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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Drone hampers aeromedical crew from landing at MVA

Posted on April 15, 2014 by rusnivek

Flying a drone and causing trouble during an actual call?

See, I told you that it would happen. To verify, check my documentation from my AAR on 03-06-14 (AirOps Branch-Observation/Recommendation-3 on page 16).

@rusnivek

Police: Ohio Man’s Drone Prevents Medical Helicopter from Landing at Crash Scene

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — A man is facing charges after deputies say he was flying a video camera-equipped drone that hindered the landing of a medical helicopter at an accident scene.

Kele Stanley, of Springfield, said he’s been unfairly charged and would have landed it immediately if he knew the medical helicopter was en route.

“I’m not an idiot,” he said.

The hobbyist was flying the $4,000 drone over a crash scene on Saturday morning to shoot photos and video.

Authorities said both fire officials and a Clark County sheriff’s deputy told Stanley to stop flying his remote-controlled aircraft because the helicopter was preparing to land, and that he refused. The helicopter was able to land and depart safely from the scene.

Stanley is facing a felony charge of obstructing official business and misdemeanor charges of misconduct at an emergency and disorderly conduct. He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance Monday and said he’s going to hire a lawyer to fight the charges.

Stanley, a 31-year-old copy-machine repairman and videographer, said he flew his remote-controlled “hexacopter” about 75 feet above where a pickup had hit a tree in Moorefield Township near Springfield. He said he was shooting the video as a hobby and would have turned it over to local television stations, as he has done before.

There currently are no regulations in Ohio governing private use of the unmanned aircraft, although law enforcement agencies must get special permits to use them. The Federal Aviation Administration bars the commercial use of drones.

A fun disaster class…on accountability #NIMS

Posted on April 3, 2014 by rusnivek

To the untrained eye, they just look like toys.

To Incident Commanders, this is an incredibly valuable tool that provides operational and tactical response accountability.

To bring this all-hazards accountability course to your location, just let me know.

Yep, I’m making classes about disasters fun again!

@rusnivek

Press amenities…because they are our partners in safety right? #PIO

Posted on April 1, 2014 by rusnivek

Media considerations: Press amenities.

Aside from giving the media the juicy story they crave…we should do a better job in considering their needs during a disaster.

However, in this day/age of media involvement and constant interaction, it would behoove us PIOs to better meet the needs of our partners (that’s right, I said partners) in safety.

For prolonged incidents, it would be nice if your agency:

Provided a bunch of plugs and/or outlets to use. Power seems to be a mandatory necessity during every day life. Just look at any airport with weirdos hunched around an open power plug.
Setting up a separate WiFi for media use only so they can meet their timely deadlines or push valuable info via social media. They are data hogs just like the rest of us. It has been proven for humans to exist, we need WiFi.
Held up white cards for white balance during setup…or better yet warm cards to help the videographers get their color scheme setup right. It does make you look like you just got back from someplace warm and now have a nice tan.
A simple cup of coffee would be a welcome olive branch in the midst of disaster/emergency. First informal rule of any disaster or emergency? A cup of coffee regularly ranks high on the scale of requests and necessities from everyone. Available 24/7.

Since we are breaking down barriers, we need to explore a few options to support our partners in safety. Look at this setup…

…no seriously, look closer.

What do you see?

Build your relationships before a disaster and strengthen them as you continue to train exercise your skills. Partners in safety.

Let’s work together to better our response and enhance communications skills with just some basic needs for the press. Trust me, a little goes along way.

After all, the old adage goes: you can attract more friends with honey than vinegar…right?

@rusnivek

An open door response #whoops

Posted on April 1, 2014 by rusnivek

The rig is sounding awfully loud tonight…

…those apparatus mechanics really can’t get anything right!

Typical – blame everyone else first.

So, it’s probably a good time to check your doors BEFORE responding to any calls.

EMS Flight crews do it. Maybe a 360 walk around is a good idea.

*FD names removed to protect the innocent*

@rusnivek

Busted because of her Facebook post bragging of her “breatalyse” test results

Posted on March 31, 2014 by rusnivek

That’s right, she got caught because of her Facebook post.

Colleen Cudney was convicted for DUI in 2012. One condition – she is to submit to random breathalyzer tests.

Fast forward to St Patrick’s Day 2014 (March 17th, 2014). Colleen was out carousing and drinking. On Tuesday March 18th, 2014, Colleen gets called in for a random breathalyzer test.

Colleen passes. She’s so amazed, that she takes to Facebook and posts about it: “Buzz killer for me, I had to breatalyze (sic) this morning and I drank yesterday but I passed thank god lol my dumbass.”

Well, well, well…..Local law enforcement called Colleen back again for an additional urine test. Colleen had indeed failed the more precise urine test.

At this time, Colleen is looking at an additional 93 days in jail from the 18th District Court in Michigan for violating her parole. Nice work Colleen.

Shockingly, Colleen has since deleted her Facebook post and her Facebook account. Hmmmmm.

Morale of the story: Know the power of social media because what you post, isn’t really private.

@rusnivek

What I read before every flight #safety

Posted on March 30, 2014 by rusnivek

If you have ever flown with me, then you know…

…I am that guy that ALWAYS pulls out the safety card briefing card during prep for flight.

I follow along w/ the flight crew as they go over all safety procedures.

Seriously, I don’t care how hot you are, I will be paying attention during flight briefing. Try to distract me…and it won’t work.

Yep, #Imadork

Maybe it’s the years doing preflight checks or my over active imagination that when the time comes, I will most likely be at the door – who knows!

Race time! Ready….Set……

I’ll ask again: Are you sure you want to join me on assignment?

@rusnivek

Firefighter self-rescue / bailout course in North Charleston SC

Posted on March 30, 2014 by rusnivek

Back at it on the fireground for three days of teaching Firefighter bailout instructor class to North Charleston Fire (SC).

I’m glad to be working with these professionals for over 7 years now.

Also, it appears they got some new equipment as well….Boy oh boy did they spec this thing out well – I’m impressed!

Train like you fight was the mantra for all instructors who participated in classroom and then the hands on portion part in several training evolutions.

Looking forward to seeing them again very soon.

Also looks like we will be doing phase-2 and phase-3 training too.

Awesome.

@rusnivek

Is this flooded roadway safe? You tell me…. #TADD #Prepared2014

Posted on March 17, 2014 by rusnivek

This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 16 – 22, 2014).

To help clarify some misconceptions about water and flooding, let me make it very clear – NEVER drive through flooded roads. Here’s a great example. We were dispatched after a few reported calls of a flooded roadway. Looks innocent enough right?

Just because it’s downhill does NOT mean it is any safer…in fact, it is more dangerous.

Gravity will move/flow the water faster.
More water will cause you to lose control of your vehicle or possibly sink your vehicle and/or drown you.
More water will remain at the bottom of the hill will definitely cause damage to your vehicle.

So how can you share this safety message with others?

Continue to share the message of Turn Around, Don’t Drown = #TADD (National safety campaign phrase)
Flash flooding can occur anywhere – even within metropolitan and urban areas.
Avoid areas that are frequently flooded.
Always follow instructions from your local emergency service professionals.
Report any flooded roadways to the proper authorities.
NEVER drive through flooded roads.

It’s really bad news if we have to meet like this…

If you were wondering, that’s me on the right

Do your part in #Prepared2014 by being safe this year.

@rusnivek

2014 National Flood Safety Awareness Week #TADD #Prepared2014

Posted on March 16, 2014 by rusnivek

This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 16 – 22, 2014).

Did you know that floods are the #1 natural disaster in the US? Just within the past five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

How can you help?

Share these easy safety tips with your constituents on flood safety:

Turn Around, Don’t Drown = #TADD (National safety campaign phrase)
Flash flooding can occur anywhere. If there is a possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Always follow instructions from your local emergency service professionals.
NEVER drive through flooded roads.
Use local alerts and warning systems (like iPAWS and WEAs) which can send localized information about your immediate area.
Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause thousands of dollars in damages.
Do you know if you live in a flood zone? Find out here for free.

So check your emergency preparedness kits and make sure you are ready!

@rusnivek

Snow in the streets? Be careful or else this could happen to your kids #OHWX

Posted on March 4, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.

Do you have snow shovels and snow removal equipment in your emergency preparedness kit?

Do you have adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm?

How are the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio so you can get immediate updates from the National Weather Service (NWS)?

During severe weather, minimize your travel. If travel is necessary, always keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Snow day? Do not let kids play for long periods of time. Most everyone should stay away from the roads during severe weather. A great demonstration of why you should stay indoors by Fox29’s Steve Keeley.

Thanks Steve….In other news…

@rusnivek