Don't forget to also remember EMS today, September 11th

       

      As I was thinking about how unrecognized EMS actually is, it came to my attention that during 9/11, the focus is usually on the remembrance of the Firefighters, the Police officers, and the general public that died that day, but not much is mentioned about the brave EMS that also died that day.  They seem to be lumped into the Firefighter and Police Officers.  Why?  They deserve to have individual recognition!!

      Did you know that of the 343 FDNY lost, that 2 of them were Paramedics?  They were Paramedic Carlos Lillo, age 37 and Paramedic Ricardo Quinn, age 40. 

      I am having problems with finding a definitive total for the number of EMS that died on 9/11, Some sites say 8 some say 9 some say 10 some say 42...the list goes on.  The issue here, I think, is that they only include the "on duty" EMTs and Paramedics when the count is 8 or 9 or 10.  They don't include the ones that volunteer and have full time jobs elsewhere, but helped out since they had the skills to help.  An EMT like Jeff Simpson, who lived in VA, but worked in NY.  Instead of fleeing to safety, he instead went toward the danger to help.  And that's what an EMT that is passionate about his job as an EMT would do....   

      If we can't include all of the EMS that died on September 11, during the attacks that weren't "on duty" then why do we honor a police officer that died when he crashed his motorcycle - off duty?  It just seems that EMS is left out when it comes to remembering their heroism.  You always hear of a firefighter that died or a police officer that died...and it is always mentioned in an article if they were either, but hardly ever for an EMT or a Paramedic. 

      So lets take this day to also remember all the EMS that died that day.  Hopefully all of their names are listed below:

Don't need an Ambulance subscription

 This will be a chuckable post :)

      The one service that Double D works for is literally 5 minutes away, and about 2-3 miles away, SO that puts us somewhat in their jurisdiction.  

      Well, I received a piece of mail yesterday from this service, which, had me confused.  If they needed to get something to me (which I wouldn't know why), why not save postage and just give it to Double D when he was in on Friday, or today when he came in?  I almost opened it when I saw on the envelope about my "2012 Subscription" which more than likely meant that they wanted me to subscribe to their Ambulance service.  I nearly burst out laughing....Ok, maybe I actually did.  :)

      This made me laugh because I will never call for an Ambulance personally, since that means I would be going to the hospital, something I won't do, so I would not need to subscribe to an Ambulance service.  Besides, I already have an EMT in house ;) so, step 1 of any injury would be to have Double D assess me, then if he feels I need to go to the hospital, he can write up a refusal because I will not go!  No need for an Ambulance since they bring the EMTs to you, and take you to a hospital....EMT is already here, and I'm not going to any Hospital.....Going to the hospital means I have to face the doctors that will screw things up anyway....NO THANKS!  

      Sorry, not fond of doctors or Hospitals....I don't trust them.  I've had too many bad things happen personally in regards to ERs, Hospitals, and Doctors that I don't want to deal with any of them.  You all can go, if you want but you won't find me willingly going.  Double D jokes that he has ways of getting me to go :)  And I told him, well, you better hope I don't remember when I wake up!!  :)

ICEDot part 2

This is a follow up to my previous post on ICEDot.

      I ordered 3 of the ICEDot bands for Me, Double D, and Widget. They arrived within 2 weeks after I ordered them and came with the ID card for me to carry in my wallet, a keychain dot for my keys, the ICEDot band for me to wear, and an ICEDot sticker to put on my car.

      When you apply the sticker to your window (it goes on the driver side of the back window) make sure you have the print out of your info in your glovebox, or the sticker means nothing.  

      The band is $10 and can be worn all the time.  They are a rubber material similar to the Livestrong bands, or other bands you see.  They were extremely useful when we all went to the beach on vacation, because of how they fit, there was no concern of them coming off in the water.  The do not easily slip off.  of course we are all adult size, but they do make child size ones too.  

      The print on them is very good, as it is engraved in the band and not just printed on, so even if the color would wear off, the code would still be able to be read.  I kinda wish the print around the band was bigger so it could be read easier for EMS that aren't aware of the ICEDot.  

      Thankfully I can't give you a personal experience with using the ICEDot and EMS, but it makes me feel alot better knowing Widget wears hers all the time JUST IN CASE.  

      I have made it my mission to get the word out there to all EMS through Double D, and this blog so that In Case of Emergency, and you are alone, and can't speak for your self, EMS crews that tend to you will be able to get some info about you.  

      Their website is  www.ICEDot.org. Register for free and print out the info cards to put in your glove box, and order a sticker.  Then maybe buy the Premium service for $10 and an ICEDot band, button, or bracelet so you have the information even when you don't have a pocket.  I don't get any compensation for this from them, I just think its a great idea/concept and think everyone should know about it and at least register for the free profile.

Thank You.