Future of BCAS

[NoJo]

I believe that this week marks the end of the consultation period between Government and stakeholders. (Paramedics, Regional Health, Fire, Police, etc.)

Has anyone heard any rumours yet?

I have heard of 1 Fire Department that is putting all their members through EMR training now to ensure they have their Pre-Requesites for PCP courses.

Could be an interesting month leading up to the March 31st contract expiry for BCAS.

-Cam

[nocomment]

I believe that this week marks the end of the consultation period between Government and stakeholders. (Paramedics, Regional Health, Fire, Police, etc.)

Has anyone heard any rumours yet?

I have heard of 1 Fire Department that is putting all their members through EMR training now to ensure they have their Pre-Requesites for PCP courses.

Could be an interesting month leading up to the March 31st contract expiry for BCAS.

-Cam

Oh god I hope not.

[FireChef]

A friend told me that the union has gotten a 2 year extension with 0 and 0 for the two years. Its going to get even uglier than it did last year. Its a real shame. BCAS used to be one of the most influential and highly respected services in the world. Now its a laughing stock.

[northernmedic]

You're all off base. The service is being moved under PHSA and the bargaining structure redone. Who knows what will happen in the future. If you are a firefighter you better learn to love medical calls because PG fire is leading the charge to have all FF's licensed as EMR or higher which equals much more CME, licensing and training.

[northernmedic]

Nocomment,

You should check with IAFF local 18. They had a delegation in Victoria this week actively lobbying for an expanded EMS role for Vancouver Fire/Rescue.

[NoJo]

You're all off base. The service is being moved under PHSA and the bargaining structure redone. Who knows what will happen in the future. If you are a firefighter you better learn to love medical calls because PG fire is leading the charge to have all FF's licensed as EMR or higher which equals much more CME, licensing and training.

With the service handed over to Regional Health where does that leave BCAS as a whole? Are they "absorbed" into a specific Region? Does it stay status quo? Do they do a handover to Fire, Private, or ??

The rumour I keep hearing is that it goes to Regional Health control, and Fire can take it if they can/want to provide the service, then it goes to Private contract if Regional Health doesn't want to run the ambulances, or Fire doesn't want it/can't operate it.

I am sure for a lot of city Fire Departments this could be a revenue generator, and justification to hire more people. If Fire takes over the ambulance service in some cities, it will be interesting to see how they do it. Does priority go to FF's who want to train to PCP? Or does priority go to experienced PCP's who are willing to train as FF's? Or is it totally separate, but run under the same roof?

Lots of questions out there!

[nocomment]

Nocomment,

You should check with IAFF local 18. They had a delegation in Victoria this week actively lobbying for an expanded EMS role for Vancouver Fire/Rescue.

Thanks northernmedic ill ask when I'm back to work. Surprises me that our union is pushing for it, usually it's management trying to expand our role in the EMS field. Me personally, i like things they way we are. But then again i'm a firefighter and we all know what we think about change!!..lol........Cheers....

[northernmedic]

NoJo,

PHSA is the province wide health authority, they have nothing to do with the regional health authority service delivery. Nobody truly knows what will happen. It could range anywhere from PHSA maintaining or expanding a similar service model to subcontracting the whole provincial service to a private company in a public utility model (i.e. Nova Scotia). From the people I have talked to I don't believe there are fire departments actively pursuing a transport capability. Several GVRD chiefs pushed hard for this in the consultation process but I think the majority of firefighters opposed an outright take over of the EMS system.
Anything else that you hear is rumours and speculation at this point. I will post further details as they emerge.

[firederek]

I think one thing is more than clear: BCAS is not the ambulance provider to rely on anymore. After years of underfunding and negligence the service is more than broken and behind the times. It is a critical condition. I saw ambulance services in Poland or even Germany being better equipped and organized than BCAS. And our government is not going to response anyway regardless how loud you yell for changings. So this may be the time to handle this essential service over to more responsible and caring operators. And for all of you paramedics who desire wage parity with FFs and better overall conditions it will be the best for you if fire departments taking over the ambulance service.

[northernmedic]

Firederek,

I think the issues are much more complex than your simplistic view. As I said I will post more information as soon as it is available. If it were viable for fire departments to take over the entire EMS operation it would have happened already. The FCABC was approached by the provincial government and a majority of FF's said it would be too difficult and expensive to transition everything to fire departments, many which have little or no interest in EMS operations.

[firemedic379]

Ok here is a copy of what happened in Victoria earlier in the week:

C. James: Mr. Speaker, we have three guests who are joining us today. They have been talking to MLAs about the important work they do every day to protect the safety of people in our communities. I'd like to introduce Gary Birtwistle, Gary Charlton and Darren Backwell here from the Victoria Fire Fighters Union"

"K. Conroy: Joining me from Local 941 of the Trail Fire Fighters is Rick Morris and president Lee DePellegrin."

"T. Lake: It is my pleasure to welcome two gentlemen from Kamloops fire and rescue here today. Corey Butler and David Sakaki are emblematic of the men and women that provide the service for Kamloops fire and rescue, giving great service not just to our community but to communities around the world through the services that they provide overseas in a volunteer capacity."

"D. Hayer: I'd also like to recognize six firefighters who are visiting us here today. They are Larry Thomas, Curtis Chamberlain, Jay Easton, Mark Mackay, Todd Shearling and Chris Keon. They also met with the members on both sides to bring up the issues."

"L. Popham: I would like to welcome two members of the Saanich fire department, Steve Hanna and Mitch Williams."

"L. Reid: In concert with my Richmond colleagues I would like to welcome to this place very fine firefighters representing the city of Richmond, the Richmond fire service."

"S. Herbert: I too would like to join with my Vancouver colleagues to honour and welcome the Vancouver Fire Fighters Union here to this House and look forward to hearing from them later today."

"Mr. Speaker: Any firefighters that weren't welcomed, welcome."

"L. Popham: People love firefighters. That's a fact. An Angus Reid public opinion poll showed that firefighters are one of the most trusted professions in the world. Firefighters are our heroes. They put their own lives at risk to save ours. They see us at the most painful and terrifying moments in our lives and they give us comfort, respect, and care."

"They give and they give. Whether they are on shift or on days off, they are contributing to our quality of life. When they come to us as elected officials and ask for support for cancer presumption legislation, when they come to us and ask for the support for the right-to-know legislation and when they come and ask for the right to be licensed to practice at the emergency medical responder level, both sides of the House need to listen. [DRAFT TRANSCRIPT ONLY]
Firefighters would break down doors, walk into fire, and risk everything to save us. Let our legislation not be the barrier that stops them."

This addresses the EMR upgrade training and access to higher levels of training. Yes Prince George is doing the pilot project right now and who knows what that will create.

Northern Medic is exactly right in that if it was to be a fire administer EMS service provincially, thats what Falcon would have gone with.

Is fire going to be more involved with higher level of care? Yes
Is the job as we know it going to change? Probably Kitmat has been doing it for years

No one has any answers to what is going to happen but Falcon, the Premier and the LRB but one thing is a given now, the FR program is dead but we already knew that when the government stopped funding instructor recerts in December.

Once something more definitive comes out I am sure one will post more.

Cheers,

Derek

[northernmedic]

Thanks for the info Derek. As usual you have raised some good points. I'm not sure about EMR becoming the standard in a lot of departments due to cost and logistics of training. We have had that discussion here before. I can see career departments moving that way but what about all the volunteer and combination departments? I have no first hand knowledge of the PG situation at all.

[MMAINC]

Can someone tell me the situation in Prince George? What is going on there?

[firemedic379]

Prince George fire is training their members to the EMR level as a trial. Dr. Holmes from Global Medical is doing the training and very effectively shutting out the JI from doing the training. Seems from the people I know up there to being going well, but everyone seems to be tight lipped on where the program goes from there.

Northern, I have to agree its going to be very interesting both from a financial prespective and training time management angle with EMR as the standard. There is going to have to be some serious financial incentive from the government to make this work, as there are small departments that can't fund equipment and apparatus, let alone a 15 day program. Imagine being a community volunteer firefighter in upper lucky lake and trying to meet the 20 patient contacts and 20 CME credits annually, its just not going to happen.

If anything comes out I will try and post it as quick as possible.

Cheers,

Derek

[northernmedic]

I cannot see the government funding EMR seeing as how they just cut the FR funding (which was a far more cost effective program). Their own Cameron report advocated specifically against moving to the EMR level of training following feedback from fire/rescue stakeholders.

[NoJo]

A friend told me that the union has gotten a 2 year extension with 0 and 0 for the two years. Its going to get even uglier than it did last year. Its a real shame. BCAS used to be one of the most influential and highly respected services in the world. Now its a laughing stock.

Spoke with a paramedic a few nights ago, said he received the notice from the Union to get everyone to approve the 2 years at 0 and 0. But he said just as quickly as that notice came out, the Government said they aren't entertaining the idea of a 2 year extension.

[FireChef]

Spoke with a paramedic a few nights ago, said he received the notice from the Union to get everyone to approve the 2 years at 0 and 0. But he said just as quickly as that notice came out, the Government said they aren't entertaining the idea of a 2 year extension.

You want to pass that on to NorthernMedic, as he said I was off base with my comment.

[northernmedic]

No, you stated the union had gotten an extension. This was never agreed to in any form. It was an idea that never made it past the proposal stage. How do you know things are going to get much worse in the years to come as you stated? I have 18+ years on the job as a PCP and ACP in everywhere from remote to metro stations in the BCAS. I think I have a pretty much realistic view of what is happening and we need to stick to the facts not rumouring. If you think the service is a laughing stock then work to improve it, aren't you currently working as an EMR?

[firemedic379]

Well here is further info:

http://admin.moh.hnet.bc.ca/bcasinfo/pr ... ations.pdf

its a PDF file and I can't copy it.

Coles notes version it looks like they are offerring open bids on what union will be representing current CUPE 873 members in PHSA or LRB will decide to allow CUPE 873 to continue to represent (which is looking unlikely).

There is no open offer for a contract extention, that died on Friday when they announced BCAS is being transferred to PHSA.

Cheers,

Derek

[radar81]

Yes I agree, there are tons of rumours going around, no one knows whats going on and I think there will be for some time untill we know what is going on, I dont think that BCAS is going anywhere anytime soon, We are it, only a volunteer fire hall and an ambulance station, only reason the ambulance station is manned is becuse we all have to come from other towns. There are plenty of stations like that on the north Island with virtually no local hires, if there was an interest in local run EMS we would see more local hires in remote stations. And if it goes to a Public private system its the remote communitys that will suffer, not the larger centres.

But for me its a part time job, I hope there is a set out plan soon as I know several guys who are worried about it as this is thier only income.

[MMAINC]

You want to pass that on to NorthernMedic, as he said I was off base with my comment.



Are you not the same guy a few months back telling every BCAS employee to stop bit%$ing about wages and working conditions. I believe said this because you are a cook and are just fine with the way things are being run? Please correct me if I am wrong...

[firemedic379]

Here is the letter that got sent out yesterday from the COO, the interesting statement in there is about midway down the second paragraph where Les states that when he gets more info he will pass it along. Just goes to show, only the people at the top know whats going on.

March 18, 2010
CLIFF:
827629
File:
195-20/BCAS All
To All BCAS Staff RE: Transition to PHSA BCAS continues to consult with government and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) over the details and implications of the recent PHSA transition announcement.

Although there are still many questions, the answers that we have been able to establish are now detailed in a Q&A document on the PHSA Transition Intranet page (under resources) http://admin.moh.hnet.bc.ca/bcasinfo/pr ... index.html. This Q&A document will be updated as more information and clarification becomes available. There have been a number of staff asking questions about pension and early retirement benefits and if changes are happening as a result of the transfer to the PHSA. I can re-assure you that there are no immediate changes to pension and early retirement benefits made as a result of the announcement. The Emergency and Health Services Commission (EHSC) is a member of the Public Service Pension Plan and the terms and conditions for paramedic pension and retirement benefits are clearly laid out in the Public Service Pension Plan rules. Any possible changes in the future would require review, consultation, notice to staff, approvals of the various pension boards, and then changes to the pension plan rules and authorities. This would take significant time and consultation, so staff do not need to be concerned about making any immediate decisions. Staff from BCAS Human Resources are meeting with the Pension Corporation this Friday to discuss and clarify any implications of the PHSA announcement. I will provide further information as soon as it becomes available. Please be re-assured that no pension rights or retirement benefits have changed or will change at the end of this fiscal year. A number of staff have asked about the bargaining unit implications of the announcement and the declaration by government that the EHSC is a Health Sector Employer. The Minister of Labour is exploring the bargaining structure implications flowing from the Minister of Health Services’ decision on the service delivery model of the EHSC. The Ministry of Labour recently sent a letter to all stakeholders, including CUPE 873 and BCGEU, about the process and options for unionized EHSC employees. A copy of the letter has been posted under the resources section of the PHSA transition pages of the Intranet. I appreciate your continued patience and understanding as the management team and I continue to work through the transition process. …/2

In tandem with that, we continue to work on the BCAS Service Plan and Budget for 2010/11 to ensure we have a clear roadmap for the future. The Senior Leadership Team has reviewed the feedback received from the consultation and a number of significant changes and amendments have been made in response to your feedback, ideas and suggestions.
I hope to have the Service Plan completed to share with you in the next few weeks and truly appreciate the contributions we have received. These have helped shape the plan and our priorities for moving forward, continuing as a strong, provincial, service.

Sincerely,
Original signed by
Les Fisher
Acting Chief Operating Officer

[nocomment]

-----------------;-0-------------------------

[MMAINC]

Yes I agree, there are tons of rumours going around, no one knows whats going on and I think there will be for some time untill we know what is going on, I dont think that BCAS is going anywhere anytime soon, We are it, only a volunteer fire hall and an ambulance station, only reason the ambulance station is manned is becuse we all have to come from other towns. There are plenty of stations like that on the north Island with virtually no local hires, if there was an interest in local run EMS we would see more local hires in remote stations. And if it goes to a Public private system its the remote communitys that will suffer, not the larger centres.

But for me its a part time job, I hope there is a set out plan soon as I know several guys who are worried about it as this is thier only income.

I would have to disagree with your comment. Once and if the system goes private or to the muni it will be better staffed. It will be like here in Alberta when you get paid for your shift and can make it a career. There will be no more pager pay. In alberta you can work in a town the size of Lac La Biche aprox 5000 people and make a decent living and support yourself on a EMS wage with all the pension and extras.

[deville]

Hate to tell ya but theres still lots of services in AB that dont get pension and extras. Saying that I do agree with you that you can make a way better living in AB even if you do 24s. When we're "all one"(AHS) we'll be gettin pensions and all the extras. Heres to waiting. In my opinion, if you can make it in BCAS, stay as it is your home. If you want to make a solid career of EMS, move to AB and you'll never look back.

Cheers.

[MMAINC]

Hate to tell ya but theres still lots of services in AB that dont get pension and extras. Saying that I do agree with you that you can make a way better living in AB even if you do 24s. When we're "all one"(AHS) we'll be gettin pensions and all the extras. Heres to waiting. In my opinion, if you can make it in BCAS, stay as it is your home. If you want to make a solid career of EMS, move to AB and you'll never look back.

Cheers.

I think we just said the same thing. I was not refering to all the services in AB just the majority.

[radar81]

I would have to disagree with your comment. Once and if the system goes private or to the muni it will be better staffed. It will be like here in Alberta when you get paid for your shift and can make it a career. There will be no more pager pay. In alberta you can work in a town the size of Lac La Biche aprox 5000 people and make a decent living and support yourself on a EMS wage with all the pension and extras.

I have to disagree, Stations in places like Tahsis and Zebellos would be gone, leaving 3 - 4 hour response times, My Station would probably disappear. God forbid if the CVRD ever got into EMS, compared to their firehalls to the City of Duncan, Town of Lake Cowichan and Improvement district departments, it is night and day in regards to money invested in equipment and stations, there isn't a CVRD station newer than mid 1970's (other then Youbou) some are from the 50's. Great and knowledgeable firefighters don't get me wrong, but they seem to have to fight for tons of things. and seem to get the short end of the stick. You would not see a constant service town to town I feel you currently do with BCAS, Same ambulances, same policy's same protocols, the ability to move resources and equipment with ease and regional training It makes sense, but its broke and not because of the troops on the ground but because its been ignored.

Plus you could not pay me enough to go back to Alberta, its a lifestyle to live here and a privilege to serve and work in my community I just wish as many of us to that we could make a living of it and have to fight for that right but also work towards a proactive solution and complete solidarity.

[Medicman1976]

Quick question not knocking anyone or anything but just curious.
If indeed it did go municipal or fire how would it work for coverage? WHat I mean is Say in saanich you have a ambulance at the three exsisting halls. What if all three ambulances are tied up on calls? Who does the call if one comes in? DOes a Ambulance form another community fire come in and helpout? RIght now as it is as a provincial service you have no boundries and cars are moved all over to cover and do calls when other areas are with out so am just curious. I work in Saanich and it is a large area to cover and lots of times it is left open with no ambulance coverage as we are tied up on a call or tied up at triage at the hospital and get asked many times can you clear for a call in your area on a regular basis.
Again I am just curious as to how it would work if it was municipal or fire as to the scenario above thats all.

[NoJo]

I have to disagree, Stations in places like Tahsis and Zebellos would be gone, leaving 3 - 4 hour response times, My Station would probably disappear. God forbid if the CVRD ever got into EMS, compared to their firehalls to the City of Duncan, Town of Lake Cowichan and Improvement district departments, it is night and day in regards to money invested in equipment and stations, there isn't a CVRD station newer than mid 1970's (other then Youbou) some are from the 50's. Great and knowledgeable firefighters don't get me wrong, but they seem to have to fight for tons of things. and seem to get the short end of the stick. You would not see a constant service town to town I feel you currently do with BCAS, Same ambulances, same policy's same protocols, the ability to move resources and equipment with ease and regional training It makes sense, but its broke and not because of the troops on the ground but because its been ignored.

Plus you could not pay me enough to go back to Alberta, its a lifestyle to live here and a privilege to serve and work in my community I just wish as many of us to that we could make a living of it and have to fight for that right but also work towards a proactive solution and complete solidarity.

I'm not going to pretend that I know the ins and outs of BCAS, but aren't these types of stations a detriment to BCAS as a whole? Why should taxpayers pay to have an ambulance staffed 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, at a station that runs less than 2 calls per week? Wouldn't it be a better business model for BCAS if they contracted out to the local volunteer Fire Departments and paid for the members to be trained to EMR level, and given an ambulance? 25 members to EMR and an ambulance would be a fraction of the cost to maintain the station and pay 9 full time BCAS employees. I obviously understand that the level of service wouldn't be as high, but wouldn't the other BCAS employees be better off? I know these stations aren't staffed 24 hours a day right now with full time employees, but is the objective of the Union not to have all all members paid at a real wage, not $2/hour?

PS- This is not a knock against BCAS or the employees, it's an honest question. I hope I haven't offended anyone.

[radar81]

Station isn't manned 24/7, were payed an on-call rate of 2 bucks an hour, but because there are no Local EMR's or PCP's medics in that community we travel to the station to make 2 bucks an hour on Call rate then your full wage when you get a call, yes it works out to an average of 2 calls a week but when you consider the summer we can do 2 - 3 a day at 4 to 5 hours round trip. But this is where anyone in BCAS has to start, we just cant apply in Victoria and work in Victoria, we have to go to some remote station before we can transfer in.

[NoJo]

Station isn't manned 24/7, were payed an on-call rate of 2 bucks an hour, but because there are no Local EMR's or PCP's medics in that community we travel to the station to make 2 bucks an hour on Call rate then your full wage when you get a call, yes it works out to an average of 2 calls a week but when you consider the summer we can do 2 - 3 a day at 4 to 5 hours round trip. But this is where anyone in BCAS has to start, we just cant apply in Victoria and work in Victoria, we have to go to some remote station before we can transfer in.

I referenced the fact that the stations are on $2 pay, but is the Union not trying to get every employee paid at a flate rate? I agree that $2/hour is not fair compensation for a person who has to travel any significant distance to be on call. That model doesn't work, and shouldn't be in place. At the same time though, why does that model exist? Providing a provincial wide service is fantastic in theory, and should be strived for. But at what cost? People putting their lives on hold for $2/hour and hopes of being able to transfer? There is no connection to the community with that model. If the Ambulance can't be justified to be staffed 24 hours a day, by a full time crew, then BCAS shouldn't pretend that it is. As a tax payer, I'm not prepared to pay to have a 24/7 full time crew if they are only being used a few times per week. Just the same as I would not support going to a 24/7 Career Fire Dept. if they were running 400 calls per year and achieving their goals with volunteers.

Return to grassroots recruitment. Pay local volunteer FF'ers to trained to EMR, pay them $16/hour for medical calls, give the Fire Dept. an ambulance, pay the Fire Dept. $20,000/year as that would probably nearly double their current budget. Be done with the BCAS station. The union would never support that as it would mean the loss of positions, and I agree with the unions stance on that.

I've heard many horror stories about new PCP's having to work these stations while waiting to put in for laterals, or a full transfer.

I fully support BCAS employees and have always enjoyed working beside them. I truly hope that whatever happens, each person is better off than they were before.

[radar81]

Yea sorry was a long day was a little fuzzy, if there are incentives for those areas to take it over it would happen it does make financial sense, thats the way it was when BCAS first started local hires working at their local stations. But you could also get your P1 (PCP) by having the Service pay for it. Biggest thing with Fire EMR's is the red tape to get it and maintain it, I barly squeezed by this year if it was not for BCAS I would have to redo an exam, if they made it easier then that would help. Does Alberta have req's for PT Contacts and CE Credits, I know there are Vol halls with EMT's there?

The Medic One system in Washington state, from what I hear is a similar system, Fire Based EMS but a regional oversight and funding, possibly could work here but it depends on how much the government wants to invest, and based on the Cutting of the FR Program Funding the Govt could not care.

But I do have to say good discussion

[cmollison]

Quick question not knocking anyone or anything but just curious.
If indeed it did go municipal or fire how would it work for coverage? WHat I mean is Say in saanich you have a ambulance at the three exsisting halls. What if all three ambulances are tied up on calls? Who does the call if one comes in? DOes a Ambulance form another community fire come in and helpout? RIght now as it is as a provincial service you have no boundries and cars are moved all over to cover and do calls when other areas are with out so am just curious. I work in Saanich and it is a large area to cover and lots of times it is left open with no ambulance coverage as we are tied up on a call or tied up at triage at the hospital and get asked many times can you clear for a call in your area on a regular basis.
Again I am just curious as to how it would work if it was municipal or fire as to the scenario above thats all.

Good question. I know in Ontario there is probably some form of automatic aid agreement in place. In my rural community up north the regional paramedic service doesnt staff Advanced Care Paramedics so whenever there is a suspect case of a heart attack Durham Regional EMS responds with ACP's from their station 10 minutes away.

[Forms]

Heard a rumour that Vancouver Fire just bought up 18 paramedic cars???

[northernmedic]

I don't think there is any substance to that rumour. My understanding (first hand from VFRS members on my platoon at work) is that the current rescue trucks are being replaced and there will be a number of newer, lighter rescue trucks purchased which will also be used to attend first responder calls vs. some of the current larger vehicles. I'm sure Nocomment will be able to easily shed some further light on this latest rumour for us.

[nocomment]

I don't think there is any substance to that rumour. My understanding (first hand from VFRS members on my platoon at work) is that the current rescue trucks are being replaced and there will be a number of newer, lighter rescue trucks purchased which will also be used to attend first responder calls vs. some of the current larger vehicles. I'm sure Nocomment will be able to easily shed some further light on this latest rumour for us.

Pretty much what northernmedic said. We are getting some light rescues that will be manned by the ladder crews when a mesa call comes in. Fire calls they man the ladder. Haven't heard anything about us buying ambulances of any kind.

[dirkjaniak]

Pretty much what northernmedic said. We are getting some light rescues that will be manned by the ladder crews when a mesa call comes in. Fire calls they man the ladder. Haven't heard anything about us buying ambulances of any kind.

Not that I know anything about VFRS but if the ladder crew is on a medical with a light rescue truck call (great idea in principle) how's going to man the ladder in case of a fire??

DJ

[nocomment]

Not that I know anything about VFRS but if the ladder crew is on a medical with a light rescue truck call (great idea in principle) how's going to man the ladder in case of a fire??

DJ

That very question has been asked a lot by the guys in the halls. Apparently if the light rescue is on a call and a fire call comes in another ladder co. will respond or if the rescue is clear the call it responds to the hall to pick up the ladder. This is all happening the same time as a complete re deployment of rigs around the city......Gonna be interesting......

[stuck]

Vancouver has recently re-named their Wildland and Regular (non-heavy) rescues as "Medics".

[North_of_60]

That very question has been asked a lot by the guys in the halls. Apparently if the light rescue is on a call and a fire call comes in another ladder co. will respond or if the rescue is clear the call it responds to the hall to pick up the ladder. This is all happening the same time as a complete re deployment of rigs around the city......Gonna be interesting......

No Comment,

How are they going to fit these new units in all the halls? I know that many of the halls have only 2 bays that are already filled up with an Engine and a ladder/quint. I agree that this is going to be an interesting time.

Stay Safe,

North of 60

[medic71]

you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.

[cprted]

you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.

Did you really just drag up an 18 month old thread to slag firefighters on a firefighter forum?

Way to be professional and promote interagency relationships! You make us all look like goofs with posts like this.

[nocomment]

you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.

Failed the physical again eh? Chin up, better luck next time.

[CUat7]

Failed the physical again eh? Chin up, better luck next time.

AAAAHHHAHAHAHA... get your own f**king chair cot

[arrow]

Those who CAN drive/ride fire engines.

Those who CAN'T drive/ride ambulances.

by the way if you don't have a drug box in your ambulance you are an EMT-NOT a PARAMEDIC!

[cprted]

by the way if you don't have a drug box in your ambulance you are an EMT-NOT a PARAMEDIC!
Titles vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For better or for worse, in BC, everyone EMR and up is called a "Paramedic" per the definition in the Emergency and Health Services Act.

To the best of my knowledge, Alberta is the only Canadian province where a PCP (EMT-A in Albertaspeak) is not a "Paramedic."

[radar81]

you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.


Medic71 you need to get your head out of your ass, If you think the transition to PHSA has been a wonder to the service then your an idiot, all we got was 2 blue shirts and some CE training, but that's it, its the same management and the same government and as a bonus we got shoved into another bargaining unit with facility's. What does our union and profession disservice is people like you spouting off on firefighter forums, if you want to make statements like this then standup and say your name fellow union brother, if you were attached to my station I would smack the s*it out of you for making comments like this.

BCAS is not going anywhere anytime soon plain and simple so if you want to better our union and improve PR stop letting fire load your cot and carry your gear, The other day I saw a Surrey Firefighter on the news loading a crews cot while the medic watch. Don't take on extra shifts during the strike, get involved in your community and make sure your patients get the best possible care with compassion. Thats how you do PR


PS. I work both ends Fire and EMS for the last 15 years in this province there is one thing I learned mutual respect is earned, I have very good relationships with Fire I always treat them with respect and 98% of the time that respect is extended back.

[mandown]

you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.

whatever gave you the idea that we want to take you over?? you can have you're crappy medicals, if it was up to us we wouldnt be showing up to ANY of your calls

[Paraone]

Radar81 well said my friend!

I use fire all the time to help me load patients and carry my gear if the offer. I don't expect them to help me out but if they are there they are always willing to help. Medic71 wow man way to make us look good! I know there are lots of people in my post that hate fire but when it comes down to it we are all there to help and ya who said fire wants to take over? They fight fires and we attend to the firefighters and pts.
It is not the fire guys falt that they get treated so well with nice fire trucks and all the training they want. Its our gov. that is telling us to bend over and we do. So when April comes around stand up for our rights and don't do over time and stand with us when we go on stike as a good union brother should!

Oh ya bad idea to put down firefighters on a firefighting forum just a thought!

[crew]

I am just getting started with BCAS and I understand I am entering a broken system. All the more reason for good people to get involved. Despite the crappy conditions and sub-standard equipment, our patients still need us. Yes, I will have my 50th trip with the same CHF'er who is SOB, but they called us because they were scared/lonely/needed someone to chat to/in need of a social worker. I know that sometimes the routine stuff and struggling to make it in a rural station will at time cause me to question my decision to spend the $15000+ to get my PCP and start down this path in my mid-30s, but as long as I get to help people, even if it is only to take them to the hospital and give them a blanket along the way, that's OK by me.

Some of the more jaded medics will laugh at me, but I don't mind. I approach every challenge in my life with the attitude that I will make my own fun along the way.

As for not liking fire, I have proudly been a Volunteer Fire Fighter off and on for the last 17 years. I have been on those medical calls that I thought "why in the hell are we here?" Let me tell you, nobody is more appreciative of the assistance than I am. During my precepting on car, I made an effort to acknowledge the crews' help, big or small. Over 300 hours and more than 100 calls, I only had ONE bad experience with fire.....ONE. Countless others that could not have been better.

Sorry for the ramble!

Cheers all!

Crew

[futuremedic365]

Oh god I hope not.

I agree!!!!!!!!

[MobileMedic]

I saw this message, and was inspired.. I'm also in my mid thirties and just getting the training necessary to enter a broken system. But in all aspects of your post, I have to agree.. I know the system is broken, I know it needs a lot of fixing. But I'm not in it for the money, or the prestige.. I'm in it to save lives, that's it, that's all.. Thanks for showing that to all involved.. And thanks to those that risk their lives on a daily basis. Cheers.


I am just getting started with BCAS and I understand I am entering a broken system. All the more reason for good people to get involved. Despite the crappy conditions and sub-standard equipment, our patients still need us. Yes, I will have my 50th trip with the same CHF'er who is SOB, but they called us because they were scared/lonely/needed someone to chat to/in need of a social worker. I know that sometimes the routine stuff and struggling to make it in a rural station will at time cause me to question my decision to spend the $15000+ to get my PCP and start down this path in my mid-30s, but as long as I get to help people, even if it is only to take them to the hospital and give them a blanket along the way, that's OK by me.

Some of the more jaded medics will laugh at me, but I don't mind. I approach every challenge in my life with the attitude that I will make my own fun along the way.

As for not liking fire, I have proudly been a Volunteer Fire Fighter off and on for the last 17 years. I have been on those medical calls that I thought "why in the hell are we here?" Let me tell you, nobody is more appreciative of the assistance than I am. During my precepting on car, I made an effort to acknowledge the crews' help, big or small. Over 300 hours and more than 100 calls, I only had ONE bad experience with fire.....ONE. Countless others that could not have been better.

Sorry for the ramble!

Cheers all!

Crew

[crew]

I saw this message, and was inspired.. I'm also in my mid thirties and just getting the training necessary to enter a broken system. But in all aspects of your post, I have to agree.. I know the system is broken, I know it needs a lot of fixing. But I'm not in it for the money, or the prestige.. I'm in it to save lives, that's it, that's all.. Thanks for showing that to all involved.. And thanks to those that risk their lives on a daily basis. Cheers.

Hey MobileMedic,

If you need advice along the way, or just a helpful ear...drop me a line!

[MobileMedic]

I will be sure to take you up on that offer crew.. Thanks again!

Hey MobileMedic,

If you need advice along the way, or just a helpful ear...drop me a line!

[crew]

I will be sure to take you up on that offer crew.. Thanks again!

Us old guys gotta stick together dontcha know!! lol

[MobileMedic]

Gotta love being on the new old guy! lol! =)

[crew]

Where are you doing the training? Have you been accepted yet?

[MobileMedic]

JIBC, unsure of the campus yet.. got my intake on april 4th.. I'm hoping for new west, but I'm fine with anywhere really.

[crew]

New West is where I went, the instructors are superb!

[Medicman1976]

[QUOTE=medic71;194174]you guys are fools if you want to take us over. First off it isnt gonna happen. Under provincial health we are now getting more training and funding. They actually understand our role in health care. The only reason you want to take over is to justify your over inflated budget. You need the call volume for stats. Most of the time you guys show up on calls and get told to leave cause you serve no purpose. If it was up to us you would be showing up on way fewer calls than you do right now. You as a group are over glorified and nothing but a massive PR machine. Politics are the only reason you show up on as many calls as you do. You are a hostile union, stop trying to steal jobs and be happy with the job you have. The public loves you cause they have no idea how little you actual do.[/QUOte

Really? Wow thanks for making the ones who do appreciate the fire crews like idiots. Yup I am enjoying all that extra training I am getting form PHSA. Please tell me cause I cant seem to recall what training I got since we were transfered over to them.
They serve no purpose? Hmmm I can think of a hell of allot of things they do. Fire prevention, fire awareness, First Responder, MVA's and so on. Lets not forget about the countless hours of volunteer and fundraising they do for various charities. That there would be a good reason as to why the public loves them.
I have as does my partner and many,many of the people I have worked with have a great appreciation for the fire departments and the job or role they do. I have many friends who are career firefighters and I am a volunteer firefighter. Look at your post above to see how stupid you sound. The FD's in our area has cut down the amount and the type of FR calls they attend to. Talk to the crews you will find the majority of them would rather be fighting fires and have little intrest in the fr aspect.
I really hope you do not work in a major city with that attitude because it wont go over well with many of your co workers and no fire departments. I hope I really never have to work with you and am shocked and ashamed that someone would come on here and spout that trash. This is something that would have been heard back in the late 80's early 90's but the PAS and FD relationship has come along way since those days and we dont need somone like you spewing this trash to set things back.

[MobileMedic]

@ Crew That's awesome.. I look forwards to seeing you on the bus when I pass the course! =)