Sorry to tax you like that Matthew. We (or at least I) are a curious bunch and will ask a lot of questions. The other pros in the forum probably less so. I would like to have been (and would still like to be) a rescue professional or volunteer in some capacity but personal responsibility with regard to my medical condition has kept me from persuing that route. What good would a diabetic having an insulin reaction be to a group of lost hikers? Or to someone trapped in a building? For the same reasons I could not pursue a career in police, fire, or ambulance services. I would have liked to serve in our nations military but they will not accept diabetics in the ranks either. No way to get a Commercial Drivers License or pilot license either. Fate is truly a fickle thing.
Sorry to ramble and run off course. Nice post BTW, appreciate the info and clarification.