I could not agree more, that everyone’s involvement in an emergency would be an intelligent use of resources. The problem, to some degree has been the fault of the public themselves and the litigious nature of society. If, I as an EMS/Rescue provider turn the care of a patient (could be as simple as “here hold direct pressure on that wound” or “could you help me carry the patient down the stairs”) to a non-trained citizen, I leave the Fire Department, Line Officers, myself and family open to major legal and possibly criminal liability not only from the patient, but from the person (who may have volunteered to help) I directed to perform some action. This is true whether it medical care or helping in a rescue i.e. crowd control, “help pull on that line”, “help us lift and carry the patient down the stairs/trail”. This atmosphere may, in part be the reason LEO/Fire/Rescue/EMS personal ask you to clear the area and not become involved.

I have no doubt egos come into play; even within the Fire Service there are issues between career and volunteers or LEOs and Rescue personnel. However, to assume that Public Safety personnel think that "they are all that and no else can be of benefit”, is just as wrong.

I wish CPR, First Aid and basic life survival skills were universally taught and required in High School, so every citizen could gain a greater degree of independence and self-sufficiency, but until that day comes, I am thankful for the thousands of LEO’s, EMS/Fire and Rescue personnel who, whether career or volunteer, are there to be of service in time of crisis.

As I indicated, volunteers, who take the time and effort to obtain the training and then invest many hours of their personal time in helping their communities, provide most of the EMS/Fire/Rescue services in this county. If you want to be involved, there are many opportunities to do so. If you want to see a change in attitude, join up and become an instrument of change.

Pete