Firehouse Prank

I love my Twitter feed. Today I got a Tweet from Firehouse.com about a rookie prank that was video taped and placed on the internet. Now, within a few minutes, other fire sites that I have Tweeted to me are picking up the story.

In this video, a masked gunman is shown running into the station. The firefighters scatter and hit the deck. Shots are fired and at the end of the video, credits roll.

I have been on the giving and receiving end of firehouse pranks. This one made me scratch my head. Was it worth filming and posting? I understand the dynamic of the firehouse. I bet when this prank was over, there was a lot of laughing and watching and re watching of the tape.

Not trying to invoke "the thin blue line," the general public does not totally understand the job and the stresses. They even less understand firehouse life and dynamics. While you and I might not think that a prank like this is controversial, the public obviously does.

Tell me what you think. Do these firefighters deserve any type of punishment? Do we have an obligation to change firehouse culture so these types of pranks won't happen? And last but not least, are these guys stupid for placing this video on the internet?

Responder Stress Survey

I am looking to write an article on responder stress. Even though I have my own experiences and perspective, I would like to here from you. I have a list of questions. Feel free to answer them and add anything you may find pertinent. You don't have to leave a name but if you want, you can. I will not use names or locations in the article unless I have your permission. I am especially interested in knowing if you used the help of anEAP, Chaplain, CISM Team or any other health care professional. I would also appreciate if you can pass this along. My deepest thanks in advance...Ray

1) Did your duties ever stress you out?

2) How did/do you handle the stresses of the job?

3) Does your department/union have a stress program?

4) Have you ever had a formal presentation on stress? If so is it ongoing? How often?

5) Do you have any addiction problems due to stress?

6)Have you ever sought help due to stress?

7) How has your job stress affected your family/personal relations?

8) Have you been diagnosed with PTSD?

9) Have you sought help?

10) If you sought help was it through an EAP, Chaplain or other health care professional?

11) Was the help that you sought effective? Did it address your problems?

12) What is the pervasive, official and unofficial, attitude toward the stresses of the job within your organization?

Inspired Living: DON'T BE BOASTFUL AND PROUD

Inspired Living: DON'T BE BOASTFUL AND PROUD

Fitness for Duty

I just read a great article by David Givot in EMS1.com on an overweight paramedic in California. The article talks about disciplinary actions taken by the City of Los Angeles against this paramedic because she continually failed to meet weight loss goals and standards.



This brings up the question on whether physical standards should be implemented for responders. I know that many agencies have physical standards but many do not. By applying these standards are we discriminating against fat people or are we just watching out for the safety of the employee and the public which we serve. Judging by what has been posted on the comment thread of this article, physical standards are just another way that our society discriminates against "large framed" individuals. Go to this article.......

Spinal Care

Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player, who suffered spinal trauma in a game against Army, has been creating quite a buzz this week. Believe is the word. Reports say that he is gaining sensation and movement after paralysis. This article on rivals.com stresses the importance of prepackaging, this is the story behind the scenes. Watch the YouTube video to see excellent initial care of spinal injuries. While you're at it, go to rivals.com and read this article.......