Well this all came about because the firewalls here at work are becoming more and more a pain the donkey than ever before, to make new threads. There may be some underlying problems with the FH.com server too, but that reverts back to the first statement, because of communication problems between the two of them. Therefore answer part 1 is still accurate.....
I can see the ambulance-chasing lawyers having a field day with this... I wonder how many claims of "negligence" will come from this. "The FD sent an uncertified person to render aid and my client has suffered."
Technically, if the D.C. DoH is extending the expiration date, then it shouldn't be an issue. As long as their is one licensed provider on the engine/ladder, and two on a squad, then it doesn't matter. I still say that to those who work for DC Fire have done a decent job of keeping their heads up, and getting the job done.
I can see the ambulance-chasing lawyers having a field day with this... I wonder how many claims of "negligence" will come from this. "The FD sent an uncertified person to render aid and my client has suffered."
I had pretty much the same thoughts as you there, Martin. I dont know what the local protocols are here, but would imagine them to be very similar everywhere, with some sort of grace period.
That being said, this would likely have not been a "news" item had it not been for the amount of negative press the DCFD has received of late. Particularly concerning their EMS responses. We all know that the average person on the street has no clue and even less interest in whether a Responder is "certified" or not, as long as the service provided is done professionally and correctly.
Well if the busy boys in DC cannot remember thier Medical skills for another two months, there is much more to worry about than that.
I don't see a huge problem with this, as it is supposedly a one time problem and only a few weeks extension, but I just hope it doesn't snowball into a regular thing.
Up here, many of the governing bodies allow up to 6 months of grace after recert due dates before they consider you legally expired anyway.
Man better not need an ambulance in DC. Some guy dying on the street a firetruck rolls up.
"oh man, you're [email protected]^#ed see yeah later." says the firefighter.
J
HA HA right back atcha! I got detained by the Boss needing something done while I was making the edit. Imagine that, being called to do work AT WORK! The nerve! heheheheehehe
OH YA.... love it when a sideways plan comes together!
D.C. Suspends EMT Certification
POSTED: 8:55 am EDT August 1, 2006
WASHINGTON -- The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department has temporarily suspended re-certification training for its emergency medical technicians because of budget problems.
A spokesman said the department has exceeded its budget and won't have more money for classes until the new fiscal year in October.
EMT certifications for dozens of firefighters and ambulance crewmembers are expected to expire over the next few months.
But the D.C. Health Department has agreed to extend their credentials until training can be resumed.
Copyright 2006 by nbc4.com
Now if only it had posted this as a proper new thread, it would have been great.
Last edited by MalahatTwo7; 08-01-2006, 10:53 AM.
Reason: Adding text
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