MY Top 10 of ‘11

1. The people I have met in 2011 This should go without saying. I finally got the privilege to meet the folks behind the keyboards and @ signs that I have spoken to in 140 character blocks. It was worth being called an “ass” when I met Ted Setla, as much as it was worth watching @THEGrinderMedic order someone a drink called “uh…” in Vegas. Hope to meet more next year.

2. EMS Today 2011 Well, yeah, the first real conference I went to would make the #2 spot. It had its own set of adventures (to include a missed flight). When is the pre-party for next year’s at Pratt St.?

3. EMSWorld Expo 2011  Wow…the one thing I bitched the loudest about getting my travel approved for only made #3. The strip and the Las Vegas Convention Center will never be the same after the #CoEMS crew was done with it. Will NOLA be the same?

4. FDIC 2011 The biggest Fire Department conference of the year made the Number 4 spot on this year’s top 10. Finally meeting The Fire Critic, Capt. Willie Wines, and a few others.  Same place in 2012—the week before my 41st celebration of being alive.

5. My unit returning home from Iraq The 801st Combat Support Hospital (Detachment 10) was in Iraq for 10 months providing Detainee Health Care. All but two of my Soldiers are now home.

6. 21 seconds at FDIC The Globe Firefighter Challenge only took me 21 seconds to complete at FDIC in Indianapolis.  It would have been faster if I had known that the “rescue dummy” weighed about three pounds (I was expecting much heavier).

just crawl between the cones to take less time

7. Participating in #KiltedtoKickCancer The idea of a couple of friends not only increased awareness for the male specific cancers, but also ended up with a pretty penny being donated to LiveStrong and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. It also got the biggest reading from this headquarters while trying to make my kilt (which is now hanging in the closet and a 3rd one is being planned on for purchase eventually). I will say, though, that they’re nice in the summer…but one wintertime word:  SHRINKAGE. (Though they make life easier with the TSA)
 

8. Making the “Medic’s Mecca” The only reason this is not higher in the countdown is because 1) the LACoFD Museum was closed and 2) the crew from LACoFD Station 127 were out on a run when I arrived. It was still a nice retirement present from my unit given to me the day before Thanksgiving.
 

9. Attending the 9th Annual US Army EMS Conference I wasn’t expecting to go, but I got my first glimpse of the Alamo and Durty Nelly’s in San Antonio. This trip was much better than phase 2 of my BNCOC.
 

10. My Retirement Orders It took over a year to get them, and that included re-submitting the packet exactly one year after I first put it in. But getting them puts a chapter to a close that I am very thankful to have written in history. It had its high points and low points, and I actually got to see some beautiful parts of the country while I was in the Army Reserve, but now I get to watch the younger Soldiers fill in my place as I sit and watch from my rocking chair.

Annual Training Adventures...the start

Even though I retire on New Year's Day, I still have one final annual training to do before I can switch my nice ID card for one of those fancy red ones that say RETIRED. Only one day in and it's one complete adventure already...

Leaving Peoria was ok, nothing major there.  Got to O'Hare and was real close to the small USO that was inside security. Actually, it was half of their employee lounge that was donated to the USO for Soldiers and their families. Watched some of the packers game and got on big plane going to LAX.

Got off the plane at LAX and was hit with my first WTF of my trip.  Why for they have VERY LARGE Christmas tree in concourse already decorated?  We happen to forget about a holiday there??  One involving a turkey and all the trimmings--one that cause a large nationwide triptophan OD??????

My connecting flight--on a completely different airline--was delayed. No problem, it's the nature of the beast sometimes.  Finally got on that little rubber band puddle jumper and started toward the final airport where my rental car was waiting for me.

SURPRISE

"This is your first officer, we're unable to land due to the weather and are turning around and heading back to LAX."

WTF

So we turned around and headed back to LAX. We hit the ground and I got a phone call from a pretty well understanding OIC wondering where the hell I was at. When I told him that my plane had just returned to LAX from ALMOST landing in Inyokern, he asked "why the hell were you flying into Inyokern instead of Ontario?"

Shit, I don't know.  I'm just going by the itinerary that the fine travel folks had set for me.  Again, reaffirming my absolute LOVE for DTS .

I got off the plane and got my boarding pass for the RESCHEDULED flight that I am on. I was also offered a hotel coupon for a discounted stay. With traffic snarled and the express  lane backed up all the way to ground beef, I decided to use the map app on my phone and plotted a course to my final bed down place for the night.

I walked my tired little Soldiering for the last time ass to the the Bob Hope USO at LAX. Although, it had me going about four blocks up one street TURNING AROUND (as in Rear MARCH) and coming RIGHT BACK DOWN THE SAME STREET before turning and going about two more blocks to my destination.  I could have (and did) avoided that step and went the two blocks after the left turn and walked through the door.

I have to give props to these folks.  This USO facility is nicely laid out, comfortable, and the coffee was free flowing.  It is DECIDEDLY one of the better USO facilities that I have been in! I crashed out on one of the couches and was out cold until my first alarm went off at 4 (PST). I killed it, went for a smoke and crashed again until about 6:30.

While I'm thinking about it, there's a nice little link in the corner of my blog page. I normally don't ask for people to go out of their way to donate money or time, but these are some fine folks and what they do for Soldiers and their families is nothing short of outstanding.

Now to get my jacket and laptop bag and start back toward the terminal.  I should be through security by the final boarding call.

Until next time...

The OPORD that I can actually write

This past week, along with the new background for the blog, I received what could be the nicest piece of digital paper ever.  ALMOST better than the orders I got for EMSWorld Expo.

I received orders transferring me to the RETIRED RESERVE starting New Years Day.

With my unit celebrating the holidays next month, I figured out that my retirement party is going to be the Saturday night of drill this month.  So I pulled out my old “Sergeant Major Eats Sugar Cookies” format cheat sheet and began typing out the OPORD.

I never thought that I’d actually be attending (much less planning) MY OWN retirement party. I finally figured out that after 21 years, it’s time to give the reins over to the younger folks so they can try to be better than I was and not make the mistakes I had made over my career.

Also, for the simple reason of “because I can”, I’ll be bringing out the kilt for one more time this year.  It’s getting a little too cold to wear it.

No $#|+, there I was…

I remember what I was doing on that morning, ten years ago. Back then, I wasn’t the blogger and twitterholic we all know now. I was just your average US Army Reserve Recruiter wondering how I was going to make my quota for the month (yes, we had them despite what was heard). I was even one rank lower than the SSG I hold now (was a SGT back then).

I was driving east on I-474 heading towards my station in Bloomington after stopping at the Bartonville McDonald’s for a cup of coffee. It was an uneventful start, the morning DJs on the radio were yakking it up like normal.

By the time I came off I-55 turning on to Veteran’s Parkway in Normal, one of them said that news reports were coming in of a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center towers. I wasn’t watching on television, so I thought it was a small plane…boy was I wrong.

I got into the station and was joking around with another recruiter about flying her remote control plane into a building when an applicant came in to get ready to go take the “written test”. He said that a second plane had crashed into the second tower of the WTC. The other recruiter that was in the office and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows. The kid said it was something big.

The applicant and I got into my G-ride (Government car) and started toward Decatur so he could take his written exam. Needless to say it was a long hour drive while listening to the events unfold on the news station out of Bloomington. We had heard the the first tower fell, along with reports that a plane had crashed into the Pentagon. When we got to the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Decatur (yes, we use all 4 services), we were told that the testing was cancelled and folks were moving any and all Government vehicles away from the building.

Yep, this was beginning to be something big.

The crash of Flight 93 and the confirmation of the plane hitting the Pentagon came over the news reports while we were on our way back to Bloomington. That and the almost crying reports of the WTC towers falling, one at a time. Neither one of us could believe it as I parked my G-ride close to the street instead of near the doors like I normally do.

It was time, so I walked over to the neighboring pool hall to have my lunch. I watched on their big screen TV the events as I slowly ate my burger and fries. The color left me as I was watching the sickening events being replayed. I had just lost 343 brothers in the WTC. I don’t remember how many of my comrades in arms I lost in the Pentagon, but the 343 brothers that I lost will be eternally burned into my mind.

I went back to my station and went over to the American flag that was between the row of desks. I picked it up along with its base and took them both outside. I proudly posted the Colors in between the Army and Navy recruiting stations and saluted before going back inside to my desk.

Later in the afternoon, I was instructed to go get some paperwork to a prior service applicant in El Paso, about 45 minutes away from the station. Thankfully, the G-ride had a full tank of gas because I saw the prices jump from the $1.75 (remember THAT?) a gallon up to $5.25 in one spot, $4.45 in others (almost what we’re paying NOW). A few choice words came out of my mouth as I saw that. The news on the radio was still giving play-by-play of the day’s goings.

I was en route back to the station when I happened to look up and saw the only three planes in the skies since the events started unfolding: Air Force One and her two fighter escorts.

I arrived back at the station and picked up one of the many binders of high school juniors and seniors and placed it on my desk. I opened it up and lifted the receiver on the phone. I looked at the phone and then at the lead list. I put the receiver back in its cradle and looked at my boss. “Today, it just wouldn’t be right.” I told my boss.

Thankfully, he agreed as we grabbed our coffee and looked at the crane at the grocery store across the street hoisting up a giant American flag. All of the recruiters in my station spent the last several hours in quiet reflection. It was the only time I didn’t get yelled at for not doing my job.

I made the trek back to Bartonville and went home to my (at the time) wife and (then) 3-year old daughter. It was hard not to cry as I watched everything on TV again as I was pressing my uniform shirt for the next day.

There’s my war story. One from when I was a newly minted EMT-B at the state level and just becoming a combat medic before I went to become an Army “salesman”.

Now, I’m single, with not only a @lilssgjbroyles, but a now 13-year old, mobilized twice, and close to retiring from the Army. Occasionally, I will pour out a little bit of coffee onto the ground while stating “One for the brothers”, so that I’ll never forget.

The Fourth Badge

On the wall in my bedroom, there is a nail between my desk and my closet. On that nail hang four items composed of paper, plastic, cloth, and a clip. Each with its own story to tell.

The first one is from a weekend in March that started with some real strange foursquare check ins. It built up to meeting a BEAUTIFUL blonde lady and culminated with one check in asking “Where’s the Party?”.

I walked into the exhibit hall and ended up meeting friends, old and young; Happy, and those that seemed to have a permanent scowl on their faces. Friends that live both under lights and under sea level. All kinds on medics under the same roof. Some social, some talking out of their garage, and even an ambulance driver or two.

I was even able to get myself a nice toy or two.

Of course, with every badge, there’s an adventure that goes with it.  Especially when you miss your flight home and have to spend the night in the airport USO

The second badge, encased in it’s black pouch comes from a much closer locale later in March. The aforementioned beauty told me that she was going to spend that weekend living “vicariously through me” while I was traveling on the expressway in my pick up.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when she came knocking on my room door with the TALL red that I had met just a couple of weeks before. I’m not sure if it was the fact that we were together again or that I had a face covered in shaving cream, but neither mattered.

The meet up that we went to had more friends. Some made of iron, some that ran to the curb a lot, some that were critical, almost daily, reaching out on the radio.

On that HUGE floor, I saw an old geezer that definitely kept the coffee going. I also ran into a medic that captured this…

All 21 seconds of hustle

It was a long drive back to Peoria.

The third badge, encased in its own cloth and plastic holder, is an anomaly. It’s one that shouldn’t be there really. I have no clue how lucky I was to be able to go to San Antonio for the US Army EMS Conference—if you really want to call it a conference. No one was allowed in the exhibit hall unless they were on break or at lunch time. A shocking thing, is that the booths weren’t all that big…especially ones with BIG NAMES.

The fourth badge, in it’s plastic holder with blue ribbon, reminds me of meeting more friends, young and old. Some rallying for a cause and some looking for the latest toys. Most all came to network, enjoying the fellowship of their fellow providers these birds of a feather. Generations of us, with many braving the elements to get there, all coming together for the same purpose.

I look at those four badges hanging on that nail and contemplate the spring and summer’s events. It also makes me wonder…

Where am I going to hang the 5th one?

Til next time…

How long until I get my retirement orders?

“Welcome all to the A co, 801st Combat Support Hospital
keep this professional”

That’s the statement that welcomes the handful of folks that belong to the group for my unit’s Emergency Room EMT section on Facebook.

This statement was made by a nurse that is running the show since “Mom” got mobilized.

It’s a page for a unit, I get that. Normally when it comes to something like this, I’m completely professional—especially since I became the senior medic for the entire company until either some folks come back home or until I retire, whichever comes first.

Don’t worry, kids, my retirement will be AFTER Expo.

Now, being the senior medic (along with the trainer), one of the things I need to know is whether or not the certifications for my folks is up to date. That’s sort of an important thing. Ranks right up there with eating, sleeping, and coffee…just has to be done. I don’t use any spreadsheets or fancy programs to do it, but I make sure it gets done.

That brings us to last night…

Well, I'm asking everyone in the EMT section to bring some documents to drill, including a copy of their certifications relevant to their job, and a copy of their license, and a copy of the MEDPROS

John Broyles DET has documentation c “DAD”

I let the nurse know that my detachment has their documentation with our “Dad” (also known as the full time Training NCO).

Now this brought a reply stating that my Detachment’s information is outdated. I know better because I take care of my 30 medics.

Then this came along…

Bring it or I'll have <”Mom”> take you out on the range

That followed by a “LOL”.

I saw that and just sat in my seat, blood beginning to well up to shoot from my eye sockets. I had (in my opinion) just been threatened by a nurse.

My only reply was: “ o_o “

I ask any of the fine folks on the po-po side of the equation (read @motorcop1 ) was I right to perceive this as a threat or was she “joking”.

Remember what the opening statement of this entry (and the particular facebook page) said…”keep this professional”.

Um, yeah, it’s looking anything but that.

My retirement orders can’t get here fast enough.

A message from the Army Reserve…

Two hundred thirty-five years ago one of history's greatest adventures began when a small band of patriots in Philadelphia resolved to stake their all--their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor--for freedom and independence. On that day America was born and our country has been an inspiration for free men and women around the world ever since.

Today we remember not only the day our country was born, but we also remember the indomitable spirit of the first American citizens who made that day possible. We remember how a small band of patriots declared independence from a powerful empire; and formed, in the new world, what the old world had never known-a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

It is that unyielding spirit which defined us then and continues to define us now. It is what led generations of pioneers to blaze a westward trail and extend the American experience; to persevere through internal strife and form a perfect union; to face an economic depression with vim and emerge victoriously; and to triumph in the face of tyranny from evil doers who attempt to suppress the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness from a sovereign populace. It, too, is what has always led us, as a people, not to wilt or cower at a difficult moment, but to face down any trial and rise to any challenge.

Across America as Family and friends gather to celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy, remember those, some far from home, who make this patriotic holiday possible. This is our opportunity to focus on our Families and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to the liberties we hold so dear.

For those of you who are deployed and who continue to take the fight to the enemy in the high plains of Afghanistan or the deserts of Iraq, know that what you are doing in defense of this great Nation is in keeping with the spirit of Independence Day and America's military services. For those who are on the home front, your vigilance, courage and sacrifice provide us the opportunity to live in a free society and serve notice to terrorists and those who threaten the vision of our Nation's founders.

So, on this special day, the birthday of our country, in the midst of all the joyous celebrations, let us take a moment to remember the debt of thanks we owe to those who came before us and to the spirit of faith and patriotism which still makes America "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Thank you, God bless you, and may God always bless America.

Thank you 1SG Willie J. Moss (1942 (?)-1992)

Hey, Top

It’s been a great number of years since I saw you last. I think I was TDY at Anniston Army Depot in AL the last time our paths crossed. I never got the chance now that I’m an NCO to really thank you for what you taught me without even knowing it.

I remember there have been a few times that we’ve talked face to face (with your desk separating us) with not really the best of circumstances causing the meeting. I guess that was part of you teaching me that I am human and I am going to make mistakes—some of pretty good magnitude (I honestly didn’t know that was your truck, 1SG).

I remember the afternoon when you had all of the platoon sergeants down in the leaning rest in front of your office. While chewing them a good one you caught me watching and asking what the hell I was doing. I still remember my answer. “I’m learning that if you’re going to have a bunch of us junior enlisted (we were called lower back then) in the front leaning rest for screwing up, I know now that you’re going to do the same to senior NCOs.”

I also learned that there’s a time to pop the stripes off the collar and just enjoy yourself. I’ve seen it quite a few times at the Gasthaus at Ft. Eustis, and do it a bit myself.

Top, you were the one that basically inspired me to try to get that diamond. It took me 2 OCONUS deployments and a couple of CONUS mobilizations, and if it wasn’t for that damn PT test, I’d probably be running my own ambulance company right now.

I’ve grown a little, Top. I went from being the best forklift operator that the 119th ever had (that kid only beat me by 6 seconds on the course) to being a damn fine medic—with a little bit of grease monkey and recruiter thrown in for good measure.

I ended up being a platoon sergeant for about 3 years right after my 1st Reserve mobilization. I enjoyed it but ex-wife #2 hated the fact that even in the Reserve, it’s a 24/7/365 job. After the 2nd, I ended up being the lead trainer for my unit.

I know that in the time since we last crossed paths and I rendered you your final salute, there has been a “Yoda” to fill in the “Obi-Wan” role you took. Now, I look forward to retirement and hoping that I trained my replacement to take what he was taught and run with it.

Good talking to you again, 1SG

BUSTIN’ LOOSE

USA EMS Conference part i

Here again, one of the many "part 1" posts I've made here...

So far it's been a great conference here in San Antonio.  I officially consider this my "train up" for EMS Expo in August, especially after having to jump few a few hoops just to get orders to go.


Arrived on Monday afternoon and visited the Alamo--hard to believe that I'm in the HOME of COMBAT MEDIC TRAINING and I have never visited the Alamo (or the Riverwalk) until Monday afternoon.  Although Durty Nelly's provided an evening of entertainment.


Tuesday officially started the conference out with some mandatory classes (I think the folks that put this on have never been to a REAL EMS conference). The only time we could go through the exhibit hall was during lunch and the breaks...but the whole sit and listen to blah blah blah was worth 6 CEUs.


Also found out that if we visit ALL the folks in the exhibit hall that we'd get 2 additional CEUs for the conference (that's 8 so far).  Finished that out today.


Today I went to only one class and finished out the exhibit hall.  I basically got a partial restock for my aid bag just by visiting the exhibitors (very jealous of one of my counterparts who got a CRIC kit--but then again I got a free pelican case yesterday).


Tomorrow I have a light class schedule as I am in full conference mode now.  I might make a trip to the "Tower of the Americas" just to scope it out.




This definitely is NOTHING LIKE EMS Today, FDIC, or (I hope) EMS Expo.

RED Fridays [Sometimes it isn’t the thought that counts]

A young lady that I know on twitter posted this and I told her I would repost in my blog.

Our guest blogger:  @medic61

There has been a campaign that has recently resurfaced to have US citizens wear red shirts on Fridays to “Remember Everyone Deployed.” But what does wearing a red shirt mean to our soldiers who are actually deployed? No one deployed is going to be able to look and see that his or her loved ones are wearing red in support. But what members of our armed forces CAN do is hold a letter in their hands, excitedly open a care package, or read an encouraging email.

It would be so much more helpful and meaningful to write a letter or send a package to our deployed military service members. Even if you don’t know someone who is deployed, there are tons of organizations that can help you get in touch. You can even talk to your friends and see if they have deployed loved ones that could use support.

As some of you may know, one of my closest friends who has been a constant source of strength and support in my life for many years has just come back from Afghanistan.  We spent a year writing letters, sending packages, having short phone calls and skype conversations, and now he is finally back in the US.  The picture posted with this rant note is of him holding his half of our mizpah coin (we aren’t religious people, but just appreciate the sentiment of the necklace) while on mission somewhere in Afghanistan.  I don’t think knowing I was wearing red would have helped him feel any less lonely/homesick/tired of being in Afghanistan, but maybe holding that necklace, reading my letters, or getting my packages did.

So I guess what I’m saying here is: instead of being passively supportive, make an active difference!

If you want more information, here are some websites you can check out:

http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/
http://www.uso.org/
http://www.amillionthanks.org/
http://troopssupport.com/
http://soldiersangels.com

Also, if you want more information you can always contact me personally. 

Please, don’t get me wrong; I love that people are thinking of our deployed men and women and want to show their support.  I’m not trying to dissuade you from wearing red on Fridays at all!  What I am doing, however, is urging you to let our service members know how much you really care through other (more direct) avenues as well, because sometimes it isn’t just the thought that counts.  For instance, you and your friends could participate in RED Friday and send a letter to a deployed soldier along with a picture of you all.  That way, they can actually see the solidarity and unity being displayed back home.  Be creative, get involved, and let those who are risking their lives that we appreciate them.

Feel free to reblog; I’d love to get the word out to as many people as possible about how they can get involved if they’re interested!

note to medic61:  I did.  Just now.

I got presents...

I was working my day job Friday morning, and stopped at my unit to help one of the full-timers put the flag up. While we were hoisting the colors (after I dropped the state flag--just means we have another governor going to jail) he told me to stop back by after I got done.

0900 rolled around and I went back to my unit. He opened up the MOS Library and basically told me an early "Happy Birthday". There were manuals and textbooks galore all stacked up on the table.

I went through and got me some that I know I'd end up using for training my medics on drill weekends. Got me the 5th edition CIVILIAN PHTLS textbook and instructor's manual, along with the Brady EMT-I instructor manual. I also got the Brady 9th Edition EMT-B Military Edition set--textbook, workbook, and pocket guide.

I came back home with my presents grinning from ear to ear...@shell1972 didn't know what to do with me.

Now that I'm armed with all these reference books, my medics are get some better training.

Anyone know where I can get the powerpoint slides for them?????

Picture this...

0300 hours Friday night

You are awakened by dispatch for a call of shots fired. You and your partner @ckemtp (only using him as an example because he's the first one I could think of at the time of writing) arrive on scene and find it secured by PD and find your pt. a 21 y/o male with a GSW to his upper leg and lower back. You treat according to protocol and transport to the trauma center...hopefully with a large bore or 2 in the arm.

same time...defferent location

You are awakened by someone shouting "DOC" you put your gear together while hearing gunfire. You get over and are pointed to your pt, a 21 y/o male with a GSW to his upper leg and lower back. He's CAOx3 and shouting. You pull back the charging handle of your weapon and attempt to make your way to your pt. His buddy nearby has already put a tourniquet on his upper leg. Your pt. is trying his best to return fire the same as you.

The locations: The first one is at your friendly neighborhood housing project with a gangbanger. The second...downtown Tikrit, Baghdad, or Kabul.

Today, the United States is at war. As a combat medic, it is possible that you will be called on to deploy to a foreign country and provide medical care in a combat zone. You need to understand the differences between trauma management in the homeland and trauma management in a foreign country during wartime.

AAOS, 68W Advanced Field Craft, 2009, p. 5

Trauma management in combat has its own hazards (that goes without saying).

Most of the time, "Doc" only has the equipment that's on his back. He's hoping that "Joe" has the basic first aid stuff on his person...or that his battle buddy has taken care of him the best he can.

Let's look at these two again...

@Ckemtp will be en route to the trauma center much sooner than "Doc" will. In combat, there could be as long as 25 minutes or MORE for some kind of transport to the closest hospital...with only 1000mL total of Hextend and 2000mL total of LR to keep "Joe" alive.

I will have to continue this in another post...

I'm no better...

Earlier today, I got an email from @theHappyMedic asking me to clear something up for him because he was in an "email melee" with someone.

He asked me "Are you better because you're a combat medic?"

My short answer was NO.

That email was one reason I decided to start a text blog today. Of course listening to Firefighter Netcast was another.

In the world of the combat medic, I am trained as an Intermediate, but certifed by the NREMT as a BASIC. That's right, I'm an EMT-B for all intents and purposes.

In combat, though (along with on military installations at the local commander's discretion) I'm allowed to do more than I could on my FD where I engineer and run rescue calls.

In one case I can basically
Intubate
Cannulate
Defibrillate
Medicate
Oxygenate

The "medicate" is limited. Sometimes we have a small O2 cylinder, sometimes we don't. THAT depends on our appropriate medical contol (No ASA for your CP, sir.)

In another case I can basically
Oxygenate
Defibrillate
and wait for ALS to show up...usually about 5 minutes after we put our BP cuff on.

In one case, I can look good in a green suit...in another I can look good responding in my T-shirt, blue jeans, work jacket with vest.

Oh, how I'd love to do a cric stick sometimes when on calls with my FD...Nope...only a State and NREMT-B so I can't.

I'll spell out more differences as time goes on.

Well, it's part way there

I figure I should go ahead and start one of my own. See what EMS 2.0 is doing to me? LOL

I am a Army combat medic, a volunteer firefighter/EMT, bus driver, and dad. I've written 2 books and working on a web/TV series based off those books. That's me in a nutshell.

For some odd ball reason, I decided I wanted to try to start doing a netcast...decided to take babysteps and do this first.

Where in the world did you come up with 1-U-801?

I came up with my blog title by using a combination of my FD Identfier according to IDPH (we're 1-U-52) and my unit (801 CSH) thus the 1-U-801

for those that follow me on twitter, I'm @ssgjbroyles