bottled refreshments my buddy had left for me. (Thanks Bo…You will never know how good that tasted!!!!) Both kids came out at separate times to tell me good night. After the kids had turned in. I went to check the voice mails and return phone calls, after a few hours time both kids had got out of bed and had come out and saddled up on my lap giving me a huge hug and kiss telling me they were glad I was home safe and they loved me. For this big old medic who has seen everything this big bad world has to offer it brought tears to my eyes.
A few months later my cell phone rang I checked the caller ID it came up as a number from the nearby town the prefix resembled a federal number listing at that town. I couldn’t help but wonder “What now?!?!” Hell it was a federal number it cant be good! It was a federal agent asking me if I was the same person as who was at NYC. After realizing who each other was I was asked to get the crew I took to ground zero together and meet everyone at a hidden away bar for Super bowl Sunday. The person was trying to get everyone together for a mini reunion. The four of us EMTs and Medics walked in. We were surrounded by Federal agents, Fire Fighters, Local, county, city and State law enforcement, as well as military and other Medics. The pre-game show was on it was all about the Hero’s of 9/11. We were all a quiet bunch that day. The bar was full of its normal rowdy crowd. Many of whom were complaining about how they should show the game already etc. Someone came to the area we were at and tried to change the channel. After seeing us all looking at them like it would be the worst mistake they ever made if they touched the TV they quickly decided that the pre-game show was just fine. The barkeep knew who we were and kept bringing us free food and keeping our beverages filled. People gave us odd looks and we didn’t care. If anyone had chosen to address us it could have turned very bad very fast for that person. A few moments before the game started there was a call for a moment of silence for the lives lost of the hero’s and the innocent deaths. Those of us at the table had all lost brothers and sisters in the line of duty, we had all seen the death, the smells, and hear the yells for help were all still fresh in our minds. Many of us still had problems of not being able shake those feelings at night. We hung our heads in silent prayer for the dead, all of a sudden I realized I was holding my glass up in a silent toast, I looked up and everyone else had their glass in a similar manor. None of us needed to say anything we all knew what each other had been through, we all knew what each other was thinking. Someone in the back part of the bar finally spoke up. The barkeep informed them that we should be left alone. Finally the person decided that the barkeep didn’t know what they were talking about and decided to speak to us in person. Very quickly there were various badges in his face some of the people from our tables were telling him to leave us alone. Many of the military people had stood up ready to assist the person out the door. The person quickly decided there was another bar to be at right then along with many other patrons of the bar. We sat and watched the game we ate until we were all looking for antacids, we all drank our fill. To say the least we had all enjoyed ourselves greatly. After all we ended up with the bar to ourselves. The barkeep finally put up the closed sign and asked for permission to join us. They allowed us free reign of the bar. For most of the game we sat around talking and catching up. Someone brought up the pre-game show with the subject of the “Hero”. Many of us were prior military or current military and we believe that the “Hero” is the one who doesn’t make it home. Many of us wept many unmanly tears that day.
I was lost deep in thought as others were talking. I was thinking about my Brothers and Sisters who didn’t make it home alive. Thinking of the funerals I had attended since I started working in EMS in 1988. Thinking of the dispatchers going out over the radios calling someone on the radio for their final callout “Medic # ___ from Dispatch…Medic # ____ from Dispatch… Medic# ____ from dispatch… This is dispatch negative contact, Rest in peace Medic # ____ you have earned that” There was never a dry eye at the funeral after that call would go out.
The more I heard the term “Hero” the more I started to expand my way of thinking about a hero. The EMS Workers, the Law Enforcement, the military, Who risked their lives to save others we don’t see ourselves as a Hero however others do. I began to realize that there were other hero’s of the 9/11 incident. Hero’s that the news, press, and others never spoke of. For they are the families we left behind, the people who stepped up to the plate to look over our families while we were gone. The ones who not only handled their own families but handled ours as well while we were gone. That “Brother” of mine who was prepared to defend my kids when I pulled up in a taxi in the middle of the night.
Next time you want to look for a “Hero” please remember that our families, our friends, our brother and sister co-workers are the real Hero’s of our jobs. They are the ones who always step up to the plate and help out when we are called away! Remember the kids we leave behind when we have to go away.
Just how much did what “Bo” did for me and my kids mean to me? Well he was the best man for my wedding to my then girlfriend. When he introduced us as husband and wife his words were simple and to the point “Ladies and Gentlemen it is my great pleasure to introduce you to my “Brother” Mr. and Mrs. Smith.” Shortly after returning from my honeymoon I received a phone call from “Bo’s” wife. Bo was flying overseas and she was in labor. I delivered their daughter a few hours later at their ranch a few miles away. My wife and I had our first child together (my two are from a previous marriage) it is a son. We decided to name it after “Bo” because of the way he stood up at the plate and helped us out after that time we really needed him. Bo and his wife are my son’s God parents.
For my “Brother” “Bo” I will never forget what you did for me and my kids during that horrible time in the fall of 2001. I meant what I said that day we went for the walk in the woods, Anything, Anytime, Anywhere, just tell me what you need and you will have it.
This Page was Last Updated: March 10, 2010
DAVE'S EMS HEADQUARTER'S
TRUE-STORIES
Written by a a teen who intends to become an EMT, Name withheld by request. This poem cannot be rewritten without the authors permission
AN ACT OF LOVE & COURAGE ON SEPTEMBER 2001
THANKS
When you begin in EMT school you’re told to never get "Tunnel Vision" and that Attention to detail is critical. I got so sick of hearing those words! But after having spent years in EMS I found out even the most experienced medics and EMTs get tunnel vision and skip attention to detail.
Last winter I was riding around town in the ALS supervisors rig when there was a cardiac call at the local shopping mall. The local Senior citizens like to go walk the malls in the morning before the stores open to get their exercise. I knew we had an ILS crew close by the mall who could handle it until I got there. When I arrived I found a female approximately 50 years old, clutching her chest. I spoke to the senior EMT that had responded. She stated that 3 nitro had helped the chest pain. So I hooked her up to the cardiac monitor and no sooner had I done that then the lady coded. Straight flat line with that God awful alarm going off. I get her intubated, my partner starts IVs and begins pushing cardiac meds, and another EMT gets CPR going. Now this lady was extremely well built in the upper portion of her body. I later heard she was a 44dd. I look to see my partner with his shears in between the cleavage ready to cut her bra away. I stopped him and told him not to do it because they would be in the way while trying to work on her.
So following local cardiac protocol we cranked out the defib on the lowest wattage for the first shock working our way up to 360 joules for the 3 shock. The first shock was not note worthy. The second shock we thought we smelled something burning. The 3rd shock at 360j sent the bra into flames! We never thought about the metal under wire in her bra. We all kind of stare at each other for a split second then we try to pat the flames out. I finally look up at a person standing near by who is drinking a soda. I grab it from him and dump it no the flames. After which we got her back with a good rhythm and transported her to the local ER. After finishing my run sheet and putting my unit back in service the Doctor came up to me telling me the lady wanted to speak with me.
I went to her room trying my best to keep a straight face as I told her how happy we were that she made it and that we were happy we could help her in her time of need. Her only response was "You dumb stupid dirty such and such that was a brand new bra and they cost me over $100 each as I have to have them specially made for me. You’re going to buy me a new one!" I explained that she could bill the company for it and we will pay for it that way. She said that she was going to have me buy it for her out of my pocket.
That was the last I had heard of her until a few months later I get served with the papers for court. I show up and the judge asks me why we are there. I explained the situation to the judge and again he asks me why we are there...The whole time trying not to laugh out loud and appear insensitive to the lady. The Judge finally tells me to leave the courtroom and as I do I hear him begin to tear into the lady explaining that the only thing she should be doing is thanking me for bringing her back to life. To stop wasting court time buy herself her new bra and leave me alone. As I leave the court room I notice her husband follow me out of the courtroom.
This point he stops me in the hallway, offers a handshake kind of grins at me and says "Next time you should let her die, She has been this way for too long and allot of people are sick of her attitude including me!" A few months ago I was at the mall with my kids and we decided we were going to get a soda. Who is right in front of me? That same lady. This time I notice that she is not wearing a wedding ring anymore and she is ordering the same drink that I had used to put the fire out.
Moral of this story is in 3 parts.
1.) Don’t let tunnel vision impair you treating your patients!
Sure they may be the best looking person in the world to you or might even be someone famous. So what? Do your job the way that you are suppose to do it!
2.) Pay attention to detail!!! If I would have spent a few seconds thinking or another one of my crew spent those extra few seconds we might have thought about that metal under wire and could have prevented the issue all together!
3.) Don’t let the people you’re trying to help get to you! Don’t give them the satisfaction of it. I tell my crews all the time. "If they are calling you every name in the book so what? If they are threatening to take your EMT License so what? They are mad because they are hurt! Don’t take the threats seriously. They are really mad at themselves because they put themselves in that position not you!
A TRUE LETTER FROM RAY, A MEDIC IN THE U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, NOW SERVING IN IRAQ.
"As I head off to Baghdad for the final weeks of my stay in Iraq, I wanted to say thanks to all of you who did not believe the media. They have done a very poor job of covering everything that has happened. I am sorry that I have not been able to visit all of you during my two week leave back home, and just so you can rest at night knowing something is happening in Iraq that is noteworthy, I thought I would pass this on to you. This is the list of things that have happened in Iraq recently (Please share it with your friends and compare it to the version that your newspaper is producing)"
* Over 400,000 kids have up-to-date immunizations.
* School attendance is up 80% from levels before the war.
* Over 1,500 schools have been renovated and rid of the weapons stored there so education can occur.
* The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off-loaded from ships faster.
* The country had its first 2 billion barrel export of oil in August.
* Over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first time ever in Iraq.
* The country now receives 2 times the electrical power it did before the war.
* 100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed, compared to 35%
before the war.
* Elections are taking place in every major city, and city councils
are in place.
* Sewer and water lines are installed and repaired in every major
city.
* Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets.
* Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the country,
* Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by side
with US soldiers.
* Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever.
* Students are taught field sanitation and hand washing techniques to
prevent the spread of germs.
* An interim constitution has been signed.
* Girls are allowed to attend school
* Textbooks that don't mention Saddam are in the schools for the first time in 30 years
Don't believe for one second that these people do not want us there. I have met many, many people from Iraq that want us there and in a bad way. They say they will never see the freedoms we talk about but they hope their children will. We are doing a good job in Iraq and I challenge anyone, anywhere to dispute me on these facts."
Ray, SFC
U.S. Army National Guard
Around these parts in North Dokota the snow comes hard along with ice cold winds. People flock to the malls to get their morning walks and get out of the cold weather. They share coffee and stories with friends, listen to the latest gossip about who is doing what. I was supervisor that day; we got a call to chest pain at the mall.
My partner and I make jokes on the way to the call with each other to ease the tension. We get there and we already have a BLS crew on station. Vitals and such are passed. They call dispatch and tell them they are available in a delayed response from the mall. I am talking to the lady and all of a sudden full arrest. I get the endotrachael tube, my partner starts the IVs going. We start normal ALS protocols.
The Patient was very large busted and as my partner prepared to cut her bra off , I told him to leave it in place to make it easier to provide better access for defibrillation (Electric Shock) My female partner concurred I shocked the patient and there was no response. I increased the joules to 360j and defibrillated her again.
Just as I looked back from the monitor just in time to see flames coming from the bra of this particular patient. I am now trying to put the flames out. I never thought about a bra with a metal under wire, which caused the spark while defibrillating the patient. As I looked up I see her husband their drinking an Orange Julis drink standing over us. I grab the drink out of his hand and pour it over the bra to put out the burning bra. After successfully putting the fire out, we were able to converted the patient from cardiac standstill to a sinus tachycardia rhythm when the loaded our patient into the back of the rig and transport her to the local ER.
After doing my run sheet the attending Doctor of the ER walked up to me asking if I brought her in. The Doctor says that she had come too and wanted to see me. I assumed it was to say thank you for saving her life, boy was I wrong. I walked into her room and she began cursing and yelling at me. The bra the caught fire was special made and cost her over $100.00; she was yelling that I was going to be sued for the price of a new bra. As I was leaving the ER stunned the patients husband came up to me and told me I should have just let her die.
I was notified that she had gone to the cities District Attorney demanding either she be paid $100.00 for a new bra or she would not pay her ambulance bill that was the last I had heard about the woman, until I saw this lady a few years later at the mall. She was no longer wearing a wedding band. They say there are no thanks in EMS, well?
Submitted by "B. Rapp"
THE BRA
In December of 1979, the first major article regarding women in emergency medical services appeared in “Emergency Magazine, “the article dealt with several subtopics, by the late seventies the number of “Female Medics was on the rise. The article left out the correlation of women working in fire departments as well was law enforcement, which at the time of the article statistical information showed that the percentage of women working in fire departments accounted for only one percent of the work force, and women in law enforcement averaged six percent of the work force.
The articles focus was on the ability to work in the field as well as their agility abilities versus male Emergency Medical Technicians. Emergency Medical Systems around the country began to change as a result of the Vietnam War, soldiers who served as medics were returning home and were highly trained in advanced techniques involving shock trauma. The United States Department of Transportation was in the process of providing legislation, training guidelines and regulations for emergency medical services.
By the seventies Emergency Medical Services was becoming a more professionalized organization. The early days of funeral homes providing load and go transportation had given way to private ambulance services, fire department EMS, and police agencies that were now providing a higher level of patient care. Because of the training that our service men had, as they return home they were applying for positions as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians thus making these professions heavily male dominant.
Emergency Medical Services level of training is continuing to rise, States instituted Departments of Emergency Medical Services that dealt with state wide training, legislation, protocols, and instituted requirements that EMS Personnel to be State certified and licensed.
In the early seventies Jack Webb who had starred in “Dragnet,” created the television show “Emergency.” Emergency was based on Los Angeles Counties Fire Department Paramedic Program. The show was focused on two L A firefighter/Paramedics. This was the first real public exposure of the Paramedic Program. Towards the end of the series the television show did an episode about a woman who was training to become a Paramedic the show depicted the “bigotry and male chauvinism regarding females doing a man’s job.”
When I started in Emergency Medical Services in 1979, I first worked for the Sheriff’s Department as a cross trained Police Officer/Paramedic; we were using chevy suburbans that were specially configured and carried all advanced life support equipment. The squad of Police Emergency Unit responded to medical and trauma calls as a non transport vehicle, as well as performing law enforcement functions. At the time there were no female cross trained Police Officers/Paramedics. Prior to receiving my certification as a Paramedic I attended Davenport College Center for Emergency Medical Services. The class was made up of 25 male students and four female students.
As I and my classmates under went the required 640 hours of training needed for certification, there was a lot of classroom study, in addition to the classroom work we were also required to undergo practical training. Practical training included emergency room, surgical, OB, and field ride along. The class also participated with in-house practical training using mannequins, mannequins arms used for learning how to establish IV’s, and mannequins used for practicing advanced airway management. The class took turns at being patients and working in teams of two in providing patient care. Using classmate cars we simulated removing injured patients from vehicles using backboards and KED’s. By the end of our training four males and one female had dropped out of the program.
In the late seventies the number of women working in the field of emergency medical services in Kent County Michigan was numbered at approximately Seventeen. Kent County consisted of four ALS Services: Mercy ambulance service, Buds Ambulance Service, Life EMS, and two volunteer staffed rural ALS Ambulance Services Rockford and Sparta.
Agility tests are required to become a candidate in law enforcement and fire departments. Emergency Medical Services currently has no such agility test to become an EMT or a Paramedic candidate. An EMT must meet the requirements as outlined on this sites “State EMS Page.” The number of individuals assigned to an ambulance, generally consist of two Emergency Medical Technicians in some areas three member crews are utilized.
Lifting is the most essential function of an emergency medical technicians job description, and lifting is the most frequent cause of back injuries in our profession. The heaviest patient that I ever assisted in lifting, weighed 755 pounds and required an additional crew, as well as three firefighters from an engine company, some other examples involving lifting obstacles are patients that lived in older homes with second and third floors with the old spiral stairs.
In the many years that I have worked as a paramedic, I have had both male and female partners. Referring back to the top of this essay in the article a “male,” emergency medical technician stated that a woman partner “ in his opinion female partners would “always be calling home, and checking on their kids.” Another statement made was that “Female partners either refused to lift or required additional help to lift a stretcher with a patient because it was too heavy.”
I have had the opportunity to partner with very dedicated female medics, who were truly professional female medics. I have worked with a male partner who could not consistently and properly lift a stretcher, and I’ve also worked with only one female partner who could not properly lift a stretcher, both of these individuals eventually quit.
Women belong in Emergency Medical Services, and EMS continues to need these professional and dedicated medics. Women medics in many cases provide an emotional aspect that in some situations male medics can’t provide. I have seen men and children that were either sick or suffered from a traumatic incident, that were initially very agitated, and have seen female partner’s who were able to calm the patient down much quickly. (The Florence Nightingale Syndrome) This in no means takes away from their skills and delivery of the excellent medical and trauma intervention skills.
The number of women in Emergency Medical Services in Kent County has dramatically increased since the late seventies and women now make up approximately 50 percent of the EMS work force. Today the number, of women in EMS continues to increase, as well as in law enforcement and fire departments throughout the United States.
This is one paramedic who does truly believes that women do belong in Emergency Medical Services. Throughout my site there you will find a lot of information and data that indicates EMS is growing and improving, and EMS is doing just that.
Three major changes that I feel need to occur in today’s Emergency Medical Services Profession is the implementation of agility test as a prerequisite prior to becoming an EMT or Paramedic candidates. Second, EMS needs to incorporate a training program dealing with proper lifting skills techniques. Third, Volunteer, Private, Fire, and Government Emergency Medical Services Agencies need to provide weight and exercise programs and finally defensive driving courses for all EMS personnel.
Respectfully,
Dave D.
Dave’s EMS Headquarters
I’m watching them race through the streets
swerving and avoiding defeat
coming to the rescue again
filled with hope before they begin
The siren blaring, lights real bright
they fill the darkened streets with light
they calm these anxious fears of ours
over us they do not tower
I will shed my share of tears
but that will be in 4 more years
don't tell me what I cannot be
I will become an EMT
Jiordan
Jiordanis a 14 year old whose dream is to become a Paramedic, this young lady wrote this poem and has granted permission to me to share the thoughts of a future Medic
Marcus A Member of a Great Military
I would like to thank you very much for this website. I am in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Your website really touched me. I wish that all civilians could realize the sacrifices we make everyday so they can go on with there everyday life. I would like to direct this to the civilians. Please have faith in your country and in your military. You can not support you troops without supporting there mission also. Also, the next time you and your family sit down for dinner, stop, and say a little thanks for all of you blessings. A lot of people have died so you can eat in peace with your family. Last, don't take you blessings for granted. Family is the greatest blessing of all, never become complacent with the precense of your family. I'm in the Air Force and haven't seen my wife and three children in a year. When is the last time you've seen your family?
UPDATE: 02-26-2005
Dave-
Today I bring a Post Script to the article I wrote you about "Bo" who stepped up to the plate and watched over my kids when I was sent to ground zero for 9/11. Bo had been recalled to active duty at the same time I was and he was killed in action just outside Baghdad a week ago and today I arrived back home to escort his body to his family.
THIS STORY SUBMITTED BY Bruce R.
Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as
they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless
acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Crucifixion
Description: A medical doctor describes what happens to the human body during crucifixion, and offers his thoughts.
What is crucifixion? A medical doctor provides a physical description: The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy square wrought iron nail through the wrist deep into the wound. Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is press backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed. The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain-the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet. As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, and throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breath. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint wrenching cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber. Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart. It is now almost over-the loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level--the compressed heart is struggling to pump heart, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues--the tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues. Finally, he can allow his body to die... All this the Bible records with the simple words, “and they crucified Him” (Mark 15:24). What wondrous love is this? Many people don’t know that pain and suffering our Lord, Jesus Christ went through for us... because of the brutality; crucifixion was given a sentence to only its worst offenders of the law. Thieves, murderers, and rapists would be the types of creeps who got crucified. Yet, here Jesus is being crucified between two hardened criminals... What did Jesus do? Did he murder anyone? Did he steal anything? The answer as we all know is NO!! Jesus did nothing to deserve this type of death, yet he went willing to die, in between 2 thieves, so that we might be saved. And there, in between the sinners, was our slain savior for our sins.
The Three Trees
Description: This in an interesting fable of three trees, and their role in the life of Christ.
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.” Then the second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.” Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.” After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter”... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, “I don’t need anything special from my tree so I’ll take this one”, and he cut it down. When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said “Peace” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. The moral of this stow is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.
Discussing dismemberment over a gourmet meal seems perfectly normal.
Your idea of a good time is a full code at shift change.
You find humor in other people's stupidity.
You believe in aerial spraying of morphine.
You believe that "shallow gene pool" should be a diagnosis.
You believe that caffeine is a food group.
You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says "Boy, it sure is quiet around here!"
You compliment a complete stranger on his veins.
You hate working on nights with a full moon.
You do not think a referral to Dr. Kevorkian is inappropriate for this patient.
You have ever wanted to hold a seminar entitled "suicide getting it right the first time."
You think caffeine should be available in IV form.
You have ever uttered the phrase-"And what changed tonight at 0200 that makes it an emergency after 6 months?"
You believe that "too stupid to live" should be a diagnosis.
You think that all waiting rooms should be supplied with Valium salt licks.
When you mention vegetables, you are not referring to the food group.
Your patient insists, "I have no idea how that got stuck up there."
You have your days off marked, and planned for the next 5 years.
You encourage an obnoxious patient to sign a refusal form.
You have ever bet on someone's blood alcohol level.
YOU MIGHT BE A PARAMEDIC IF
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS:
LIST OF ITEMS NEEDS BY TROOPS IN IRAQ N AFGANISTAN
Books
Magazines
Compact disc's and players
Batterys.. all sizes
Small flashlights (Surefire is common)
USPS Stamps
Powdered Gatorade
PowerAde mix
Kool-Aid
(the water tastes like crap over there anything with flavor helps.)
anything with flavor helps
Camelback hydration systems
Lansky sharpening systems for keeping knives sharp
Gerber/Leatherman mulitools
Any food that will not melt in heat Easy packaging so can be shoved into pocket for easy access while on missions power bars power gel phone cards coffee as stupid as it sounds, stuffed animals give them to Iraq kids hard candies chewing gum Peanut butter in "to go" tubes. Skippy makes some.
Food seasonings i.e. garlic powder, onion salt all spice, etc
Sun block
Gel insoles for boots baby powder foot powder
GPS Wiley-x sunglasses black in color non mirrored lenses
Under Armor shirts in OD Brown all sizes both long and short sleeve
I will provide addresses for where individuals who wish to send packages.
More on Tributes to the U.S. Military Page click Go
People can take packages to their local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts which also have addresses
or they can send them to:
Captain Ryan "SOFMAG" Anderson USMC
MWSS 371 Engineer Operations Company
Unit 43041
FPO AP 96426-3041
People can take packages to their local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts which also have addresses
or they can send them to:
Captain Ryan "SOFMAG" Anderson USMC
MWSS 371 Engineer Operations Company
Unit 43041
FPO AP 96426-3041
As I watched events unfold in the south in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the fear and uncertainty I had felt that Saturday night in August of getting out of New Orleans before she struck has been replaced with, at times, an overwhelming sadness for the destruction she has left behind. The overall devastation of life, families and property, will have long-lasting and long reaching effects on us all for years to come. It is my hope we can learn to plan better for natural disasters, as we have learned to plan for man-made disasters following 911. Terrorism is only one disaster lurking in the shadows, nature has no master or schemer to develop a plan of attack; she simply does what comes naturally.
The people of New Orleans that I was fortunate to meet during the week I was there for the EMS Expo and NAEMT’s Annual meetings were gracious, welcoming and fun loving people who opened their arms to visitors everyday. On Saturday, when it became evident that Katrina was going to hit New Orleans, they aided us in evacuating by providing all the information and suggestions we needed to get out of the city. Those are some of the people I want to tell you about. As the media has concentrated on the few who have looted and hurt others, I would like to tell you about just a few of the majority who stayed to help us leave, all the while worrying about getting their own families to safety.
People like the “Bell man” at our hotel, who kept a smile on his face and laughter in his voice, even as he was loading luggage into cars and buses, wishing everyone a safe trip and to “come back and see us when this is over.” He told me he had four small children at home and that his shift would end at 4:30 that day, when he would go home, load up his family and “get out of Dodge.” I left by airport shuttle at 5:30 that evening, and guess who was loading my luggage into the shuttle? When I asked him why he hadn’t left, he said, with that southern charm, that he had “waited to make sure I had gotten on this shuttle”. He then hugged me, told me to be safe and promised me he was going to leave and get his “babies” to safety. I’m sorry to say, I do not know his name.
The airport people that were dealing with scared and sometimes very rude travelers with a graciousness I have never witnessed before. They continued to reassure and calm everyone as they checked in baggage and efficiently directed people to the correct line. These people remained friendly and professional even as they were too frequently being verbally abused by people that wanted everything to be moving faster. It was taking around 2 hours in line to go through security. I never saw any of them get angry or be rude to anyone.
But mostly I want to share with you stories of the EMS providers that I will always feel blessed to have been able to meet and share time with. Many of whom stayed in New Orleans and the surrounding areas to aid the many who could not get out, even as they suffered great personal losses of their own. They continue to provide aid, working in horrendous conditions, until the massive relief effort can arrive from across the nation.
The EMS Expo and National Association of EMTs Annual meetings draw thousands of EMS providers; Fire, Law Enforcement, Nurses, Doctors and allied healthcare providers, from all over the world. I was fortunate to be asked to help instruct an Advanced Medical Life Support class in the pre-conference days on Tuesday and Wednesday. We had EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses and doctors, some from as far away as Norway and France in our class. The instructors for the class came from Iowa, Illinois, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Florida and Canada. The “patients” were from a local Paramedic class, having its first day of classes on Tuesday, as well as two young women from Canada that had completed their EMT classes and were in the process of determining in what direction of healthcare they wanted to go next. The two day class provided the sharing of new knowledge, techniques and ideas for all who participated, students, “patients” and instructors. It is this interaction of medical providers that improve patient care in all settings of the medical field.
Dawn was one of the local paramedic students who played the part of the patient, “a young woman with abdominal pain and diarrhea for several days.” Dawn played her part with an enthusiasm and flair that I would put up against any “patient” on ER. Dawn talked a lot about how badly she wanted to be a paramedic and how she felt, as a young single mother, that her child would learn by her example how important it was to help people.
“Bob” was a 30-something gentleman who was the patient for one of my final testing stations. The part he played was of a teenage boy who had vomited blood because he was “Bulimic”. What made this so very memorable was that “Bob” was about 6 foot 3 inches and as he told me himself, weighed around 350 lbs. He got a tremendous amount of pleasure at the end of each testing group, asking the students if he had managed to “fool” them into believing he was a “16 year old bulimic.”
Alaina and Kelsey, two young woman from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, who came to help with the class and be a part of the EMS world, hoping to make the decision of what path of healthcare they wanted to pursue next. These two girls came to have a special place in my heart, as we were able to spend more time together outside of class as the week progressed. I spent the last two days in New Orleans with the girls, Greg, the instructor from Canada and Ann, an instructor from New Mexico. The girls were fascinated with “doing” all they could while in New Orleans, including visiting Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, shopping the malls along the river and the one disappointment for them was not getting to go to 6 Flags on Saturday, as we had planned to do. When it became evident that Katrina was going to hit New Orleans, as we were told on Saturday morning, they were able to get on a flight leaving that evening at 6 pm. I spent the day with the four of them, making plans to visit each other in the future. The girls assured me I have not SEEN a mall until they take me to their mall in Edmonton.
Nicole was a young woman I met on Thursday morning during the start of the conference. I had attended the annual members meeting of NAEMT, and as I was leaving, saw this young woman sitting on the floor outside one of the classrooms, entertaining her baby. Hayden was 7 months old and she had taken him out of the classroom because every time the presenter would talk, Hayden would “answer” him. Of course, I just could not pass up the opportunity to hold him, no longer having any babies of my own (that are small enough to hold anyway). Nicole was an EMS provider that taught Marine Survival classes for a local college. She was from Layfette, which was around an hour or more from New Orleans. She and her husband felt they did not get enough time with Hayden, so they brought him with them. Nicole had two older daughters who did not want to come and were staying with grandparents. Hayden captured an attentive audience in the hall, with many of the NAEMT leadership stopping by to “talk and play” with him as they were leaving their meetings. In the short time I spent with Nicole and her son, we exchanged email addresses, phone numbers and invitations to visit each other in our working environments. She invited me to come back and take her class, further enticing me with an offer to stay at her house and spend all the time with Haden I wanted. The humor invoked by the idea of an Iowa paramedic taking a Marine Survival class, especially since it involved jumping out of a perfectly good helicopter, provided for a great story to take home. She was a gracious and vivacious young woman and an example of the friendliness I encountered at every turn from the people of that area.
I do not know the fate of Dawn, or “Bob”. I pray they are a safe, and I am sure if possible, they are helping others in need. Nicole, Hayden and Nicole’s husband left New Orleans on Friday night, arriving home safely before the Hurricane struck. Nicole’s husband was one of the many who returned to New Orleans to help with the rescue and recover efforts. Alaina and Kelsey, as well as Greg and Ann, all made it out of New Orleans Saturday night. I have had contact with them all since being home. There is a surreal feeling for those of us who were able to get home before the disaster, having been there such a short time ago and now seeing the devastation of those same places where we connected with so many others of our profession.
There are many other EMS people I met and got to know during that week. The leadership of the National Association of EMTs showed a capacity of understanding and advocacy for all levels of EMS providers, working right along side them where ever needed. Many of the leaders live in the areas that were destroyed by Katrina. Through the NAEMT website, we have been able to learn their fate. Most of them have reported their families are safe, and they themselves have been providing aid at the Superdome and with the evacuations out of New Orleans. At the same time, they will face the long road of recovery for their personal loses, after they have completed their mission to aid others.
As people from all over the world reach out to people in need in the south, providing what they can to aid those who have been affected by Katrina, as well as Rita and Wilma, I would ask that you consider donating to a very worthwhile fund established by the National Association of EMTs, the NAEMT EMS and Rescuer Relief Fund. This fund was established to make available funds to EMS providers who need help re-building their lives in the wake of Katrina, Rita and Wilma. NAEMT has pledged to cover the operational cost of the fund; therefore, all monies collected will be distributed in their entirety.
Having spent time in Florida last year aiding the Hurricane victims there, I know how difficult it is to do the job that needs to be done, helping people in need, and yet worrying about your own family. I saw EMS; paramedics, EMTs, firemen, law enforcement, doctors, nurses, mental health care councilors and many others continue to do what needed to be done for days following Hurricane Jeanne, not really knowing what had happened to their own homes and property. I believe the comfort we can provide through our donations to a fund that will directly aid them and their families when they are able to attend to their own personal needs will be invaluable.
While the media spent a great deal of time concentrating on the negative things that were taking place, pointing fingers and playing the blame game, please remember all of the healthcare providers that have quietly continued to provide care and support to what will always be the most important element following any disaster, the people that were caught in the devastation. Keep them in your hearts and prayers, and donate what you can to aid them in their own personal recovery from the devastation.
Julie K. Scadden, NREMT-P, PS
Schaller, IA
Donations can be sent to:
NAEMT EMS Rescuer Relief Fund
c/o NAEMT Headquarters
PO Box 1400
Clinton, MS 39063-1400
Individual and corporate donations are welcome. Credit card donations can be made by calling (800) 34-NAEMT
Although I did not personally know a single person who died that day, it did not change the broken heart I felt as a part of myself and part of America died with those we lost. Like so many others, I desperately wanted to reach out to the families of lost loved ones of 9-11-01. I wanted to honor the legacy of those who perished. How could I help? What could I do? My heart needed to touch the families, to hold them, to absorb their pain, to let them know they were not alone, and that our nation was beside them. I wanted to connect with the families and get to know the loved ones. I found a website called Legacy.com that had stories written by the NY Times about each individual loved one. I read each and every one of their stories. Reading about each person we lost while feeling and becoming a part of their lives was one of the most emotionally touching times I have ever known. I cried and cried. It is so unbelievable to me how many people we lost. When I went one by one and it took hundreds of hours to read their stories, it put more of a reality on just how many people we lost. I have adopted them into my heart and life after reading their stories. I think of them daily and with all my heart. As I read the stories, it was as if the loved one I was reading about was with me, touching my life and heart with their own. I no longer say that I did not know a single person that day. Now, I feel in my heart that I knew every single one of them. There has Not been a day that has gone by that they haven’t had a profound affect on my life. On Legacy.com there was a place to write a memorial to the families. Would a heart hug sent with all my heart, upon the memorial pages of each person we lost mean anything to the families? Could I somehow let them know what my heart was feeling?
I would like to share a few stories with you today in hopes that you will adopt into your heart the memories of a loved one unknown to you and share their stories with others to keep their spirits living for years to come. One story that deeply touched my heart was the story of Robert Noonan and the beautiful way his wife, Dana, tried to explain to their 3-year old son, Chance, where his daddy had gone. Every night Dana would take Chance outside to pick out a star to represent where daddy was. They would light a sparkler to represent their star and send their love into the heavens to daddy. Such a heart touching story has affected my life in a way that words could never explain. Tears fell uncontrollably as I pictured Chance’s love being sent to daddy. Donald Havlish Jr.’s memorial picture includes him holding his young daughter, Michaela. Tears poured from my eyes as I read Michaela’s statement that her daddy was up in heaven, guarding us. Kevin Cosgrove’s four year old daughter Elizabeth said, “Mommy, it broke my heart when Daddy died because he was a good snuggler." His children said, “Daddy would let us eat backwards”…They would get to eat desert Before supper. There is a story of Lizie Martinez-Calderon staying to hold her child extra long before work that dreadful day. Leaving a vivid image of a mother saying her last goodbye to her little girl. James Cappers sons have special teddy bears sewn from daddy’s shirt to bring them comfort. Although his children were young, a few months before 9-11, Frederick Varacchi, had great enthusiasm at how much fun he would have at his children’s weddings and how he was looking forward to that day. The 6-year-old grandson of Vaswald Hall has lost his best buddy in the whole world. An accomplished rugby player the talent that Michael Stewart was most proud of was being a dad. Joey Doyle would make each Sunday a family and friends holiday especially when the Green Bay Packers were playing football. Thomas Clark and Firefighter Carl Molinaro’s families cherish the memories of family hugs and the warm memories linger in the minds of their children, family hugs no longer include their father’s physical being and are performed without them. Spiritually we know these lost loved ones will still be with their families but it devastates my heart to know so many families’ dreams are left unfulfilled. Ronald Breitweiser’s daughter, 5 years old Caroline thinks her dad is up on the moon. When Caroline and her mother, Kristen, are outside they feel he is surrounding them with his love. All families need our prayers, some more than others like John Fiorito's son who struggled with leukemia and with his father by his side he had a successful bone marrow transplant. We pray he remains strong especially in this time when he has lost his father. Tearing at my heart was the serious desperation of Kevin Colbert’s mother, Susan, and how she longed to honor her son who now lives within her soul. Peggie Hurt was the glue in her family. Flight attendant Dianne Snyder made quilts to cover friends and family with the warmth of her love. Nancy Perez learned sign language so she could teach karate to deaf children. Helen Cook tried desperately from her office to contact her husband. She could not. Crying she was able to contact her brother. In her last moments he tried to comfort her fears. He did the best he could to hold her hand through the telephone. Benjamin Walker’s daughter Samantha, who is four years old, was told daddy would always be in her heart. She was determined she did not want daddy to be in her heart. She wants him out of her heart and into her house. Richard Fraser’s wife told their son Aidan that Daddy was an angel. Aidan really thinks it is neat that his daddy can fly. Grade school students Bernard Brown II, Asia Cottom and Rodney Dickens had been selected to be a part of a marine research project and were on their way to California. Little Juliana McCourt was on her way to Disneyland with her mother Ruth. Her mother’s sister-like best friend Paige Hackel was to join them for a mini vacation. Juliana and Ruth were on Flight 175 and Paige was on Flight 11. Mohammed Chowdhury’s son was born September 13th. His wife, Baraheen, says that like his father, Farqad’s eyes are very expressive, as if trying to tell her something. Perhaps his eyes are expressing the love Mohammed continues to have for his family. So many children left without a parent tears my heart in two. How could anyone’s heart not be broken while reading about the affects 9-11 had on families?
A story that put the realism of the dedication emergency workers have for their fellow man was vividly described when I read how Firefighter Carl Bini if tied down would have bitten through ropes to go help others. I have always known such professions were filled with a warm dedication for others but when I read the deep realization of their dedication I cried and cried. There is a story about EMT Mario Santoro and how he liked taking care of your soul…Before following in the footsteps of his father firefighter Christopher Santora was a substitute teacher. Christopher had earned a perfect score on the test to become a firefighter. Although his duty had ended for the day, when the call for help came on September 11th he immediately jumped back into his truck to go to the aid of others. Besides being devoted to our country in the Navy, Commander Patrick Dunn was a volunteer firefighter. Sharing his heart and life not only within the community he lived but with our country. EMT Yamel Merino felt most fulfilled when she took care of others…How do we ever in our life time thank our civil service personnel enough for being so caring and dedicated in the help they provide us? I cannot find the words but my heart feels an indescribable gratitude everyday for them. Paramedic David Sullins carried Matchbox cars and Barbie figurines in his trauma bag to calm the fears of the children he would care for. Such love and devotion is a blessing. Continuous evidence of the dedication and compassion these people had for others is in the story of Firefighter Matthew Barnes and the way he treated children as if they were his own. Supreme Court officer Mitchel Wallace, had saved lives before so it was a natural reaction for him to go to the aid of others that day. His girlfriend had begged him to get away from the buildings. He said he could not. His heart wanted to help the injured so he stayed. His heart describes the hearts of all these men and women. Firefighter Michael Carroll was always ready to help and was an incredible teacher for those learning how to become a fire fighter. Besides being a police officer LT. Robert Cirri lived to help others as a paramedic. Paramedic Keith Fairben’s command was reassuring and brought comfort to everyone he cared for through the years. Firefighter Thomas Casoria was helping a paraplegic down the stairs and would not evacuate until he helped save the life of another. Yet another reflection of the hearts of those who care for others…Captain William Burke Jr. ordered a successful evacuation of his men. Captain Burke stayed behind to help Ed Beyea, a quadriplegic, and his friend Abe Zelmanowitz who would not leave him. Captain Burke stayed because his heart strongly believed in helping others even when he knew the dangers. Michael Iken had called his wife to assure her he was all right. He spent his last moments comforting distraught co-workers. There is a story about Firefighter Louis Arena, and how his wife, Wanda, longs to once again smell his post fire fighting scent. Hanging on to memories and keepsakes of those we lost has brought some comfort and love into the lives of those who were devastated beyond words. Volunteer Firefighter Wells Crowther was working in the WTC as an equities trader. Wells Crowther was an athletic volunteer firefighter that was only steps from safety when he was found at Ground Zero. Wells voice gave others a sense of security as they heard and heeded his directions. His deep authoritative voice, his strength and courage saved the lives of many as he made repeated trips up and down the floors of the tower to rescue others. Many survivors recall the man that saved their life had a Red Bandanna. Wells Crowther was the hero with the Red Bandanna. These people had always gone above and beyond to care for others. William Wik, a non emergency worker, called his wife, Kathleen, her pleas for him to get out of the building were unanswered when William stayed to help others. Kathleen said that was the way William always was….He would not turn his back on someone that needed help. He was found beside 5 firemen with firefighter gloves, a radio, and an emergency flashlight in his hand. There were many other volunteers that day, some of them are Court Officer Thomas Jurgens, Donnie Brooks Taylor SR, Special Agent (Volunteer Firefighter) Leonard Hatton and EMT Jeff Simpson. EMT Zhe Zeng was a completely selfless person who would automatically volunteer to assist others. So many of these heroes lived every moment as an opportunity to care for others. Captain Kathy Mazza, was determined to breathe life into training programs for officers. Her dedication paid off when at least 16 lives were saved because of her persistence to train more than 600 officers to use defibrillators. They had a passion to help others. Giving of themselves was what their lives were all about. As their memories and lives continue living on in others they continue giving of themselves. Firefighter Gerald Atwood Jr.’s parents have been honoring their sons memory by distributing 9-11 NY firefighters memorial posters to fire departments throughout the United states in memory of Gerald and his firefighting brothers. They have graciously allowed me to dedicate posters to firehouses that I have visited. The brotherhood of emotions from those firefighters receiving such a gift was a heart touching experience. Words cannot express the thanks my heart feels for them allowing me to share in honoring Gerald and all firefighters of 9-11.
There is a story of Lilllian Caceres and how she played an angel on stage the night before she was drastically taken from us. Azucena DeLaTorre envisioned 3 weeks earlier, that her deceased father came to her in a dream and told her that her day was coming. He would be waiting for her. While Marisa DiNardo collected angels as a hobby and had a strong belief in fate and destiny. Kim Pianavilla wrote a heart touching letter about Mark Bruce, “ I pray that God keeps your family safe, his arms hold you tight against the long nights and cold days and when the sun shines the brightest through your window, know that it's Mark smiling down upon you.” This is my hope and prayer for all families.
I found stories of deep religious faith in God by Arcangle Vazquez, Firefighter George DiPasquale and Firefighter Frank Palombo. Frank left behind 8 sons and 2 daughters! Dadie Ette had her bible open to Psalms 91: “With His wings He will cover you and beneath His wings you will find refuge; His truth is a shield, a full shield. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” Rev. Mychal Judge passed away while he ministered to victims. Louie Williams lived his life by the words of the Bible. Lt. Commander Robert Elseth was a Sunday school teacher. Officer Donald Foreman donated many hours helping with youth sports programs at his parish. Edward Felt was a man of peace. Clara Hinds lived her life in the belief that 'God made colorful things, flowers, animals, trees…Why should we be prejudiced?' On Sundays, Larry Bowman held services at nursing homes and at Rikers Island. Feeding the hungry was something very important to him. He offered food many times to those who had none. He played basketball with teenagers, and between games shared the word of God with them. Sean Booker concentrated on fixing troubled souls. Three nights a week were devoted for Bible study classes. Sean also preached two services each Sunday and provided transportation for anyone that needed a ride to church. Officer Liam Callahan volunteered many services for his church. He also was the founder of the Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band for the PAPD. In Army, Lt. Col. Dennis Johnson’s gentle and caring heart was sent to the homes of families to inform them that their loved one had perished in the line of duty.
I read several stories of multiple tragedies within the same family like John and Sylvia Resta and their baby to be. Captain Thomas Haskell and his brother fire fighter Timothy Haskell. Darlene and her husband Admiral Wilson Flagg. Sisters, Lisa and Samantha Egan. Detective Joseph and his brother Firefighter John Vigiano. Christine and her brother Michael Egan. Firefighter Peter and Officer Thomas Langone. Jim and Mary Trentini. Donald and Jean Peterson. Jennifer and Kenneth Lewis. Daniel, David and Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa, Professor Leslie Whittington, her husband Charles Falkenberg and children Zoe and Dana. Lynn and David Angell. David was an award winner that received Emmys for his work on Cheers, Wings and Frasier. Kathleen and her husband of 39 years Michael Shearer. The list goes on and on. Lynn Goodchild and Shawn Nassaney were inseparable travelers. Brothers, Enrique and Jose Gomez worked together at Windows on the World. Their family finds comfort knowing they disappeared in the same way they lived their lives….together… Gordon Huie a survivor of tower 2 lost his sister Susan Huie in tower 1. Gordon wrote one of the most beautiful letters I have ever read to our organization in honor of his sister.
We lost an unbelievable amount of volunteers for various charities and people who lived their lives motivating and thinking of others like Neilie Casey, Thomas Burke, Officer David Lemagne, George Morell, Lauren Grandcolas, Captain William Thompson, Harvey Gardner III, Richard Ross and Colleen Fraser. Christopher Quackenbush, strongly believed in sharing his wealth by sharing with others not only during the Christmas season but everyday of his life it was important to him to help children by providing scholarships. Scott McGovern, was a secret Santa. Scott was the kind of gentleman that would always try to find ways to make others happy. Many times his acts of kindness were done secretly so the recipient did not know who had blessed them with things they needed. Robert Ferris, was a volunteer at an orphanage. Surgeon General DR. Paul Ambrose donated nearly all his nights and weekends at a primary care clinic. He would work in excess of 100 hours a week to offer health care to the poor. Such loving acts of kindness was truly a blessing to the recipients of his caring heart. Dr Betru’s pioneering work helped train hundreds of physicians. Officer Dominick Pezzulo had evacuated safely from the WTC and re-entered when he knew his fellow officers were in need of help. He freed them from underneath debris. They survived but he did not. Margaret Seeliger gave up her place on the elevator and Ronald Fazio Sr. held the door so others could leave. Doing such acts of kindness saved the lives of those they helped. Firefighter David Fontana worked diligently to find the names of firefighters who had lost their lives in World War II so that dedication plaques could be hung in the firehouses where they had served. Honoring loved ones who fought for our nation is a reflection of a very patriotic and caring heart. We lost people who donated bone marrow that kept others alive like Firefighter Terrence Farrell and Firefighter Carl Bedigian. Just as they did on September 11th, they gave of themselves that others would live.
Strong determination to succeed was the way of life for people like Thomas Burke and Firefighter Proby Christian Regenhard. Christian was determined to follow his father into the elite branch of the armed forces as a Marine, despite a very high IQ and numerous talents. Christian’s many medals for excellence from the elite force prove the depth of his determination. After his duties as a Marine, Christian became a proby for the FDNY and perished in the line of duty. Although Lorraine Lee’s mother tried to convince Lorraine to find a new job somewhere other than the tower, Lorraine said no. She absolutely loved the view from her office and the people she worked with. It was Thomas Ashton’s first day of on the job training as an electrician; a job he had dreamed of was finally coming true. James Cartier has a wonderful website made from the love of his family. Many family members wrote very beautiful poems for James. James Cartier loved to work as an electrician and was a member of the electrical union. I have a brotherhood with these men… I am an electrical union worker.
Crewmembers from Flights 11, 175, 93 and 77 did their best to protect the safety and well being of their passengers. Not knowing the intentions of the terrorist they all did things that they believed would help save the lives of their passengers. Very serious stories include those from Flight 93 and how people on board found out about the terrorists acts so they were determined to set aside any fears they may have felt by giving of themselves that others may live. Such compassion and dedication to others affected all of us beyond words. There is No doubt that the strong characteristics of all the people on this flight saved many lives while sacrificing their own. Although a few of the heroes were predominate to the news media, after reading about each person it is very clear that each one of them had what it takes to make a difference in the lives of others…and they did just that….they made a huge difference in the lives of others….not only within their groups of friends, co-workers and families but to America as American heroes. Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Thomas Burnett Jr., and Jeremy Glick had the strong determined spirits that touched the hearts of our nation during the crisis and that continues inspiring lives today. Donald Greene was a test pilot for new airplanes, if anyone needed help, Donnie would always try to help others. If the plane had been taken back from the terrorists, Donnie probably would have been able to help land the plane. There is not a doubt that all these wonderful people helped each other that day. Captain Jason Dahl had started flying at the age of 13 while First Officer Leroy Homer Jr dreamed of flying since he was 6 years old. Flight Attendant CeeCee Lyles was a police officer before fulfilling her dream of becoming a flight attendant. Flight attendant, Deborah Welsh saved leftover airline meals to feed the homeless. Flight attendant Wanda Green always dreamed of getting her wings. Where ever she went she made friends. She loved to take care of your soul. Alan Beaven was an environmental lawyer while Christine Snyder, an arborist, was on the same flight. I wonder if they knew each other and wonder if they knew they had common goals of protecting our environment. Deora Bodley was devoted to helping children and touched many lives. Patricia Cushing had never been away from the East coast but for more than a year, she was looking forward to her first trip across the United States to explore the West coast.. Honor Elizabeth Wainio although much younger than I am, shares the same date of birth as me. She had just returned from Paris…she had mentioned to her mother that if she ever got to go to Paris…she would die happy….Linda Gronlund and Joseph DeLuca were traveling together. He loved old English cars. Linda was very active as sailor, a lawyer, an EMT, and enjoyed doing volunteer for autistic children. Linda also had a brown belt in Karate. Hilda Marcin loved to dance and do cartwheels by the pool at 70 years old!
There were numerous people who lived their lives thinking of others like George Morell, and Robert Ferris. Bradley Fetchet lived his life by this quote: “You can tell the character of man by what he does for the man who can offer him nothing.” He gave to many and expected nothing in return. Michael Gould’s gift of giving from the heart is a reflection of so many of our loved ones. "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." A quote written by Samuel Johnson and Michael Ferugio was the person who lived it. An American patriot, Harvey Gardner III, had a passion for life and strove to be the best person he could be. “If it needs to be loved, love it, if it needs to be given, give it, if it need to be done do it without delay.” A quote adopted and lived by James Martello. A star softball player in college and a high school coach, Julie Geis was great at motivating others. She pushed people to succeed. Lauren Grandcolas had dreamed of writing a book for grown-ups. “You Can Do It: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls” a “scouting” manual to encourage women to succeed by trying new things. The manual lovingly was completed by her sisters (Vaughn and Dara) and includes things that will make people feel alive. Karen Hagerty heard about a homeless shelter in the Bronx that was looking for people to buy Christmas presents for the children that had written to Santa. Karen took the entire shelter and provided presents for the children. She collected so many presents that a moving van was called in to get all the gifts to the shelter. Suzanne Passaro was also a secret Santa for homeless shelters. On September 11th, Officer James Leahy rushed to help supply firefighters with oxygen bottles and to aid in any way he could. He assisted others not only that day but each day of his life. James became a police officer in memory of his father who had been murdered when he was 13. David Defeo lived his life with the belief to help others no matter what others thought or said about you. Captain William Thompson lived his life with a motto “Duty to others before duty to self.” William dedicated his life to others and led many to safety that day. Captain Thompson worked on the 12th floor and everyday he took the stairs to work. If he left for lunch he took the step. In honor of Captain Thompson, I now take the stairs much more then I ever had. Every time I climb the stairs, I think about Captain Thompson and the sacrifices he made for others. Officer Moira Smith had saved dozen of lives in the 1991 subway crash so for her to aid others was what her heart was all about. Sergeant John Coughlin took his vacation each year to help with the Toys for Tots program, collecting toys for children because each child deserves a present for Christmas. Stories such as these show the true inner strength, compassion and love in the hearts of all of them. May we all honor them by living our own lives with the same values.
Stories of the desperation of a family searching for loved ones like Firefighter Thomas Hannafin and Michael Mullin tore at my heart. Jonathan Ielpi came from a fire fighting family and I recall the news articles about his family’s intense search for him. Three months later his father Lee’s diligent searching came to an end, he helped carry Jonathan from the rubble. Sergeant Major Michael Curtin, was retired from the USMCR and worked Special Forces for the NYPD on the Emergency Services Unit. Michael loved the American flag and what it stood for. His wife Helga, also a former Marine, was at the world trade center to help bring her husband home. The exit ramp was lined with hundreds of fellow emergency workers standing in honor of Sergeant Major Michael Curtin as men from his unit carried him out draped in an American flag. Upon reaching his ESU truck, one last hand was needed to secure the stretcher; someone needed to climb on top of the truck to gently lift Michael up. Helga appeared on top of his truck before others knew what was happening. She made the last loving adjustments in taking care of her husband that day. The vision of her loving hands gently reaching for her husband for his final trip home takes my breath away because of the heavy tears I cry. It is incomprehensible to me how hard it must have been for all the families as they desperately searched for their loved ones. My heart aches for them.
I have tremendous respect for all our military personnel that have protected and that continue to protect each one of us. Lt J.G. Darin Howard Pontell was killed at the Pentagon and had a great dedication to his brother Steven’s memory. Steven had died as a Navy pilot in a crash in 1989. Darin mentioned that he wanted to pick up where Steven had left off. Darin’s death leaves his family with the loss of both sons who were dedicated to our nation. Lt. Col Canfield Boone was very patriotic and liked doing things for his country. He served our nation with 31 years of service in the Army. Samantha Allen’s father served in the Navy and spent 50 years in civil service so Samantha Allen’s devotion to our country came from a reflection of her father. Including Samantha, all 12 children in her family followed in their father’s footsteps and were dedicated to public service work. A beautifully written poem tribute is upon the memorial page for Ada Davis. Like so many who perished Ada was a mountain of strength, a shoulder to cry on, a teacher and peacemaker, faithful and devoted, a loving person who made a difference in many lives. Captain Robert Dolan was a man who viewed service to our country a privilege. He was disciplined and excelled at every task given to him. A reflection of Robert’s devotion can be seen in all our service personnel. Marvin Woods’ words of his love for our country are representative of how all our military men and women feel. Also as much as I enjoy air shows and seeing the military planes perform I was impressed with the story of Retired Captain John Yamnicky SR. Before becoming a commercial pilot Captain Charles Burlingame was a Top Gun fighter pilot. With all my heart I thank those who dedicated and committed their lives to our country and my thanks are extended to those who continue serving our country. I am at a loss for words to properly thank our military, but my heart is deeply grateful for the protection, peace and the freedom they diligently maintain for us, for the world, and for the world’s children for generations to come.
We lost people with big beautiful smiles, warm loving smiles, with eyes that sparkled and shined like Louis Nacke, Teresa Martin, Hilda Taylor, Mary Jane Booth, Alexander Ortiz, Firefighter Peter Carroll, Steven Cafiero, Nicole Miller, Lt. Kevin Dowdell, Scott Hazelcorn, Elizabeth Farmer, Lt. Kevin Pfeifer, Michelle Titolo, Jeanmarie Wallendorf and Shelley Marshall, Firefighter Terence McShane and Firefighter Sergio Villanueva. SGT. Rodney C Gillis had a smile for all occasions…a concerned, knowing, proud, encouraging, courtesy smile and I am positive a loving smile…Firefighter Michael Weinberg’s eyes will reach out and draw you into the warmth of his heart. Maurita Tam’s smile will melt your heart. Besides having a wonderful smile Maurita had a yellow belt in tae kwon do and spoke 6 languages, all at the age of 22. Maurita was a gifted singer, an accomplished musician and a whiz at finances. Wade Green’s wife described him as having a smile to die for. Rachel Tamares smile was so bright and cheery that she made me smile just to see her photo. Carol Ashley said that her daughter, Janice Ashley, “Just Sparkled.” Leaving our minds with Janice’s vividly happy out look on life. Jenine Gonzalez was thought of as the little lady with the big smile. People were drawn to the smile and personality of Florence “Disco Flo” Gregory. Ana Medina loved to laugh. Born with the gift of laughter, Lt. Col. Stephen Hyland Jr. touched many lives with happiness. Flight Attendant Betty Ong would slap her knee when she’d laugh. Firefighter Vernon Cherry had a beautiful voice and loved to sing revealing his happy heart. Officer Clinton Davis SR. also loved to sing and would sing at private parties. Each of them reached out and touched my heart with their smiles and positive attitudes.
There were funny stories like Firefighter Brian Cannizzaro, Jeremy Carrington, Linda Grayling. Firefighter Gary Box, was the firehouse barber and shared many moments of laughter with his firehouse buddies by giving Mohawks to unsuspecting men. His firehouse buddies actually bought him a barber chair! Firefighter Michael Brennan was a prankster that seemed to always carry a special sparkle in his eyes. Jake Jagoda loved to fish but was scared of worms. His 3-year sister, would proudly torment him with the worms just prior to putting the worms on the line for him. Peter Ortale, found cooking therapeutic. Peter steamed fish one night. Everyone liked it. Or at least they did until he told them he steamed it in the dishwasher! Firefighter Edward Day would rid people of their grouchy attitudes by applying smiley faces on helmets. He had a special gift with his ability to make people laugh. Firefighter Robert Evans was considered the Jerry Lewis of his firehouse because of his practical jokes and big heart. Robert could make someone smile even in their darkest hour, reflecting the warmth of his caring heart. Cesar Murillo was known for his “Lawn Mower” dance. Timothy Finnerty had an infamous sprinkler dance. People would laugh so hard at his goofy dances that tears would flow from their eyes. Mary Hague had a funny dance that made people laugh also. As in life, they have reached out to us. They have left a piece of their hearts with us.
I found special stories among each loved one, each touched my heart in their own special way. I only wish I could have mentioned the stories of each loved one and the way they have reached out to touch my life. Each lost loved one’s life became intertwined with mine through their stories. Many memories of the tears, smiles and laughter they brought to me through their stories touch my life daily. I hope after reading the stories about the people I have mentioned above, you will have a desire to read other stories and adopt the families in your own personal way into your mind and heart. Remember the legacy of those who perished and leave their loved ones a message or simply read about them and say a prayer. I’d like to have you take the time to also remember those who volunteered, working night and day to search for missing loved ones….some of whom have recently lost their own lives due to toxic atmospheres their worked in while searching for others. I thank the NY Times and Legacy.com as well as the many websites that honor the loved ones of 9-11 for publishing such beautiful stories for us to read. My heart tremendously thanks the families for their willingness to share the stories, the photos and the lives of their loved ones with others. Through their stories, photos and lives they continue reaching out to touch others in a positive way. As their memories and lives continue living on in others they continue giving of themselves. May we all honor them by living our own lives with a reflection of each one of them in our heart. I thank the families for sharing their loved one with me today and many others for years to come.
While writing to families on Legacy I became involved with America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilts Organization. We devote our hearts and our determination to leaving the world a thread of life’s legacy in honor of those who died in the terrorist attacks and to honor our homeland heroes and soldiers who fight for continued freedom. We are dedicated to honor our lost loved ones with a loving and compassionate memorial. These memorial quilts will preserve not only the memory but also the faces & names of the loved ones for years to come.
As love is woven into each stitch of America’s 9-11 Memorial Quilts, it is a reminder, that a common thread of faith, hope, and love unites us all. Like the various colors and designs of the cloth within these quilts, we are all different, yet as Americans we are as one. I hope and pray as families look upon these quilts, they will feel the warmth and comfort of our love wrap securely around their hearts to ease their pain. With each stitch, may we help heal hearts while we honor our lost loved ones names and faces for years to come. As people stop by to see the brilliant smiles, sparkling eyes and the warm individual personalities that reflect from the hearts of those we lost, may each person feel the warmth and love of those we lost radiate into their hearts to bring them a peaceful comfort. It is our hope to memorialize those we lost in a compassionate and uplifting way, with the deepest respect and honor to heal hearts and preserve memories. As our hearts, thoughts and prayers focus on those we lost and their loved ones, may God’s loving hands cradle their hearts, minds and spirits with His peace, comfort and love.
Written by: Teresa Jahn Dixon, IL (c) copyrihted material used with permission
Difference No Difference "EMT’s and Paramedics Save Lives together"
While most will quickly understand the fact that a Paramedic is of a higher rank and more advanced training than an EMT (Emergency Medical technician), many people are unaware of the difference in the skills possessed by the two professional levels.
What can a paramedic do that an EMT can not do?
An EMT can perform CPR, oxygen administration, artificial ventilations, basic airway management, spinal immobilization, vital signs as well as bandaging and splinting, and provide jump starts to a stilled heart using an AED (Automatic Defibrillator)
A Paramedic performs all the skills of an EMT, with the inclusion of the following; a Paramedic is able to perform advanced airway management such as endotracheal intubations, obtain electrocardiograph readings (EKGs) with the training and skills to treat arrhythmias, I.V. initiation, cardioversion, defibrillation, deliver pain and cardiac medications, just to name a very few advanced skills.
A Paramedic has the training and skills that are a lot more advanced than a basic EMT in many ways. Paramedics obtain the most sophisticated training in equipment, medications and invasive therapies.
However, without basic life support (CPR) for example provided to a cardiac patient by EMT’s a Paramedics intervention is useless a patient will become brain dead with out circulation and breathing maintenance.
The differences between an EMT and a Paramedic in training and skills, when it comes to salaries are most often below $30,000. Income ranges increase with dramatically between EMT’s and Paramedics who are employed by County run EMS agencies, Fire Department EMS Divisions, and Hospitals trauma centers that employ the two skilled levels. A large amount of EMS personnel all over the United States are volunteers a critical role especially in rural communities.
The true fact is that both EMT’s and Paramedics are a critical role to Emergency Services that also includes Police and Fire Services. EMS Medics provide vital life saving services that saves lives every day 365 days a year across America and many other Nations.
Ambulance Crew Prevent Terror Plot
London June 29, 2007: A United Kingdom ambulance crew that was responding to a medical emergency spotted smoke coming from a Mercedes that was found to be filled with a lethal mix of gasoline, propane and nails. Due to their actions in notifying Law Enforcement authorities a terror plot was thwarted today Friday June 29, 2007 at approximately 01:30 a.m.
If the crew had not spotted and reported the vehicle which was located in an area of nightclubs and theaters potentially hundreds could have been killed or injured. This EMS crew is true heroes and much can be learned from their observation and quick action.
Women and Emergency Medical Services
EMS RESPONDS ONCE AGAIN TO MASS CASSUALITY INCIDENT
Moments after the bridge collapsed 911 calls began to be placed, Cries for help medical attention needed people trapped injured in the water in need of rescued and just like so many other mass casualty incidents emergency services has once again activated.
Police, fire, an emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, just as we saw in 1993 when the world trade center was attacked by a car bomb, again in 1994 with a domestic terrorist detonating a fertilizer which was packed into a rental truck at the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma, and again when two teenagers opened fire on their classmates at columbine high school.
In 2001 on a sunny Tuesday morning September 11 when initial news broadcasts broke into regular programming to announce that a plane had struck one of the two world trade center towers, As broadcasters were reporting that some type of plane that struck one of the towers we saw as we saw yesterday in Minneapolis ordinary citizens assisting the injured in individuals in shock been assisted prior to the arrival of emergency medical services.
As national TV was reporting on the first tower, the sudden manage appeared on our television screens in our homes, our offices a second plane appeared circled instruct his second tour of the world trade center. America was under attack and the brave men and women who work in the field of emergency services were shown entering both towers despite the fact that they’re placing their own lives in jeopardy to assist the men and women still in the towers. We witnessed later another plane striking the pentagon and again national TV showed emergency services responding to the scene and once again ordinary citizens were once again helping the injured and victims of shock. And finally we learned of a fourth plane headed somewhere towards Washington, as the passengers fought back in their attempt to stop another plane slamming into a building, the terrorist Sent the plane into an unrecoverable descent into a Pennsylvania field. Emergency Services were dispatched this time to an opened field, when they arrived there was no individual to assist they had all died. The passengers aboard flight 93 fought to stop the attack and won, but like so many rescuers at the other sites they lost their lives, but in doing so they saved many other lives.
On Wednesday, August 01, 2007 the 35W Bridge disaster struck, traffic was heavy and construction was taking place on the bridge when suddenly the bridge began to crumble cars had been thrown into the water. Concrete slabs once a bridge collapsed, witnesses reported hearing sounds of thunder others stated sounds like an explosion as the bridge over the Mississippi began to fall. This was not caused by a terrorist group or sell it was not caused by a bomb or any deliberate act.
At the present time there is no reason that can be given for this awful tragedy, that was broadcast on national TV ordinary citizens who rushed to the aid of strangers in an effort to rescue as many individuals prior to the arrival of emergency services. But as we’ve seen time and time again we come together it’s not political it’s not democrats jumping and save democrats nor republicans jumping into save republicans, it’s not white versus black yellow or brown its American citizens declassification of “ Right here every day individuals” In the first couple minutes it was cease ordinary citizens who risk their own lives as several jumped into the water to help those in need, but there’s climbed onto the unstable cement asphalt an assist people off the bridge into safety. Within minutes the first three ambulances arrived on scene bringing the first of many Paramedics and EMT’s to bring advanced life support skills and equipment to the victims.
Emergency services are a three tiered system it is comprised of Police, Fire, and EMS. Each agency is charged with a specific function in duty. A law enforcement agencies is charged with securing the scene, maintaining order, and preservation of evidence. Fire agencies are charged with the following first and foremost this fire suppression, extrication, search and rescue, in handling of any has met materials. Emergency medical services are charged with the incredible responsibility of maintaining life. EMS Is made up of emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technician-specialists, and paramedics.
As stated earlier Once nine one was notified of the disaster in became evident that there are multiple victims on scene, a mass casualty incident Or MCI was declared their buy the implementation of a mutual aid agreement which is utilized in disaster type situations. Therefore the tri-state emergency services were notified and dispatched to the scene. Emergency medical services sent out a call for every ambulance to respond, mutual aid assistance with all police and fire services was requested and answered.
In watching the national coverage taking place on our networks and cable news programs, describing the scene, advising emergency services were ascending to the collapse. Only one network initially got it right, that was initially fox news which indicated that police, fire, EMT’s and paramedics were arriving. Emergency services in the past were identified as only police and fire services. We observed this on September 11, 2001, in the subsequent days that followed despite the fact that a large number of the EMT’s and Paramedics had lost their lives as a result of the world trade centers collapse. Over the following months news agencies began to refer incorrectly to the emergency services response as police, firefighters, and first responders. Instead of Police Fire and EMS.
First responders is a new word which was created in the mid nineteen eighties when fire departments began to minimally train firefighters to respond to both the medical and trauma incidents providing them with a more advanced level a first aid training an operation of automatic electronic defibrillators. They’re Training includes, the ability in taking vitals, they’re trained in how to deal with head and neck and back injuries and utilizing backboards and c-collars. The first responder program is set up to get medical assistance as quickly as possible this testing cardiac cases to the patient far more successful outcome, Federal standards require emergency medical services to be unseen within six to nine minutes as per the national transportation highway safety administration guidelines. It is important to understand that emergency medical services or EMS is a separate entity, and in most states First responders and duties are assigned to fire services who are dispatched with EMS to assist in medical and trauma calls.
Over 80 percent of Emergency Medical Services in the United States are provided through private agencies, this is not a tax based service and therefore transportation and treatment is built through private EMS agencies. Whereas police and fire services are provided by cities, suburbs, in townships through tax base, however over the past few years many cities have begun billing individuals who have been involved in automobile accidents requiring police and fire response such programs are utilized in eastern Michigan proposed for western Michigan as well as many other cities in other states.
Therefore the correct terminology in describing emergency services today is as stated above the police, fire services, and emergency medical services. This editorial serves as an educational tool for the general public, since most major news anchors and networks cannot seem to learn the appropriate definition regarding a combined responsible three services.
The event which unfolded on Wednesday was truly a united effort of men and women who serve emergency services. Minnesota rescuers demonstrated that all the training and exercises since September 11, 2001, resulted in a smooth and rapid response under difficult circumstances. Triage was immediately set up by EMT’s and Paramedics, Firefighters descended upon the bridge in an effort to rescue goals trapped in their vehicles, police services controlled the scene moving people back, assisting both firefighters and emergency medical services.
Minnesota demonstrated a remarkable professionalism, this news agencies hovered in helicopters above the incident taping the rescue efforts both Americans as well as other countries observed one of the most synchronized rescue efforts in recent times.
The men and women who served so courageously, professionally, along with valor have shown that working together their actions save many many lives. Minnesota’s emergency management has shown the results of working as a team. Their teamwork the and actions surpassed in many ways The rescue effort seen in 1989 which involved the response and rescue of the many passengers rescued resulting in Sioux city Iowa response involving flight united flight to 232.
During one of the initial press conferences Minnesota police, Sheriff, state police, the Minnesota fire chief, and EMS spoke person spoke not only about what their individual services but spoke of the combined efforts of all three services. So much was learned from these men and women. Hopefully this time the media will learn that we all work as with the same goal in each of our specialized roles which is secure, extinguish and extricate, trash and treat and transport the individuals injured in a very short period of time which is kept the death toll at a very low number.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the many victims, the injured, their families, and the men and women who responded to their cries for help god bless you all.
Written and submitted by: Dave EMS headquarters
ARIL 15, 1981 Artist Rendition 25 years Later
Name: Deanie Marie Pyle Peters
Date Missing: February 5, 1981
Missing From: Forest Hills Central Middle School in Ada, Michigan
Height: 5'3" Weight: 110lbs. Age Missing: 14
She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a brown ski jacket, a pink sweater and jeans. She was also wearing a cream-colored scarf with the word 'ski' written on it with dark brown lettering.
I was working the evening shift at the Kent County Michigan Sheriffs Department when a Man and Woman entered the the Sheriffs Office’s they were there because their fifteen year old daughter was missing. It was February 5, 1981, when their daughter Deanie who had attended her brother's wrestling tournament at Forest Hills Middle School which is located in the township of Ada, located in eastern Kent County Michigan.
Deanie Marie Peters age 15 had last been seen by her mother at a wrestling match that her brother was participating in when she excused herself to go to the girls restroom, however she never returned.. The Sheriffs Department was contacted and Deputies were dispatched. Initially Deputies and Kent County Sheriff Detectives interviewd both students, faculty, and parents who may have seen Deanie that afternoon and the hours that followed as a serch continued for the missing 15 year old.
Sheriff Personnel could not find any individial however no ne could place Deanie near any of the restrooms. The 15 year old Deanie Marie had left both her wallet and make-up at her residence shared with her Mother, Step-father and brother. Deanie had no dispciplany problems, nor run in’s with the criminal justice system, their was not family problems and no history of either previously being a running away or having run away the fatefull afternoon February 15, 1981.
In the days that followed Family, friends, and area groups searched for the 15 year old junior high student. The Sheriffs department utilized all of it’s resources searching fields, river banks and isolated aerea through-out the County. Detectives followed up on the hundereds of tips, sightings, and suspects. Despite the diligence of the Lead Detective and all the searches Deanie Marie Peters was never located.
At the time of Deanies Disapperance their was no amber alert program in place, Sheriff personnel utilized the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) to alert Department through out Michigan as well as all U.S. Police Departments still nothing.
The last kidnapping-Murder that occurred was in 1979 in the City of Grand Rapids, was a young crossing guard she was taken from the corner she was helping other children cross the street. Sadly her body was found, and the man responsile was quickly identified, captured, was tried and convicted and sent to a Michigan Prison.
However this was not the case with Deanie Marie Peters, no body was ever found, the Detective Unit interviewd a few individuals of interst but no areest was made. As of April 15, 2008, Deanie will have been missing for twenty-seven (27) years. It remaines one of the few unsolved cases of the the Kent County Sheriffs Departnet.
If you have any information regarding the dissapearnce of Deanie Marie Peters please Contact the Kent County Sheriffs Detective Unit at (616) 632-6125 or Rapids Area, located in Kent County, Michigan.
IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT A CRIME, CALL SILENT OBSERVER AT 616-774-2345 OR TOLL FREE AT 866-774-2345. YOU WILL REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
March 5, 2008-Deanie Peters would be 41 years old, but no one has seen her in 27 years. The Forest Hills Central Middle School 8th-grader vanished February 5, 1981, and now the Kent County Cold Case Team is actively searching for her again. That night, she, her mother and brother attended a wrestling practice at the school when she said, "I'll be right back" as she walked away. She hasn't been seen since. But the Kent Metro Cold Case Team is wiping the slate clean and starting from scratch The (cold case) team and I were disturbed by the fact that a 14-year-old girl could go missing from her middle school," said Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Rob Davis.
The team wants to talk with anyone who was at the middle school or next door at the high school the night Deanie vanished. "In these these kinds of cases you can't get focused on one theory or another," Davis said. "You have to remain open to all possibilities." They also want to speak with anyone with information regarding the organization of the Donkey Basketball game that took place that night at the high school.
For now, the case remains a "missing person" investigation, not a murder investigation.
Numbers to use to bring any information to light:
February 5, 1981
February 5, 2008
Enhanced Photo-2008
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The Illustrated History of Rescue and
Emergency Medical Services
Author / Publisher
Carl David Elliott
The Illustrated History of Rescue and EMS Mr. Elliott advises that portions of all sales go directly to benefit the "Fallen Firefighters Foundation" and the "National EMS Memorial." The book is available with free shipping onbluerampublishing
Book and Author were featured on Journal of Emergency Medical Services. (JEMS)
On September 10, 1993, a group of people I'd never met before saved my life—and my son's.
They weren't firemen, EMT’s or Paramedics nor members of the local police force. They had been blood donors.
I hope my story will encourage you to give someone else the gift of life. As a blood donor myself, I can tell you there is not a better, easier way to touch someone’s life in a truly immeasurable way.
In 1993 my husband and I were ecstatic to learn that we were expecting a baby on Christmas Day. Everything was going well, until September 10. My water broke and the doctors had to deliver my son four months early. The doctors told my husband and me that our son had only a 20 percent chance of survival. I lost a lot of blood and it took several blood transfusions to save both of our lives.
Branden will turn 16 this year. He's happy, healthy, and a member of his high school's varsity golf team. To look at him, you’d never know his birth was anything out of the ordinary.
But that’s why donating blood is so important: tragedy could strike at any time, and you never know who is going to need your help. It could be your mother, your father, your husband, your wife—or even your child.
I was a regular blood donor before my son was born, and I’m still a regular blood donor today. In fact, I’ve already given this month at a Red Cross blood drive in my home town.
When I ask people who haven't given blood before why they've never donated, can you guess the response I hear most often? "No one's ever asked me before."
I’m asking you now. Dave, please join me and donate blood.
Thank you,
Karen Kerr
Proud American Red Cross Blood Donor since 1975
P.S. If you have recently made a blood donation, thank you!
Below is an E-mail Received, That demonstrates the need to regularly donate blood, in this situation blood was needed while the patient was in a hospital. However Medical Helicopters carry blood to the scene of accidents. Other times blood is rushed to the scene to assist ground medics treat entrapped patients. Please also remember blood is needed to treat our injured Military Personnel on the battlefield as well as in the mobile surgical units in Afghanistan and Iraq.
West Michigan EMS Personnel:
Your Assistance Needed Please
Dave’s EMS Headquarters is requesting your assistance if you have older pictures showing EMS Units, Personnel for West Michigan EMS Agencies such as but not limited to Bud’s Ambulance, Dejonges EMS, Mercy Ambulance, Life EMS, City and County Police Emergency Units, ProMed, Wright-Tallmadge Fire ALS Rescue and ETT Ambulance over the late 1960’s, 1970’s and early 1980’s. Please consider sharing your pictures, memories, and stories on this Web Page “Dave’s West Michigan EMS History.”
Full credit will be displayed with each picture, story, and memories. Please click icon for submission, questions. I thank you for your consideration ahead of time and thank you for your service, dedication and professionalism to Kent, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Ionia Michigan, residents.
Respectfully,
Dave, “Webmaster and Owner Dave’s EMS Headquarters”
Updated on 01-18-2010
EMS Run--EMS Run's are always very dangerous for both the crew and their patient
