Ambulance Service

I have seemed to find myself in this conversations between a few people in the last couple of weeks about some emergency services required to wear stab vests. Now this I was going to restrict just to St John Ambulance because this is where I have only heard this being talked about. Though there are other organisations out there who do the same things as us and completely different and I think they should have there views as well. I think it would be a sad day the day I'm told I have to wear a stab vest on duty. But I can see points from both sides of the fence. The wide range of people we treat and what injures they have on duties isn't just a little cut or a fall in …

Has been bugging me for a while now, can someone please explain why paramedics have the 'para' bit in their name? I mean fair enough if they are military medics dropped into areas by air but guys in trucks have to be called this... Really :S Just makes no sense to me. Not saying there's anything wrong with medics but can't figure out why they are called paramedics.

I was watching this today and saw a medical team of 2 doctors and 2 nurses from the local hospital attending a RTC. Are they part of BASICS or something separate?

Have a look at this video before you read on. http://player.vimeo.com/video/19139695 Now, am all for everyone learning at least basic first aid which could make the difference between a life lost and a life saved, but is this going a step too far? I respect that we have Community First Responders over here, but they have the training and equipment to hopefully start the process of trying to help that person. Someone who is basic ELS trained responding to 911/999 from the fire department/EMS kind of concerns me really. Your views?

I am pleased to announce that DanielS has been selected to mini mod this area, so will shortly be giving the place a good spruce and brush-up

Hi Everyone. I thought I'd post a thread in this new section for everyone to post suggestions for this "unique" section of the forum. It may only be around for 3 months, depending on how popular/unpopular it is, but I think we could still make the most of it, while it's here. So, please feel free to suggest what we should do to improve this section, in order to make your experience in here, a pleasurable one. Regards Robo

A fasinating show, those are really brave guys!

Anyone heard of a St John forum site? Sure i've heard of something and seems like it would be a popular thing if there was one.

Are all of the Fire Brigades in the UK going through the same recruitment freeze as the Poilce are?

Not sure if this is a new series but was watching Dog squad on Sky3 today. the only comment I have was thay blanked out the faces of the two special branch officers but not their ID badges, oops

Hello all. It has been many moons since i last posted. I have been shortlisted to attend an assessment for LAS in January. The assessment consists of; Dictation test, multiple choice test consisting of maths, map reading, infection control and highway code and finally a lifting assessment. Can anyone elaborate on what to expect and give any advice to help. Thanks guys and girls. Sy.

How come some doctor's cars are fitted with blue lights? I thought doctors are only meant to use green ligts? E.g:

What are all the different fire service bibs that they wear? I've seen incident commander, command support.

I'm thinking about applying for a job as a Control Operator with the Fire and Rescue Service. I have considered similar roles with the police but they aren't recruiting currently! Just wondering if there is anyone out there with experience in this role to tell me what the job offers! Many Thanks!

Hi all, a few weeks ago i was lucky enough to pay a visit and get a tour of the devon and somerset fire and rescue special operations unit. usually you have to book the visit 4months in advance but was on business with the red cross fire support unit. i saw things some incredible things which im not supposed to talk about so i understand the secrecy of this branch wouldnt really allow us to talk too much about them, however i was wondering if anyone here has had the pleasure of working with them? or any interesting stories?