Re: Helicopter use

[Guest guest]

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted…some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea…then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted…some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea…then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted…some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea…then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

Jon, you know the deal! I don't really feel this is " chopper bashing " but I

do see where it could be seen as such. I mean, it's no different than all of

the wonderful, brilliant minds pondering the mere existence of SSM, private

vs public EMS models, etc. Everyone has their valid points. I will say that

I have had 3 collisions in an EMS unit, all non-fatal but injury producing.

All three where while in code 1 mode and two of the three with the " Drive

Cam " in place. Not much to mean by telling you that other than you shouldn't

ride with me in an ambulance. (I wasn't driving in 2 of the 3) haha. I have

yet to have an incident (said while I knock hard on wood) in the air. Again,

I say that all have good points. I do know that doc has put in countless

hours compiling stats to discredit the need for HEMS, ESPECIALLY in the more

urban of environments. Your statement weighs the heaviest to me in that we

ALL need to work for the solution to ANY said issue. BTW, how are ya?

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Jon

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 5:32 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Helicopter use

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted.some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea.then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

Jon, you know the deal! I don't really feel this is " chopper bashing " but I

do see where it could be seen as such. I mean, it's no different than all of

the wonderful, brilliant minds pondering the mere existence of SSM, private

vs public EMS models, etc. Everyone has their valid points. I will say that

I have had 3 collisions in an EMS unit, all non-fatal but injury producing.

All three where while in code 1 mode and two of the three with the " Drive

Cam " in place. Not much to mean by telling you that other than you shouldn't

ride with me in an ambulance. (I wasn't driving in 2 of the 3) haha. I have

yet to have an incident (said while I knock hard on wood) in the air. Again,

I say that all have good points. I do know that doc has put in countless

hours compiling stats to discredit the need for HEMS, ESPECIALLY in the more

urban of environments. Your statement weighs the heaviest to me in that we

ALL need to work for the solution to ANY said issue. BTW, how are ya?

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Jon

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 5:32 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Helicopter use

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted.some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea.then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

Jon, you know the deal! I don't really feel this is " chopper bashing " but I

do see where it could be seen as such. I mean, it's no different than all of

the wonderful, brilliant minds pondering the mere existence of SSM, private

vs public EMS models, etc. Everyone has their valid points. I will say that

I have had 3 collisions in an EMS unit, all non-fatal but injury producing.

All three where while in code 1 mode and two of the three with the " Drive

Cam " in place. Not much to mean by telling you that other than you shouldn't

ride with me in an ambulance. (I wasn't driving in 2 of the 3) haha. I have

yet to have an incident (said while I knock hard on wood) in the air. Again,

I say that all have good points. I do know that doc has put in countless

hours compiling stats to discredit the need for HEMS, ESPECIALLY in the more

urban of environments. Your statement weighs the heaviest to me in that we

ALL need to work for the solution to ANY said issue. BTW, how are ya?

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Jon

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 5:32 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Helicopter use

I get fatigued reading all the helicopter bashing on here. Some of

which is warranted.some just jumping on the band wagon. If you

don't have a better solution or idea.then you are just restating the

problem over and over and over. We know already--it's the solution

that we need. This problem (Safety & Appropriateness) belongs to

the EMS industry as a whole, not just the helicopters. We all had

role in how it got this way. Helicopters are here and they are

staying. We should focus on the solution--not just continually

restate the problem.

> > > >>

> > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any for

> the

> > white

> > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > government

> > > >> > using them so often?

> > > >>

> > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier attitude

on

> > when and

> > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

down.

> > Two did

> > > >> today.

> > > >>

> > > >> --

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

> > > >>

[Guest guest]

Doc, first of all, you're old! Secondly, I am glad you told us about the gay

bar thing!! Thirdly and lastly, very professional and sincere statement.

Education is the key to all success. Sometimes that education hurts! I say

all of that with nothing but respect!

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Bledsoe, DO

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 6:00 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Helicopter use

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

Doc, first of all, you're old! Secondly, I am glad you told us about the gay

bar thing!! Thirdly and lastly, very professional and sincere statement.

Education is the key to all success. Sometimes that education hurts! I say

all of that with nothing but respect!

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Bledsoe, DO

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 6:00 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Helicopter use

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

Doc, first of all, you're old! Secondly, I am glad you told us about the gay

bar thing!! Thirdly and lastly, very professional and sincere statement.

Education is the key to all success. Sometimes that education hurts! I say

all of that with nothing but respect!

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of Bledsoe, DO

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 6:00 PM

To:

Subject: RE: Re: Helicopter use

I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment comes

from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-years-old

and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid things. I

used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over 130 MPH on

Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only used gloves

to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the curator of the

Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most notorious

gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered in blood

(I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all sorts of

stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the first

Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of Oklahoma

prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter medic. We used

to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell 206 that

flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet fragment in my

right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh well, " projects " ) cause

I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to collect hand

guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic Church.

Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a calling

and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our own

experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others. Now, I am

very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding motorcycles and

will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in bad

neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns and now

collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first editions of

Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I just

don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just have seen too

many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another teenager.

You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just how I see

it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a millennium.

Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not put up with

the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a wonderful

device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in the world,

an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land and save

your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10 medical

helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is why you hear

stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the brain tumor.

As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--not just

your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year to do a

series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided it safest

not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never heard from

again.

The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love helicopters. I

like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed one once.

But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in Indiana, you

are making a decision for your crew (which I know the mantra, " Three to go,

one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient who does

not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to over 70

NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho culture--some

of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have found

myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is nothing more

sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the loss of

life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That was mine.

Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk while you do

so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and helicopters. As

Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. " Just don't

endanger.

[Guest guest]

>

> Of course, you must be discounting the number of people killed/maimed by

> wayward mules, horses, and other asses over the years.

Other asses = paramedics?

<grin>

Mike

[Guest guest]

>

> Of course, you must be discounting the number of people killed/maimed by

> wayward mules, horses, and other asses over the years.

Other asses = paramedics?

<grin>

Mike

[Guest guest]

>

> Of course, you must be discounting the number of people killed/maimed by

> wayward mules, horses, and other asses over the years.

Other asses = paramedics?

<grin>

Mike

[Guest guest]

Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

argument.

I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

your friend.

Respectfully,

Jon

>

> I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

comes

> from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

years-old

> and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

things. I

> used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

130 MPH on

> Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

used gloves

> to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

curator of the

> Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

notorious

> gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

in blood

> (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

sorts of

> stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

first

> Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

Oklahoma

> prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

medic. We used

> to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

206 that

> flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

fragment in my

> right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

well, " projects " ) cause

> I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

collect hand

> guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

Church.

> Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

>

> I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

calling

> and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

own

> experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

Now, I am

> very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

motorcycles and

> will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

bad

> neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

and now

> collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

editions of

> Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

just

> don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

have seen too

> many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

teenager.

> You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

how I see

> it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

millennium.

> Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

put up with

> the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

>

> The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

wonderful

> device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

the world,

> an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

and save

> your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

medical

> helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

why you hear

> stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

brain tumor.

> As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

not just

> your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

to do a

> series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

it safest

> not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

heard from

> again.

>

> The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

helicopters. I

> like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

one once.

> But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

Indiana, you

> are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

mantra, " Three to go,

> one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

who does

> not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

over 70

> NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

culture--some

> of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

found

> myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

nothing more

> sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

loss of

> life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

was mine.

>

> Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

while you do

> so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

>

> And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

helicopters. As

> Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

safe harbor.

> Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

Just don't

> endanger.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

argument.

I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

your friend.

Respectfully,

Jon

>

> I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

comes

> from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

years-old

> and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

things. I

> used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

130 MPH on

> Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

used gloves

> to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

curator of the

> Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

notorious

> gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

in blood

> (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

sorts of

> stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

first

> Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

Oklahoma

> prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

medic. We used

> to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

206 that

> flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

fragment in my

> right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

well, " projects " ) cause

> I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

collect hand

> guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

Church.

> Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

>

> I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

calling

> and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

own

> experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

Now, I am

> very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

motorcycles and

> will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

bad

> neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

and now

> collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

editions of

> Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

just

> don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

have seen too

> many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

teenager.

> You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

how I see

> it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

millennium.

> Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

put up with

> the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

>

> The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

wonderful

> device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

the world,

> an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

and save

> your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

medical

> helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

why you hear

> stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

brain tumor.

> As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

not just

> your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

to do a

> series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

it safest

> not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

heard from

> again.

>

> The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

helicopters. I

> like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

one once.

> But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

Indiana, you

> are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

mantra, " Three to go,

> one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

who does

> not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

over 70

> NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

culture--some

> of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

found

> myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

nothing more

> sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

loss of

> life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

was mine.

>

> Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

while you do

> so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

>

> And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

helicopters. As

> Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

safe harbor.

> Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

Just don't

> endanger.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

argument.

I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

your friend.

Respectfully,

Jon

>

> I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

comes

> from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

years-old

> and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

things. I

> used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

130 MPH on

> Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

used gloves

> to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

curator of the

> Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

notorious

> gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

in blood

> (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

sorts of

> stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

first

> Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

Oklahoma

> prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

medic. We used

> to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

206 that

> flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

fragment in my

> right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

well, " projects " ) cause

> I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

collect hand

> guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

Church.

> Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

>

> I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

calling

> and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

own

> experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

Now, I am

> very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

motorcycles and

> will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

bad

> neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

and now

> collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

editions of

> Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

just

> don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

have seen too

> many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

teenager.

> You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

how I see

> it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

millennium.

> Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

put up with

> the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

>

> The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

wonderful

> device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

the world,

> an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

and save

> your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

medical

> helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

why you hear

> stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

brain tumor.

> As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

not just

> your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

to do a

> series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

it safest

> not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

heard from

> again.

>

> The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

helicopters. I

> like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

one once.

> But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

Indiana, you

> are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

mantra, " Three to go,

> one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

who does

> not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

over 70

> NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

culture--some

> of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

found

> myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

nothing more

> sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

loss of

> life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

was mine.

>

> Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

while you do

> so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

>

> And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

helicopters. As

> Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

safe harbor.

> Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

Just don't

> endanger.

>

[Guest guest]

Hey Bobby, Doing great down here...You?

I might have been a little sensitive. I just wish there were a more

constructive tone. I think I'm over my moment now.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any

for

> > the

> > > white

> > > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > > government

> > > > >> > using them so often?

> > > > >>

> > > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier

attitude

> on

> > > when and

> > > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

> down.

> > > Two did

> > > > >> today.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> --

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Hey Bobby, Doing great down here...You?

I might have been a little sensitive. I just wish there were a more

constructive tone. I think I'm over my moment now.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any

for

> > the

> > > white

> > > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > > government

> > > > >> > using them so often?

> > > > >>

> > > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier

attitude

> on

> > > when and

> > > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

> down.

> > > Two did

> > > > >> today.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> --

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Hey Bobby, Doing great down here...You?

I might have been a little sensitive. I just wish there were a more

constructive tone. I think I'm over my moment now.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> > when's the last time the Presidential copter (or any

for

> > the

> > > white

> > > > >> > house staff) crashed? If they're so unsafe, why's the

> > > government

> > > > >> > using them so often?

> > > > >>

> > > > >> Perhaps they know maintenance and a less cavalier

attitude

> on

> > > when and

> > > > >> how to fly makes a difference. Military craft still go

> down.

> > > Two did

> > > > >> today.

> > > > >>

> > > > >> --

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

> > > > >>

[Guest guest]

Jon & Bobby,

You two have hit the nail on the head, every day thousands are ransported

needlessly, both by ground and air. Dr. Bledsoe makes some good arguments

grounded with stats. I am an air proponant, and we all too have made some bad

decisions in life, we all can re-count stories that we learned from and some we

haven't. The main point is that we do everything possible to prevent an

accident, learn from others mistakes and go home EVERY shift. I know all three

that were mentioned and have worked with all three of day ta you at some point

in my career, I respect all of you in your respective positions, I know alot of

your mistakes good deeds, I have been around a long time. Fortunatly no helo

accidents, several ambulance crashes and a personal vehicle crash or two. In all

of the crashes, well there was some rectalitis going on, I hope and pray each

and every day that all air medical folks go home safe each and mission and

shift. Keep up the safe work and remember " fly safe "

>

> Date: 2006/02/19 Sun PM 08:41:35 CST

> To:

> Subject: Re: Helicopter use

>

> Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

> just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

> statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

> in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

> and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

> without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

> to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

> because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

> I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

> walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

> majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

> that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

> every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

> aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

> tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

> one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

> patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

> argument.

>

> I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

> that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

> your friend.

>

> Respectfully,

>

> Jon

>

>

> >

> > I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

> comes

> > from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

> years-old

> > and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

> things. I

> > used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

> 130 MPH on

> > Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

> used gloves

> > to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

> curator of the

> > Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

> notorious

> > gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

> in blood

> > (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

> sorts of

> > stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

> first

> > Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

> Oklahoma

> > prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

> medic. We used

> > to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

> 206 that

> > flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

> fragment in my

> > right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

> well, " projects " ) cause

> > I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

> collect hand

> > guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

> Church.

> > Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

> >

> > I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

> calling

> > and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

> own

> > experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

> Now, I am

> > very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

> motorcycles and

> > will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

> bad

> > neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

> and now

> > collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

> editions of

> > Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

> just

> > don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

> have seen too

> > many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

> teenager.

> > You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

> how I see

> > it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

> millennium.

> > Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

> put up with

> > the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

> >

> > The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

> wonderful

> > device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

> the world,

> > an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

> and save

> > your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

> medical

> > helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

> why you hear

> > stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

> brain tumor.

> > As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

> not just

> > your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

> to do a

> > series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

> it safest

> > not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

> heard from

> > again.

> >

> > The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

> helicopters. I

> > like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

> one once.

> > But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

> Indiana, you

> > are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

> mantra, " Three to go,

> > one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

> who does

> > not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> > helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

> over 70

> > NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

> culture--some

> > of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

> found

> > myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

> nothing more

> > sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

> loss of

> > life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

> was mine.

> >

> > Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

> while you do

> > so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

> >

> > And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

> helicopters. As

> > Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

> safe harbor.

> > Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

> Just don't

> > endanger.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jon & Bobby,

You two have hit the nail on the head, every day thousands are ransported

needlessly, both by ground and air. Dr. Bledsoe makes some good arguments

grounded with stats. I am an air proponant, and we all too have made some bad

decisions in life, we all can re-count stories that we learned from and some we

haven't. The main point is that we do everything possible to prevent an

accident, learn from others mistakes and go home EVERY shift. I know all three

that were mentioned and have worked with all three of day ta you at some point

in my career, I respect all of you in your respective positions, I know alot of

your mistakes good deeds, I have been around a long time. Fortunatly no helo

accidents, several ambulance crashes and a personal vehicle crash or two. In all

of the crashes, well there was some rectalitis going on, I hope and pray each

and every day that all air medical folks go home safe each and mission and

shift. Keep up the safe work and remember " fly safe "

>

> Date: 2006/02/19 Sun PM 08:41:35 CST

> To:

> Subject: Re: Helicopter use

>

> Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

> just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

> statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

> in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

> and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

> without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

> to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

> because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

> I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

> walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

> majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

> that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

> every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

> aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

> tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

> one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

> patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

> argument.

>

> I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

> that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

> your friend.

>

> Respectfully,

>

> Jon

>

>

> >

> > I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

> comes

> > from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

> years-old

> > and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

> things. I

> > used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

> 130 MPH on

> > Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

> used gloves

> > to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

> curator of the

> > Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

> notorious

> > gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

> in blood

> > (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

> sorts of

> > stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

> first

> > Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

> Oklahoma

> > prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

> medic. We used

> > to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

> 206 that

> > flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

> fragment in my

> > right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

> well, " projects " ) cause

> > I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

> collect hand

> > guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

> Church.

> > Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

> >

> > I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

> calling

> > and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

> own

> > experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

> Now, I am

> > very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

> motorcycles and

> > will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

> bad

> > neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

> and now

> > collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

> editions of

> > Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

> just

> > don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

> have seen too

> > many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

> teenager.

> > You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

> how I see

> > it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

> millennium.

> > Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

> put up with

> > the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

> >

> > The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

> wonderful

> > device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

> the world,

> > an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

> and save

> > your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

> medical

> > helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

> why you hear

> > stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

> brain tumor.

> > As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

> not just

> > your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

> to do a

> > series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

> it safest

> > not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

> heard from

> > again.

> >

> > The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

> helicopters. I

> > like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

> one once.

> > But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

> Indiana, you

> > are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

> mantra, " Three to go,

> > one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

> who does

> > not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> > helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

> over 70

> > NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

> culture--some

> > of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

> found

> > myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

> nothing more

> > sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

> loss of

> > life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

> was mine.

> >

> > Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

> while you do

> > so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

> >

> > And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

> helicopters. As

> > Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

> safe harbor.

> > Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

> Just don't

> > endanger.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jon & Bobby,

You two have hit the nail on the head, every day thousands are ransported

needlessly, both by ground and air. Dr. Bledsoe makes some good arguments

grounded with stats. I am an air proponant, and we all too have made some bad

decisions in life, we all can re-count stories that we learned from and some we

haven't. The main point is that we do everything possible to prevent an

accident, learn from others mistakes and go home EVERY shift. I know all three

that were mentioned and have worked with all three of day ta you at some point

in my career, I respect all of you in your respective positions, I know alot of

your mistakes good deeds, I have been around a long time. Fortunatly no helo

accidents, several ambulance crashes and a personal vehicle crash or two. In all

of the crashes, well there was some rectalitis going on, I hope and pray each

and every day that all air medical folks go home safe each and mission and

shift. Keep up the safe work and remember " fly safe "

>

> Date: 2006/02/19 Sun PM 08:41:35 CST

> To:

> Subject: Re: Helicopter use

>

> Hey, I know that stats have their place. (Usually Baseball:)). I

> just think that by now we have all heard the stats. Thanks to those

> statistics we know what the problem is. We have lots of good people

> in the industry, CAAMS, the NTSB and the FAA working for solutions

> and improvement in our systems and procedures. I can just do

> without people pointing fingers and saying --na na na na your going

> to die. I don't go to work for the thrill anymore. I go to work

> because I want my life to have a positive impact on others. I know

> I can only speak for myself but--I can tell you that every time I

> walk out to the helicopter, safety is what's on my mind. The vast

> majority of the conversations and general efforts around work are to

> that end. I follow the rules and we have successfully made it home

> every time in my 10 years of flying. I also know that the rules

> aren't followed everywhere in the industry and that has caused some

> tragic losses. I just don't like how it's all lumped together in

> one final stat that tells you we are going to die and take our

> patients with us. Then you exclaim to the world how this is beyond

> argument.

>

> I do respect your opinion and concerns. You have certainly earned

> that. The article was well written and paid appropriate tribute to

> your friend.

>

> Respectfully,

>

> Jon

>

>

> >

> > I'll be serious now. There is a saying in medicine: " Good judgment

> comes

> > from experience; experience comes from bad judgment. " I am now 50-

> years-old

> > and lucky to be here. When I was young, I did all sorts of stupid

> things. I

> > used to drag race motorcycles. I have ridden a motorcycle at over

> 130 MPH on

> > Loop 820 in Fort Worth. When I was a paramedic and EMT, we only

> used gloves

> > to pick up bodies. I have had more blood on my hands than the

> curator of the

> > Coliseum in Rome. I once ran an MCI for a knife fight in the most

> notorious

> > gay bar in Fort Worth before we ever heard of AIDS. I was covered

> in blood

> > (I was on-duty--not in the bar). We used to volunteer for all

> sorts of

> > stupid experiments when I was a medical student. I took one of the

> first

> > Hepatitis B vaccines ever developed--made from the serum of

> Oklahoma

> > prisoners with antibodies to hepatitis B. I was a helicopter

> medic. We used

> > to rappel from helicopters for the fun of it. I was once in a Bell

> 206 that

> > flew under a highway bridge in Fort Worth. I have a bullet

> fragment in my

> > right forearm from entering an apartment complex (oh

> well, " projects " ) cause

> > I was macho and didn't want to wait for the cops. I used to

> collect hand

> > guns. In 1999 I was so ill I received Last Rites from the Catholic

> Church.

> > Fortunately, I survived and my outlook on life changed.

> >

> > I learned through all this that life is precious and medicine is a

> calling

> > and a privilege as is EMS. While we all have to learn through our

> own

> > experiences, it never hurts to heed the experiences of others.

> Now, I am

> > very careful about wearing gloves. I am very cautious riding

> motorcycles and

> > will not ride one outside of a rural environment. I am cautious in

> bad

> > neighborhoods and on streets that look unsafe. I gave up hand guns

> and now

> > collect something I will be glad to pass on to my grandson-first

> editions of

> > Mark Twain's books. I am not for taking anybody's handguns away, I

> just

> > don't feel anybody but the cops and military need them. I just

> have seen too

> > many dead teenagers on my ED bed due to a gun shot from another

> teenager.

> > You can interpret the second amendment as you want, that is just

> how I see

> > it. I have seen more people die than most people would see in a

> millennium.

> > Human life is precious. We all must believe that or we would not

> put up with

> > the poor wages and other bullshit inherent in EMS.

> >

> > The counteracting mechanical forces of a helicopter make for a

> wonderful

> > device. As Igor Sikorsky said, " If you're in trouble anywhere in

> the world,

> > an airplane can land and drop you flowers; a helicopter can land

> and save

> > your life. " Helicopters can save some lives. We need perhaps 10

> medical

> > helicopters for all for Texas. There are 17+ in DFW and that is

> why you hear

> > stories like the one earlier today about the patient with the

> brain tumor.

> > As you mature, you measure risks against benefits for everything--

> not just

> > your family, but yourself. I was supposed to go to Cuba last year

> to do a

> > series for JEMS. Castro was cracking down on dissidents. I decided

> it safest

> > not to go. Ten years ago I would have been there and maybe never

> heard from

> > again.

> >

> > The helicopter issue is a major problem in the US. I love

> helicopters. I

> > like looking at them. I love riding in them--I have even landed

> one once.

> > But, when you choose to take a mission, as occurred recently in

> Indiana, you

> > are making a decision for your crew (which I know the

> mantra, " Three to go,

> > one to stay. " ), but you are also making a decision for the patient

> who does

> > not know the risks and benefits you do. And if you tell me that all

> > helicopter EMS services practice safety first, I can direct you to

> over 70

> > NTSB reports that say they don't. Helicopter EMS has a macho

> culture--some

> > of which due to the military influence. Now that I am older I have

> found

> > myself giving eulogies for friends and co-workers. There is

> nothing more

> > sobering. The JEMS article I linked was my way of dealing with the

> loss of

> > life that contacted me. Each of us has a way of doing that. That

> was mine.

> >

> > Make your own mistakes. Learn. Don't place anybody else at risk

> while you do

> > so. This comes from one with experience in doing so.

> >

> > And don't forget that there is more to life than EMS and

> helicopters. As

> > Mark Twain said, " So throw off the bowline. Sail away from the

> safe harbor.

> > Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. "

> Just don't

> > endanger.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Kirk, " I believe it was Clemens that said " There are lies, damn lies,

and

statistics. "

Nope, British Prime Minister Disraeli

_____

From: [mailto: ] On

Behalf Of N5XNU@...

Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2006 8:56 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Re: Helicopter use

I believe it was Clemens that said " There are lies, damn lies, and

statistics. " At any instance any of us can become a statistic whether it

was

our fault or not. You do the best job you can to minimize/mitigate the

dangers. That's why we wear gloves, body armor, bunker gear, what have

you.

Kirk

EMT-B