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Cops vs. FFs vs. EMS: Can't we all just get along?
Scene calls can be chaotic, especially when multiple agencies are involved
By Art Hsieh
Scene calls can be chaotic, especially when multiple agencies are involved. We all know that clear and constant communication among responders is crucial, but it's easy to overlook when the situation becomes stressful.
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when dealing with personnel from other agencies:
1. Everyone has a job to do. Sometimes the jobs conflict with each other, which is stressful all-around. Before getting into an argument on scene, quickly weigh the urgency and priority of the tasks at hand.
If the medical condition of the patient is critical, make it known clearly but respectfully. If not, consider whether the situation may be not as safe as you assume or that other, more pressing issues must be managed first.
2. Pre-communications, in the form of policies, should establish general protocol when managing events. Such policies might take into account factors like locations (e.g., highways versus city streets) and hazards (such as hazardous materials, fires and violence).
Make sure the policies are distributed and understood among the field staff.
3. When on scene, make sure that requests and orders are heard clearly and understood, even if it takes a few extra moments. If you're not sure, repeat back as if you were on the radio.
And if you disagree, go back up, and see point no. 1.
Skip Kirkwood Thursday, July 26, 2012 8:00:04 PM Recent critical incident discussions highlight an important message. Complex incidents require UNIFIED COMMAND to be successfully managed. If you are the senior EMS dude, you need to be within a few feet of the senior fire dude and the senior LEO dude. If you're not, somebody is in the WRONG PLACE.
And if you're working together (or even meeting each other) for the first time at the incident, somebody screwed up long ago. EMS chiefs should have working relationships with the police chiefs and fire chiefs in their service areas, and field EMS supervisors should know (and drink coffee with) the fire BCs and the police LTs and SGTs. Things go more smoothly when it's "Hi Gary, how can I help?" than "I'm Captain Jones - who are you?"
Better yet - have you TRAINED together? Should be - at all levels. 
Greg Friese Friday, July 27, 2012 2:21:16 PM Looks simple, but often seems so difficult. Step 2 with some get to know you events and training probably makes all the difference. 
Bill Belcher Saturday, July 28, 2012 8:03:24 PM Rule #1 I'm in charge until I tell you otherwise!
Rule #2 If you think you are in charge, refer to rule #1. 
Elizabeth Miller Sunday, July 29, 2012 2:20:26 PM My FD and PD work so well together, it's almost a shame that we're so rural. If I could watch them in incidents every day, I wouldn't have to read poetry. It would be right in front of me! 
