David Drummond
Member
EMTs in most (if not all) states have to be technically under the direction of a physician.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
I couldn't agree with you more.
Storm chasers/spotters are wary of the storms - and for the most part - are keen on the most dangerous parts.
We are there in the field - and close to the action - well before any EMT's/ambulances are called.
We are watching it roll through a town when someone is still in the shower and can't hear the wind or the sirens going off...
Here's a likely 'what if...'
You are the first on the scene after the Quinter tornado actually ran over that smallish community.
Huge wood splinters through arms, legs, or worse - necks.
A 3/4" water pipe has gone through someones left hip.
I mean - these things happen - and happen yearly with us so close to it all.
Honestly, I prepare myself to this possibility every time I go out on a severe storm that becomes tornado warned.
I often feel that it is only a question of time; not if it will present itself...
Sure, I enjoy taking pics of beatiful wedge going through cattle range or an unplanted wheat field in Kansas - just as much as any of you.
BUT - It can just as easily go through a sparsely-populated town.
It is inevitable.
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Dustin Wilcox
EF5
In order to do what? I know my old man is on the volunteer dept and got his EMT training, and I know there are a few things they can't administer but there is a lot they can do as well...
David Drummond
Member
I can only speak for TX because that is what I know. But in particular, things like anything that involves any sort of medication. Did you now pure O2 is considered a medication? I'd have to look it up, but most likely any of the advanced stuff.
Shawna Davies
EF1
One thing chasers and spotters can do to be better prepared if faced with a situation where first responders need help (like in a Greensburg situation or such), is attend and get certified with CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). This is a free program offered in many counties. I'm currently attending the CERT training sessions in Douglas County, KS and I'm glad I signed up for it and am learning a lot.
This is from the CERT website:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Here is the link if you want to learn more about this program.
http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/
Shawna Davies
This is from the CERT website:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Here is the link if you want to learn more about this program.
http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/
Shawna Davies
Bill Hark
EF5
I am inclined to agree with Mike. The time at the convention is very limited. As a physician, I do recommend that chasers take a CPR class through their local Red Cross. Sometimes, they are sponsored by local hospitals or fire departments.
As for the convention, I am hoping to attend. There is a lot going on in the weather world for next season. A lot of new data has been gathered on tornadogensis in the last few years. Most importantly, VORTEX II should be going on in 2009, and they should know which components are going to be deployed.
Bill Hark
As for the convention, I am hoping to attend. There is a lot going on in the weather world for next season. A lot of new data has been gathered on tornadogensis in the last few years. Most importantly, VORTEX II should be going on in 2009, and they should know which components are going to be deployed.
Bill Hark
Jason Foster
Not a bad idea, something to look into. But to steer the post back on topic...and not too much a one issue thing....what are some other ideas about the conference you want to see.
Perhaps a somewhat more formulated method to the meet and greet night...seems to me that the past year was a little more about meeting folks you already know....I didn't really get the chance to meet many of the new people.
Perhaps a somewhat more formulated method to the meet and greet night...seems to me that the past year was a little more about meeting folks you already know....I didn't really get the chance to meet many of the new people.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
Any discussion of the possibility of a union of storm chasers photographers/videographers?
Or is out of the realm of discussion at this conference?
Is this taboo - or a done deal?
It seems that there are plenty of chasers upset aout getting ripped off, getting underpaid, slow payment, etc, etc...
Just a thought...
Or is out of the realm of discussion at this conference?
Is this taboo - or a done deal?
It seems that there are plenty of chasers upset aout getting ripped off, getting underpaid, slow payment, etc, etc...
Just a thought...
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Shane Adams
IMO, if there's one thing the NSCC needs, it's less formula, more from-the-hip.
It's already been educated-down to where it feels more like work than fun. There are a ton of conferneces that bite off the meteorology/scientific portions of weather. And has been mentioned, the Red Cross thing is available to the public any time. Hasn't the Denver thing taken enough hits over the years? I don't think it should be made even less-entertaining, considering the price tag of attending. My request is that maybe in 2010, they scale back the organized thing, just put everyone in the same motel, and let whatever happens happen...like back in the day.
Just my take.
It's already been educated-down to where it feels more like work than fun. There are a ton of conferneces that bite off the meteorology/scientific portions of weather. And has been mentioned, the Red Cross thing is available to the public any time. Hasn't the Denver thing taken enough hits over the years? I don't think it should be made even less-entertaining, considering the price tag of attending. My request is that maybe in 2010, they scale back the organized thing, just put everyone in the same motel, and let whatever happens happen...like back in the day.
Just my take.
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Jay McCoy
EF5
You are only certified as an EMT in the state you test and certify in (not to mention all the shots you have to get). Also being an EMT removes the protection people have under the "good Samaritan Act" meaning any medical treatment you give opens you up to lawsuit if anything goes wrong. Having just your CRP/1st aid still offers that protection. Being an EMT is a whole nother can of worms most chasers would not want to open.
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
Thanks for that tip Jay.
The CPR gig is still the best idea running...
BTW - What about a union for phographers/videos?
Input please - Jay?
Jason Foster
more thoughts
Shane, I'm with you a bit on that one. I would like to see a more show and tell of people's chases from the past season. That is pretty much how it got started I believe, before it was even held in a hotel. I like th meteorological stuff when it directly relates to chasing. I am all for the experts talking about significant events. I like hearing about the latest radar technologies. I think as the media gets more involvement in chasing, perhaps some of them from throughout the plains can talk about their experience in covering the storms. Perhaps even rescuers or others who have had to deal with significant events. How about more on hurricanes. I know there isn't a lot of cane chasers, but there certainly is the audience for it.
Just some more thoughts from me.
Shane, I'm with you a bit on that one. I would like to see a more show and tell of people's chases from the past season. That is pretty much how it got started I believe, before it was even held in a hotel. I like th meteorological stuff when it directly relates to chasing. I am all for the experts talking about significant events. I like hearing about the latest radar technologies. I think as the media gets more involvement in chasing, perhaps some of them from throughout the plains can talk about their experience in covering the storms. Perhaps even rescuers or others who have had to deal with significant events. How about more on hurricanes. I know there isn't a lot of cane chasers, but there certainly is the audience for it.
Just some more thoughts from me.
Stuart Robinson
EF5
Any words on the dates yet? - Will it be Feb 20th - 22nd (Third weekend in Febuary)
I need to book flights to attend - This will be the 4th year for me, and booking weel in advance saves me a bundle - this year I do plan to take a couple of days out (before the conferance) and go up to the mountians for some fun.
I need to book flights to attend - This will be the 4th year for me, and booking weel in advance saves me a bundle - this year I do plan to take a couple of days out (before the conferance) and go up to the mountians for some fun.
Jay McCoy
EF5
You are wrong.. sorry.. I am a trained 1st responder and KNOW the laws that cover me. I had to sign a letter acknowledging that. I am covered through the city. If you are trained as an EMT or higher then you are NOT covered under the "good Samaritan Act" which is intended to protect civillians who perform CPR/1st aid to save a life using limited training. Once you become certified as an EMT or higher then you fall under the "First Responder Laws" that govern you based on your training level but you are open to lawsuit depending on your actions. That is acting in the state you are liscensed. There is no national liscense so in other states you may fall under the good samaritan act.
Quote from the national EMT bylaws
First Responder Laws
First Responder Laws in contrast, are those laws that are designed for EMS personnel and/or other first responders. First Responders differ from Good Samaritans in that they may be able to perform invasive skills. They are held to a higher standard than Good Samaritan. This standard is based on their practice or profession. There are different levels of responders which include: First Responders, EMT-Basics, EMT-Intermediates, EMT-Paramedics, and other healthcare professionals.
First Responders are trained in First Aid. They have a pretty good understanding about basic anatomy and physiology. The course to become a first responder generally lasts from 40-80 hours depending on where and how it is taught. There are now national standards for First Responders so they are considered to fall under a more professional category legally.
I'm just guessing, but, every year I've gone it's been on the weekend of Presidents Day (which is the third Monday in February). This year, that would be the 13th through the 15th.
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