Emergency Service Workers - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

hrdwareguy · 05-09-2003, 06:59 AM

Ahh...spring time in Oklahoma. Trees are greening up, birds are chirping, the wind is blowing (oh wait, it never stops). The air is sticky with humidity, the clouds come rolling in. The Tornado Sirens start going off and everybody heads toward their storm shelter.

Last night we had our first large tornado of the season come through the Oklahoma City Metro Area. As I was on my way home, I had several law enforcement personell and ambulances pass me heading toward areas affected by the storm.

As I got closer to home, traffic started backing up more and more since the tornados path was about 1/4 - 1/2 mile from my house (no damage, yeah). While sitting in what had become a parcking lot on a major street, again I saw law enforcement officers heading this way and that, ambulances coming and going between their staging areas and the hospitals, firetrucks from Oklahoma City leaving a suberb to go to an area of Oklahoma City that had just been hit.

I almost get home, but am diverted away. I park and walk home. As I near my street, there are several Ambulances in a school parking lot so I go see if there is anyone I know there (Ambulance crew that is). To my surprise, none of the ambulances are from the local ambulance service. One ambulance was from a city about 10 miles away, the other 4 were from places more than 30 miles.

Later, I go back to get my truck, police officers are still directing traffic, some roads are still closed. I am able to get my truck to the house this time. This morning, the traffic lights are working again, but the fire departments are still doing search and rescue, the ambulances are still transporting people to hospitals. Clean up begins.

I began to think about the Emergency Service Workers on my way to work this morning. The police officers directing traffic and putting up with people bitching about not being able to get to where they want to go. The fire fighters, who in this instance have switched gears to search and rescue. The paramedics and ambulance crews, waiting for people to be found so they can treat and deliver them safely to the hospitals. These are the people who protect us and help keep us safe, yet we hardly give them a second positive thought. Usually it things like "I was only speeding a little, why aren't the arresting real criminals", "Firemen just sit around all day", "All the people in the ambulance do is drive people to the hospital", "There goes another EMS vehicle passing me. If I drove like that I'd get a ticket".

To anyone in EMS, I would like to say "Thank you for the service you provide" These people truly love what they do cause they sure aren't doin it for the money.

I would encourage each of you to think about what it would be like in your community if one or all of the branches of EMS were removed. The next time you see an EMS worker, walk over and tell them thank you. Wheather it's the police officer eating lunch at the same restaurant as you, the paramedic sitting in the ambulance at the gas station waiting to get a call, or the firemen at the store buying food for their shift. A smiple thank you can go a long way for many of these people.

Daval · 05-09-2003, 07:13 AM

I have a freind who is an EMS worker in an Ambulance, so I am not as ignorant as most.

They are truly heroes and on the frontlines every single day. They should be applauded.

warrrreagl · 05-09-2003, 07:18 AM

Next-door neighbor is a fireman, and I have total respect for them all.

Also, they are people, and they do have bad days like all of us.

rockogre · 05-09-2003, 08:39 AM

I forgot that you were moving to the south side. Glad to hear that you are OK. I spent the evening trying to reach friends in Moore, finally did, and checking on friends and family in OKC and the metro. All survived.

I agree, our Emergency Service Workers are the best. Unfortunately they have gotten way too much real life practice the last few years.

If the world was fair they would be making sports star paychecks and sports stars would be making an hourly wage that barely paid the bills.

Don't ya just love Oklahoma in the spring?

Boner · 05-09-2003, 08:43 AM

Glad to hear you came out ok hrdwareguy. I was wondering after you mentioned that your wife called from Moore (in IRC).

Cynthetiq · 05-09-2003, 09:10 AM

when I'm running away and these people are running to... they got more balls then I... hats off to them I'm always ready to get outta the way and wait patiently for them to get across.

After 9/11 and see the constant stream of emergency vehicles... I'm not that much in a rush

fhqwhgads · 05-09-2003, 02:21 PM

hrdwareguy- Thanx for the words of support. It is appreciated.

Somenosuke · 05-09-2003, 02:38 PM

I never have anything but words of praise for the people who are around to save us from catastrophes and heal us when we're sick, hurt, or whatever. It takes a lot of guts to do what those people do..

Great Scott · 05-09-2003, 11:45 PM

Worked on an ambulance for 5 years in New York City, I tell you that we were the least appreciated EMS workers in the city. Nice to hear someone say something positive for a change...

tommyboy · 05-10-2003, 07:14 AM

As a firefighter in a small city I hear it all the time. All you guys do is sleep,eat,play cards all day and make too much money. Im used to it. A guy pulled up in front of the station one day and leaned out the window with a camera. He wanted to take a picture so he could show people how we just stood around. Little do people know you might have just gotten back from any number of calls that would make the normal person quit.
There was an outpouring of thanks and cards after 9/11 but how soon people forget. Now firefighters are being laid off in disgustingly high numbers.
Anyways Im coming to OK next week to visit my friend in Warner. Im hoping I dont run into a storm. Maybe they will quiet down by then.

Double D · 05-10-2003, 09:09 AM

Yes, a big hooray and a hearty Thank You! to all emergency service workers. A close friend of mine is a firefighter/paramedic in a mid-size community. He doesn't sit around a lot. There is frequent practice & training and cleaning and maintaining equipment and oh yeah, putting out fires and saving lives and such. And I hadn't thought of this before he told me, but just like cops, firefighters have to write up reports after each incident.

I am not a religious person, but every time I pass by these amazing men & women I make a point to keep a good thought for them. They define the word hero.

applejack · 05-20-2003, 09:27 AM

Thanks, i'm an EMT-Fireman also in small rural Kansas, covering a entire county, only ambulance around we tend to keep busy

rogue49 · 05-20-2003, 10:38 AM

You do for us, and you are taken for granted.
You're there for us, and you are unknown.

Thank you for your efforts and your service.
It does make a difference, when it counts.

Midnight_Son · 05-20-2003, 10:50 AM

Reading all of the above I’m struck by the sincerity of you guys. I wish more of the TFP family (newbees included) would venture outside of the titty-board now and then and take a reality check and see that this is so much more than free porn. You guys rock, thanks! (by the way if you tell anyone I got all soft and sentimental, I will kill you)

denim · 05-20-2003, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by hrdwareguy
I would encourage each of you to think about what it would be like in your community if one or all of the branches of EMS were removed. The next time you see an EMS worker, walk over and tell them thank you. Wheather it's the police officer eating lunch at the same restaurant as you, the paramedic sitting in the ambulance at the gas station waiting to get a call, or the firemen at the store buying food for their shift. A smiple thank you can go a long way for many of these people.

Well said!!

Bumm · 08-09-2003, 01:06 AM

i plan on becoming a firefighter.......

i can't wait......

i'll have question for the few that are paramedic, EMT/firefighter...if you don't mind answering

MadMax · 09-03-2003, 04:00 AM

You have certainly got it right here. In Australia a large percentage of our EMS workers are actually volunteers. When it hits the fan they leave their paid employment and go out to help others in the time of need.

It is these workers that also need heaps of thanks as they often risk being sacked or losing pay just to because they help when storm hits or the bushfires are threatening the suburbs. I don't take anything away from the tremendous work that the paid EMS workers do but the volunteers are some thing special.

So next time you Aussies see someone from the SES or the RFS just remember they often give up their pay to help you - so go out of your way to say thanks.

Hash_Browns · 09-03-2003, 05:22 AM

That is an amazing post (the first) and the following also! I have felt the same way since I was young and they came and visited my school. (the local fire dept.) I think it might be time for another letter campain!

Thank you all for your services in time of need or otherwise!!

Rodney · 09-03-2003, 06:07 AM

I once had the honor(?) of experiencing a pretty major earthquake near ground zero, so I do fully appreciate what emergency workers can do. But I also want to honor all the volunteer corps -- sheriff's posse, police reserve, beach patrol -- who also mobilized in that time of need and served side by side with the regulars.

I also spent some time sitting with the 911 dispatchers in my community, and that's another group we should all salute.

Averett · 09-03-2003, 12:06 PM

Yay EMS workers

I was in a car wreck nearly 3 years ago, and the guys in the ambulance were great. And I feel bad, because in my state of shock I was apparently cussin up a storm. They had to cut off my clothes, and I was not happy.

bundy · 09-03-2003, 09:01 PM

i hear 000 (thats our phone code for 911) parties are MASSIVE..
000 parties are when all the Ambos, Firemen and Cops get together and party.

our volunteer firefighters and SES (state emergency service) guys deserve special mention right here.
theres always many many stories of how these brave souls fight the bushfires every year.
devastating work...

05-09-2003, 06:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
hrdwareguy "Officer, I was in fear for my life" Location: Oklahoma City	Emergency Service Workers Ahh...spring time in Oklahoma. Trees are greening up, birds are chirping, the wind is blowing (oh wait, it never stops). The air is sticky with humidity, the clouds come rolling in. The Tornado Sirens start going off and everybody heads toward their storm shelter. Last night we had our first large tornado of the season come through the Oklahoma City Metro Area. As I was on my way home, I had several law enforcement personell and ambulances pass me heading toward areas affected by the storm. As I got closer to home, traffic started backing up more and more since the tornados path was about 1/4 - 1/2 mile from my house (no damage, yeah). While sitting in what had become a parcking lot on a major street, again I saw law enforcement officers heading this way and that, ambulances coming and going between their staging areas and the hospitals, firetrucks from Oklahoma City leaving a suberb to go to an area of Oklahoma City that had just been hit. I almost get home, but am diverted away. I park and walk home. As I near my street, there are several Ambulances in a school parking lot so I go see if there is anyone I know there (Ambulance crew that is). To my surprise, none of the ambulances are from the local ambulance service. One ambulance was from a city about 10 miles away, the other 4 were from places more than 30 miles. Later, I go back to get my truck, police officers are still directing traffic, some roads are still closed. I am able to get my truck to the house this time. This morning, the traffic lights are working again, but the fire departments are still doing search and rescue, the ambulances are still transporting people to hospitals. Clean up begins. I began to think about the Emergency Service Workers on my way to work this morning. The police officers directing traffic and putting up with people bitching about not being able to get to where they want to go. The fire fighters, who in this instance have switched gears to search and rescue. The paramedics and ambulance crews, waiting for people to be found so they can treat and deliver them safely to the hospitals. These are the people who protect us and help keep us safe, yet we hardly give them a second positive thought. Usually it things like "I was only speeding a little, why aren't the arresting real criminals", "Firemen just sit around all day", "All the people in the ambulance do is drive people to the hospital", "There goes another EMS vehicle passing me. If I drove like that I'd get a ticket". To anyone in EMS, I would like to say "Thank you for the service you provide" These people truly love what they do cause they sure aren't doin it for the money. I would encourage each of you to think about what it would be like in your community if one or all of the branches of EMS were removed. The next time you see an EMS worker, walk over and tell them thank you. Wheather it's the police officer eating lunch at the same restaurant as you, the paramedic sitting in the ambulance at the gas station waiting to get a call, or the firemen at the store buying food for their shift. A smiple thank you can go a long way for many of these people. __________________ Gun Control is hitting what you aim at Aim for the TFP, Donate Today

05-09-2003, 07:13 AM	#2 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	I have a freind who is an EMS worker in an Ambulance, so I am not as ignorant as most. They are truly heroes and on the frontlines every single day. They should be applauded. __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

05-09-2003, 07:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
warrrreagl pinche vato Location: backwater, Third World, land of cotton	Next-door neighbor is a fireman, and I have total respect for them all. Also, they are people, and they do have bad days like all of us. __________________ Living is easy with eyes closed.

05-09-2003, 08:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I forgot that you were moving to the south side. Glad to hear that you are OK. I spent the evening trying to reach friends in Moore, finally did, and checking on friends and family in OKC and the metro. All survived. I agree, our Emergency Service Workers are the best. Unfortunately they have gotten way too much real life practice the last few years. If the world was fair they would be making sports star paychecks and sports stars would be making an hourly wage that barely paid the bills. Don't ya just love Oklahoma in the spring? __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

05-09-2003, 09:10 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	when I'm running away and these people are running to... they got more balls then I... hats off to them I'm always ready to get outta the way and wait patiently for them to get across. After 9/11 and see the constant stream of emergency vehicles... I'm not that much in a rush __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-09-2003, 08:43 AM	#5 (permalink)
Boner Insane Location: Plugged In	Glad to hear you came out ok hrdwareguy. I was wondering after you mentioned that your wife called from Moore (in IRC).

05-09-2003, 02:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
fhqwhgads Junkie	hrdwareguy- Thanx for the words of support. It is appreciated.

05-09-2003, 02:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Somenosuke Insane Location: The 7th Level..	I never have anything but words of praise for the people who are around to save us from catastrophes and heal us when we're sick, hurt, or whatever. It takes a lot of guts to do what those people do.. __________________ Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. Yes is the answer.

05-09-2003, 11:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
Great Scott Insane Location: In a huge maze just trying to find my cheese	Worked on an ambulance for 5 years in New York City, I tell you that we were the least appreciated EMS workers in the city. Nice to hear someone say something positive for a change...

05-10-2003, 07:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
tommyboy Psycho Location: NH	As a firefighter in a small city I hear it all the time. All you guys do is sleep,eat,play cards all day and make too much money. Im used to it. A guy pulled up in front of the station one day and leaned out the window with a camera. He wanted to take a picture so he could show people how we just stood around. Little do people know you might have just gotten back from any number of calls that would make the normal person quit. There was an outpouring of thanks and cards after 9/11 but how soon people forget. Now firefighters are being laid off in disgustingly high numbers. Anyways Im coming to OK next week to visit my friend in Warner. Im hoping I dont run into a storm. Maybe they will quiet down by then.

05-10-2003, 09:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
Double D Junkie Location: Chicagoland	Yes, a big hooray and a hearty Thank You! to all emergency service workers. A close friend of mine is a firefighter/paramedic in a mid-size community. He doesn't sit around a lot. There is frequent practice & training and cleaning and maintaining equipment and oh yeah, putting out fires and saving lives and such. And I hadn't thought of this before he told me, but just like cops, firefighters have to write up reports after each incident. I am not a religious person, but every time I pass by these amazing men & women I make a point to keep a good thought for them. They define the word hero.

05-20-2003, 09:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
applejack Upright Location: land of OZ	Thanks, i'm an EMT-Fireman also in small rural Kansas, covering a entire county, only ambulance around we tend to keep busy __________________ I have learned not to sweet the little things, and pet the sweaty things

05-20-2003, 10:38 AM	#13 (permalink)
rogue49 Loser	You do for us, and you are taken for granted. You're there for us, and you are unknown. Thank you for your efforts and your service. It does make a difference, when it counts.

05-20-2003, 10:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
Midnight_Son The Cover Doesn't Match The Book Location: in a van down by the river	Reading all of the above I’m struck by the sincerity of you guys. I wish more of the TFP family (newbees included) would venture outside of the titty-board now and then and take a reality check and see that this is so much more than free porn. You guys rock, thanks! (by the way if you tell anyone I got all soft and sentimental, I will kill you) __________________ SWM, tattooed, seeks meaningful tits and beer. Enjoys biker mags, pornography, and Sunday morning walks to the liquor store. Winners of erotic hot dog eating contests given priority.

08-09-2003, 01:06 AM	#16 (permalink)
Bumm Tilted	i plan on becoming a firefighter....... i can't wait...... i'll have question for the few that are paramedic, EMT/firefighter...if you don't mind answering

09-03-2003, 04:00 AM	#17 (permalink)
MadMax Upright Location: Sydney, Australia	You have certainly got it right here. In Australia a large percentage of our EMS workers are actually volunteers. When it hits the fan they leave their paid employment and go out to help others in the time of need. It is these workers that also need heaps of thanks as they often risk being sacked or losing pay just to because they help when storm hits or the bushfires are threatening the suburbs. I don't take anything away from the tremendous work that the paid EMS workers do but the volunteers are some thing special. So next time you Aussies see someone from the SES or the RFS just remember they often give up their pay to help you - so go out of your way to say thanks.

09-03-2003, 05:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Hash_Browns Psycho Location: Right behind you...BOO!	That is an amazing post (the first) and the following also! I have felt the same way since I was young and they came and visited my school. (the local fire dept.) I think it might be time for another letter campain! Thank you all for your services in time of need or otherwise!! __________________ Smile It makes people wonder what you're up too!

09-03-2003, 06:07 AM	#19 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	I once had the honor(?) of experiencing a pretty major earthquake near ground zero, so I do fully appreciate what emergency workers can do. But I also want to honor all the volunteer corps -- sheriff's posse, police reserve, beach patrol -- who also mobilized in that time of need and served side by side with the regulars. I also spent some time sitting with the 911 dispatchers in my community, and that's another group we should all salute.

09-03-2003, 12:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	Yay EMS workers I was in a car wreck nearly 3 years ago, and the guys in the ambulance were great. And I feel bad, because in my state of shock I was apparently cussin up a storm. They had to cut off my clothes, and I was not happy. __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

09-03-2003, 09:01 PM	#21 (permalink)
bundy . Location: Tokyo	i hear 000 (thats our phone code for 911) parties are MASSIVE.. 000 parties are when all the Ambos, Firemen and Cops get together and party. our volunteer firefighters and SES (state emergency service) guys deserve special mention right here. theres always many many stories of how these brave souls fight the bushfires every year. devastating work... __________________ Ohayo!!!