Here are some blog posts from EMS Bloggers last week that I found to illustrate the public misunderstandings of budget cuts, talks about stuff in my pockets, and a mission to help one of our own…

• John D. Solomon wrote about an interesting study that shows 30% of participants believing Emergency Responders could be depended on in case of disaster and 61% would need to rely on them after 72 hours. I find this very alarming because week after week I read about responder recruitment classes being cut, resources being browned out or shut down, and budgets being cut from all public safety sectors. So just where do these people think the help is going to come from again?
• Steve Whitehead did an interesting survey of EMS folks and what they carry on them. Admittedly over the years the amount of “gear” I carry has indeed dwindled. I don’t know what’s a better deal… having a window punch for a smash and grab or the look on an EMT’s face when I show him that the majority of the pockets on my vest contain raisins, peanuts, M&Ms, and other assorted snacks?
• Greg Friese has some great tips for EMS Educators. Here’s my own contribution to the list: 6) Don’t bore me into asystole

And finally…

• Through Medic 7 I came to Bernice from I Call It As I See It who alerted us to the plight of Epijunky who wants to go to Medic School. Now those of you who really know me are probably wondering why I would back someone who has obviously gone insane. This is the exact kind of thing that I sit here and talk about week after week… the Power of Social Media to make a dream come true. So yes, I gave $5… and you can too… because as individuals we may feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme… but together we are legion…

Have a safe week out there…