P.S. 8 days a month. NO. 8 TWENTY-FOUR HOUR SHIFTS A MONTH. A 40 hour work week (full time job) comes out to about 170ish hours a month. 8 24 hour shifts comes out to 192 hours a month. AND most of these crews are unpaid volunteers also working a proper job to pay the bills.
I'm a FF/EMT and as an EMT basic I've seen paramedics save people's lives with their interventions. Medics never get the credit they deserve. It's sad..
EMTs saved both myself and my father's lives more than once. They are as close to classical heroes as people can get. This whole video should have been taken down
13 year veteran paramedic here, this is a kick in the face. If the WSJ wants to be so informative, maybe they should do a video about fiat currency and fractional reserve banking!
Top 5 things a reporter won't tell you: 1. Numbers don't lie but we can lie with numbers. 2. We don't report news, we create stories. 3. We don't give you all the facts, just what we want you to know. 4. We use false headlines to grab your attention. 5. We're not qualified to discuss most of the stories we cover. Most of the story is misleading, we quite often tell patients "we don't know what's wrong" then we take them to the hospital. Heart attacks are due to the strenuous work, not the body composition. 70% of NFL players are obese using the BMI index, it has nothing to do with how good of shape you're in, only the ratio between height and weight. Most firefighters work a 53 hour work week instead of a 40 hour week, and are usually sleep deprived. All ambulance transports cost money. The FD does not charge for anything else, we don't generate money writing tickets. It's the only way to recover some of our expenses and we usually only receive payment on 1/2 the billings. The number of fires are down but every fire is worse now than it was 20 years ago.
These are certainly NOT the top five things they won't tell you. The most likely thing they won't say is: - You aren't going to make it. (Some may offer to let you use their cell phone to call a loved one though, if that's the case.) - Telling the patient they are going to be charged for service is the norm, if there will be a charge, sorry, you're wrong on this one most of the time. Though that bill might come as a surprise to some, most places there is a fee, it's nothing new.. - Telling the patient we don't know what's wrong with them, We may or may not know, but we are not physicians and do not make the diagnosis, nor is consulting the physician discouraged when it is appropriate. It is usually not necessary to know in any event as the treatment is guided by protocols. An example of why this is silliness on your part: it is impossible even for a physician to know without advanced diagnostic imaging whether a patient is suffering from a pulmonary embolism or 'simple hyperventilation syndrome, so you treat for the worst possibility. - I only work 8 days a month... More likely the thing they won't tell you is they work at low wages for a private company that barely allows them to feed and clothe their family, not all EMTs work for a fire department. And they are unlikely to tell you that they are now working their 34th hour with no rest because their replacement called in sick and they got held over... Sensationalist journalism. Irresponsible Journalism. Shame on you!
Off on so many levels. All I'll say is yes we don't fight as many fires as we did back in the day. But in return for the decrease we have fires now that are 1000 times more dangerous. They burn hotter, faster and the byproducts are for more dangerous because of what everything is made of. Oh and those nights y'all think we sleep we are more times then not running calls then sleeping a full night. If any reporter wants to have any credibility when reporting on what we do, then you need to do ride alongs to see what it is we truly do. Then and only then will your story have any shred of credibility.
My dad is an LAFD firefighter and I can tell you that even though a lot of firefighters may be somewhat overweight they are still in great physical shape as far as exercise and training and being able to handle fires or other situations just fine
T E, okay i see your point there. However what WSJ said about firefighters dying from heart attack due to them being “obese” is untrue. Multiple fire departments (FDNY, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, ETC..) have told me due to too much smoke and extreme heart rush that causes heart attacks
T E Don’t let your personal perspective paint the picture for the whole service... in the city here where I live there’s over 200 firefighters and I know every member because I work for the city mang. I can only tell you if two “obese” firemen and there both about to retire. There are all very much in shape.
As a firefighther this is generalizations Heres a more accurate list 5. There is a very high chance you will experience PTSD 4. Firefighters are 10 times more likely to commit suicide then the general popultation 3. About 67% of all firefighters are volunteer 2. Sleep is a luxury 1. You will very likely contract cancer
She missed station/equipment maintenance, hose testing, pump testing, ladder testing, continuing education, new training and so much more. I worked 13 days a month. Must be nice to only work 8 days a month and then work 2 other part time jobs just to make ends meet. Oh and after 26 years, I really enjoy chronic pain and PTSD, you know the highlight reel that flashes by in your mind. Pictures of the calls where we/I couldn't make the save. It's really enjoyable to see that multiple times a day. Oh another thing I can't even count all the Firefighter funerals I have been to. I think the only one that can understand what we do is us! They don't know what its like going into a foreign structure, in the black dark searching for life, tripping, falling through floors and ceilings coming down on us. Wearing all the gear and having to work your self to death. Yes, MI's are the number one cause of death. It's not just because of obesity! Do more homework or better yet come ride with us for about a month if you can hang come on.
Wow.... paramedics are only there to stabilize and transport to a higher level of care huh? Well shit, I better get reimbursed for the 2 years I went to college for my degree in paramedicine then. Guess we're right back to just being ambulance drivers now, only good for loading and going huh?
Paul Bernard Jr. 2 years and a Degree? I think not! You have a diploma not a degree bro! Degrees come from universities not colleges! Now don't get your hackles up I to went to college to be a paramedic! Let's not over reach! Why so defensive anyway! Our job IS to stabilize a pt and get them to a hospital.
Richard clarke degrees can come from colleges or universities. I have a degree in paramedicine also. But yes I do agree we are there to stabilize and transport.
I was a professional firefighter for 25 years. I worked out 2.5 hours everyday I was off and road an exercise bike after hours on duty. I had to retire due to injuries to my neck and back while fighting a fire. Every joint in my body has been injured while firefighting. My lungs are damage due to breathing smoke and I have heart damage as well. This video is the most insulting and untrue hateful piece I have ever witnessed. All I can say is the wall street journal should be ashamed of themselves.
24/48 is equal to 3 days, most months have 30-31 days making for 10 shifts a month, not 8. Also these are 10 24-hr shifts or 240 hours vs 160 that someone on the typical 40-hr work week would do monthly.
Joel Castellow ....not to mention two particular and very import points. One is that (not sure about everyone) those 24hr are usually WORKED with interrupted meals, report writting, projects (that never seem to get finished because of calls) and oh yeah...SLEEP!!! Where my sleep? Yup, running those CALLS! Two, not may eople can withstand the work, abscence from family and the events we see/do/rescue/save the people from. Two and half (2.5) point t be made is that most people can't last 20 yrs of seeing citizens in the situations we find them (let alone fins a "ride-along) nor have the mentally to cope with said findings. Again, what wasn't noted or even emphasized....WE ARE AWAY FROM OUR FAMILIES FOR 24HR STRAIGHT!!! Even if they do swing by, we're usually out helping others. So....take this ill advised information and go talk to a really FF or better yet, go spend three full shifts with one.....then come to an educated realization of what we don't tell others... These things make my brain actually hurt from the duhuh factor
FFs basically work two weeks a month more than folks on a 40 hour work week. Most people don’t realize that until I point it out to them because they are sleeping most of the time we are at work. All they see is we work 10 days a month but they never do the math.
I am a 6'3 290lb active volunteer firefighter. And most people would call me obese. But i still compete with all of the "fit guys in my department" when it comes to agility and endurance. id like to see you reporters do what we all do on a day to day basis. And deal with the things we see and hear that the public dose not get to see.
If we saved 1 life in that 10 day shift it was worth it for them. This was written by someone who couldn't pass the physical agility exam to become a FF. And don't worry we will still respond to your emergency no matter what you think or have said about us.
The heart attacks isn't because were out of shape. It's because of smoke inhalation. Smoking causes heart attacks so what do you think about all the smoke from a house fire.
Justin Smith it's because of the stress of the job, the mental and physical stress adds up after years in the fire service and it doesn't matter how great of shape you're in, we all have a limit to how much stress we can handle.
I agree that it is an occupational hazard but a large chunk of the fire service is out of shape. It's due to the culture of so many depts that don't stress fitness. I'm not saying this to attack anyone just saying it is an issue.
My dad served in Army in the 1990's and based off what I know about the gas mask of his era, literally the only way to maintain 100% efectiveness was to stand still and look dead ahead. Is this the case with recent FF breathing aparatus?
I don’t understand how you guys can even post this. Incredibly rude and disrespectful. Yeah a lot of firefighters these days are overweight but we know how to get the job done. I myself am kind of heavy but I can go nonstop for hours without an issue. And the one about paramedics may not know what the issue is, that’s just dumb to even say. They’re paramedics not doctors. They don’t have access to the same equipment. Whole video is inaccurate and disrespectful
Okay ***** So I'm supposed to be a psychic now and be able to diagnose "what is wrong with you" by seeing inside you with my xray vision and detect your body chemistry imbalances by taste testing your blood or urine? We field diagnose and treat based on what tests and capabilities we have available to us- IN THE FIELD! This isn't an episode of royal pains and we don't have a CT machine in our rig- oops. We use nurse AND MD consultations ALL THE TIME. I WISH I only worked 8 days a month- nope, I WORK A MINIMUM OF 240 HOURS PER MONTH- you work 160. And OF COURSE you get billed for an ambulance fee- do you get charged for a visit to the hospital, or urgent care, or doctors office? This is seriously the WORST thing I've seen since blackfish. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.
Really!! I would think that a publication like the WSJ would be more respectful then this. What we don't tell you is simply because no one asks... What about some of the more important and impactful things we won't tell you like how we get to live in a world of continuous PTSD and stress for very little pay. Oh wait, you didn't mention one very, very important fact... 75% of fire departments are VOLUNTEER, not paid. These are people in your own communities that typically work a full time job and come home only to respond to other peoples emergencies. Yes, larger municipalities have a paid or combination paid and volunteer department but most of us, like me, volunteer our time. I am active duty military, work per diem as a Critical Care Paramedic and volunteer with 2 fire departments and 2 volunteer ambulance corps... I am not part of the minority, my lifestyle represents the majority of firefighters.... Oh, and by the way, while we may not know what's going on with you, we do our damnedest to make you comfortable and gather as much information as we can to assist in the continuity of your care. For some, we certainly will know what's going on and can intervene with lifesaving techniques and treatments that not too long ago you could only expect in the ER. Wow, just flabbergasted by the lack of education and perpetuation of myths based on factual data from a small minority of our profession....
Why am i just now seeing this..☝🏾wow up top it says "Remember to keep comments respectful" then they proceed to completely disrespect firefighters and EMT's.. w
According to the extension Return RUclips Dislike, it is as of right now at 964 likes and 3000 dislikes. 964 people are gullible self-absorbed ungrateful idiots. Or WSJ employees. Or both.
Dear Wall Street Journal, This is a disgrace to the badge and discouraging to people who want to become firefighters or emts. The reason there isn’t a lot of fires any more is because of good fire prevention. If you don’t have anything nice to say Wall Street Journal don’t say it at all. You should be grateful that you get our help when it’s needed. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, were here to help you no matter what.
1 - we are not Doctors. 2 - our stress levels are 1,000 times greater than yours. 3 - we work a minimum of 10 days and many OT shifts 4 - ambo's are 98% private company, they charge to keep EMT/Paramedics coming to your door. 5 - you need a fire crew(4) and that Ambo(2) to pick up all the obese people that call 6 - bet when your health is in need, you will call us. hope none of those that have watched this video show up.
I feel as if this was just made off strictly statistics I would love to see the people who thought up these bright ideas do a few 24 hour shifts and see what they think about everything they just stated
Firefighters don't fight as many fires as they used too..... Maybe because they are running many more AFAs and investigations and preventing fires from happening. Maybe they are tied up responding to calls for MVA's, Haz-Mat, service calls and medical calls which have skyrocketed in the same time?
I don't even have the time nor patience to explain to any of the general public reading this how misleading and wrong this video is. All I can say is do some research and you will rewatch this and feel as angry as I do.
Just something to ponder...they make life and death decisions every shift but they don’t even make $15.00 an hour. Then people say, “But you only work 10 days a month!”...so take that 2912 hours they’ll work every year and divide it by your average 8hr work day...I’ll do the math for you: it comes out to 364 work days in a year. How many days are in a calendar year again? This is pretty typical nationwide. So when you scoff at a firefighter who “gets to retire” when they’re only 48 years old and “only worked 30 years”, think about this. We typically don’t get big six figure pensions or free healthcare. We’re spent...our bodies shot out and our brains fried. But yet, we’re blessed beyond measure. That said, “Best job I ever had!” Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
1) The hell we don't know what wrong with the patient. We dedicate 3 or more years of our life to learn many aspects of emergency medicine. Yes we stabilize the patient but more often than not, we hit the ED doors with a pt that is normal or near normal due to the emergency treatments those patients receive from us "dumb Medics". FYI there are specific guidelines of when we should consult with a MD. Most of our protocols state that we can treat pts with offline orders. There are some specific circumstances that we must consult with an MD for online orders. When we consult with that MD we MUST know what the current status of that pt is and why you are calling to get the order. If we can't paint the picture the MD absolutely will not give the go ahead to treat that pt effectively. Understand that apparently we DO know whats going on with these pts. 2) Yes the leading cause of death in emergency services is heart attacks. You may want to be more specific and lead less of a angle on this topic. I do agree that there is a problem with physical health among the industry. But yeah the conditions we work in surely wouldn't play a factor. 3) Traditional Shifts are just that...traditional, it's common among career fire departments. Private and volunteer services often work 24/7/365. Most private EMS services I know work at least 3 shifts in a 7 day period. This ranges from 60 hours to 72 hours. Most shifts we are up all day and all night. We may work less "days" but I will be damned if you think we work less than you. 4) We charge for EMS for a very specific reason. It is not legally a required service to a community in most of the U.S. This means that while the fire department (whose you even state the statics of running less calls and EMS running the majority of all fire/EMS related call) and police departments get tax paid funding, most EMS services have to generate a revenue to sustain the absolutely ridiculous low pay that we already receive. 5) As I stated above, you state that 80% of all emergency related calls are for medical service. I would like to take a second to further explain my stance on the situation. Out of the 3 main services that create the "core" emergency service sector, EMS is the only one that a community is not required to have. While it is required to have a fire department and police department, most states have yet to create legislation to make your heath as a priority. Just imagine that we take away Police, Fire, and EMS from all communities. Out of all 3 police services are the most utilized. The second most utilized is EMS. Following behind, with all of the advancements in fire prevention technology, is the Fire department. Now, it may be me but I would rather fund all three service to aid my self in my time of need. Most people do not know that EMS is not a requirement for a city or town but absolutely need to be informed about this.
Justin Lewis also in alot of places fire and ems are one department and also in others firefighters are required to be at least emts and work hand in hand with EMS including having to ride in and assist in treatment of critical patients or drive the ambulance while the medics work on the critical patients
This is very insulating...I am currently a firefighter and we are on call 24/7 we work every day of the week so idk where u people get your information but not to be rude get your facts straight first
Cora Godwin Because you’re a. Vollie in a department that doesn’t run duty crews. Most departments run duty crews as well as on call. There’s a reason more and more of the vast vollie departments have gone to taking out of town applicants as well as in town applicants. It’s to ensure that at least one piece of apparatus will always be manned during these duty crew shifts. Unless you live in a small town not surrounded by much where you average 2-3 calls a week your department should be highly interested in starting duty crews. It’s what the world of vollie departments have started shifting to because it works and also allows those members who only participate in duty crews to get some training in during down time between calls.
Based on those figures that's a 44 hour plus working week. I don't know the average in the States, but in the UK 36 or 37 hours a week is more the norm. I'm perfectly happy for firefighters and paramedics to have plenty of quiet time on shift and downtime when off if they are ready if we need them. Reporting like this helps no-one.
Okay so yes emts are said to only stabalize (meaning we stop them from going into shock or stabalize wounds and injuries, First aid CPR, give up to 6 medications) and transport, but als or paramedics do way more then just that, the things we cant do are why we transport to the hospital (surgery, make an actual diagnosis, etc).... duh.
56 hour workweek is standard in Texas. Most firefighters work 24 hr shifts by working two 12 hr shifts back to back, That makes 20 shifts per month. Not 8 shifts. Come in noon Monday to midnight then midnight to noon Tuesday then off Wednesday. Back on Thursday and Friday and so on.
1. Is obvious! EMS stabilizes and go! We don't diagnose. Our job is to get you to better care. 4. is also obvious. Who would have thought that was free?
Wow! So much false information, and whoever reported this needs to be fired. I don't see that reporter having the guts to go into a burning building or saving someone who is in a cardiac arrest.
Lady get your stuff right are are not a firefighter you probably do not know what FF is so stop saying obis when we save you guys. Btw am a teen wanting to be a firefighter but I know a lot and this is all lies
The number one thing a "journalist" won't tell you... "We make completely false statements all the time and simply don't care about the truth" This was an embarrassing video even by WSJ standards...
As a person who lost my father who who was a fiefighter saving someone else's life and has a son who is a passionate paramedic and firefighter, I find this video completely offensive as well as inaccurate. Really? During 9/11, who was running into the danger to help out, while others would run away? How could this woman feel right about producing this video? What would she do without firefighters if her house was burning down or if she or one of her loved ones was in need of energency care?
Fdny firefighters in Staten Island they have been fighting a lot of fires lately and in Hell’s Kitchen a lot of fires around engine 34 ladder 21 Manhattan
As so many others have said the lack of any actual depth of knowledge on display here is appaling. I mean seriously where did the WSJ get these facts from? Watching episodes of 9-1-1? As an 11 year paramedic it's nice to know that I don't know what's wrong with my patients and all I do is just drive them to the hospital.
Where do I sign up for those 8 shifts a month? More like 8 Days a week. And not tell you we are charging you? Then why am I asking you to sign this billing form? SMH, WSJ, ask the pros next time, please!
24 on 48 off makes sense they do have one of the most stressful jobs out there Also the BMI scores (which is probably what they’re using to determine obesity) don’t factor in muscle mass which weighs more than fat
Remember, they have to cope from things like decapitated corpses, drag corpses from fires, and they have to go to next emergency with clear mind etc... plus sleep deprivation. Would you like to be threated by a tired firefighters?
Yea, very simply gonna say that this is by far one of the most offensive things ive seen on youtube. Id like to see this reporter actually do research and look into a fire department to figure out that we "wont tell you" because I guarantee you, its gonna be 100% different than this report
Last I counted...30 days in a month....24 on amd 48 off.....equals 3 days...so simple math...thats 10 days......we have had plenty of fires lately. Small town ff jere but we have had 2 shifts in a row with house fires. And most of my dept is in shape...not top physical but not obese!. We are all paramedics....we encounter 1 or 2 out of 30 that we might not be 100 percent sure as to wjats going on with the pt.
![OhGeesy x Lefty Gunplay - What It Iz [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/L0yzW9t2ixk/mqdefault.jpg)
you can tell this report was written by someone that has no clue about what they are talking about.
My question is why write it at all? What purpose did this video serve?
This is 100% wrong plz spread the word. heres a link to a reliable source debunking this video
ruclips.net/video/Z4PpnXYGbb0/видео.html
@@aufahaneef7477 shut the funk up
@@landsbergnascimento3008 found the writer
@@Madmac96 money
This has got to be the biggest joke of reporting I’ve seen
P.S. 8 days a month. NO. 8 TWENTY-FOUR HOUR SHIFTS A MONTH.
A 40 hour work week (full time job) comes out to about 170ish hours a month. 8 24 hour shifts comes out to 192 hours a month. AND most of these crews are unpaid volunteers also working a proper job to pay the bills.
Wow....as a firefighter/EMT, this is insulting. Way to go, Wall Street Journal.
NCAirsoftTech agreed!
Do you actually only work 8-10 days a month. I am studying paramedics and I’m very curious!?
Logan slocum that only happens if you work 24 hr shifts and pretty much all fure departments do 24s and some private ems systems do as well
So true
Definitely, u right
I'm a FF/EMT and as an EMT basic I've seen paramedics save people's lives with their interventions. Medics never get the credit they deserve. It's sad..
Brother Ray I am also a FF working on my EMT, and EMTS, AEMT, and Paramedics are mobile doctors and deserve the same pay grade.
Brother ray I'm a medical ret firefighter and I agree with you
theres a difference between putting your life in danger to save someones life and just saving someones life
EMTs saved both myself and my father's lives more than once. They are as close to classical heroes as people can get. This whole video should have been taken down
13 year veteran paramedic here, this is a kick in the face. If the WSJ wants to be so informative, maybe they should do a video about fiat currency and fractional reserve banking!
Lol, can't do that. Never talk about that. Until you want an even worse digital currency to replace that system.
I reckoned the kick came in a mite bit lower.
Top 5 things a reporter won't tell you:
1. Numbers don't lie but we can lie with numbers.
2. We don't report news, we create stories.
3. We don't give you all the facts, just what we want you to know.
4. We use false headlines to grab your attention.
5. We're not qualified to discuss most of the stories we cover.
Most of the story is misleading, we quite often tell patients "we don't know what's wrong" then we take them to the hospital. Heart attacks are due to the strenuous work, not the body composition. 70% of NFL players are obese using the BMI index, it has nothing to do with how good of shape you're in, only the ratio between height and weight. Most firefighters work a 53 hour work week instead of a 40 hour week, and are usually sleep deprived. All ambulance transports cost money. The FD does not charge for anything else, we don't generate money writing tickets. It's the only way to recover some of our expenses and we usually only receive payment on 1/2 the billings. The number of fires are down but every fire is worse now than it was 20 years ago.
this is highly offensive to firefighters and paramedics
it is
I just decided to come back here a few years later to remind you that you did a great job with insulting Firefighters/EMT-Paramedics. Way to go.
These are certainly NOT the top five things they won't tell you. The most likely thing they won't say is:
- You aren't going to make it. (Some may offer to let you use their cell phone to call a loved one though, if that's the case.)
- Telling the patient they are going to be charged for service is the norm, if there will be a charge, sorry, you're wrong on this one most of the time. Though that bill might come as a surprise to some, most places there is a fee, it's nothing new..
- Telling the patient we don't know what's wrong with them, We may or may not know, but we are not physicians and do not make the diagnosis, nor is consulting the physician discouraged when it is appropriate. It is usually not necessary to know in any event as the treatment is guided by protocols. An example of why this is silliness on your part: it is impossible even for a physician to know without advanced diagnostic imaging whether a patient is suffering from a pulmonary embolism or 'simple hyperventilation syndrome, so you treat for the worst possibility.
- I only work 8 days a month... More likely the thing they won't tell you is they work at low wages for a private company that barely allows them to feed and clothe their family, not all EMTs work for a fire department. And they are unlikely to tell you that they are now working their 34th hour with no rest because their replacement called in sick and they got held over... Sensationalist journalism. Irresponsible Journalism. Shame on you!
Off on so many levels. All I'll say is yes we don't fight as many fires as we did back in the day. But in return for the decrease we have fires now that are 1000 times more dangerous. They burn hotter, faster and the byproducts are for more dangerous because of what everything is made of. Oh and those nights y'all think we sleep we are more times then not running calls then sleeping a full night. If any reporter wants to have any credibility when reporting on what we do, then you need to do ride alongs to see what it is we truly do. Then and only then will your story have any shred of credibility.
James Kuchciak I concur
James Kuchciak my thoughts exactly...
Amen
James Kuchciak amen brother
James Kuchciak so true Chicago we mostly get house fires of apartment fires so if this lady need to go to school and learn more
My dad is an LAFD firefighter and I can tell you that even though a lot of firefighters may be somewhat overweight they are still in great physical shape as far as exercise and training and being able to handle fires or other situations just fine
They're probably using the, Body Mass Index scale. Which is the dumbest thing ever, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is considered obese using that scale.
This was the worst display of "facts" I have ever seen. Wow, WSJ, you showed your true colors with this one. Just as resourceful and honest as MSNBC.
Jesus Christ, there is so much incorrect information in this.
T E, it’s fake tho, especially the fact that EMTs only stabilize that’s EXTREMELY untrue.
T E, okay i see your point there. However what WSJ said about firefighters dying from heart attack due to them being “obese” is untrue. Multiple fire departments (FDNY, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, ETC..) have told me due to too much smoke and extreme heart rush that causes heart attacks
T E, thanks you for agreeing.
T E Don’t let your personal perspective paint the picture for the whole service... in the city here where I live there’s over 200 firefighters and I know every member because I work for the city mang. I can only tell you if two “obese” firemen and there both about to retire. There are all very much in shape.
Karl, exactly! Thanks you for being reasonable
As a firefighther this is generalizations
Heres a more accurate list
5. There is a very high chance you will experience PTSD
4. Firefighters are 10 times more likely to commit suicide then the general popultation
3. About 67% of all firefighters are volunteer
2. Sleep is a luxury
1. You will very likely contract cancer
She missed station/equipment maintenance, hose testing, pump testing, ladder testing, continuing education, new training and so much more. I worked 13 days a month. Must be nice to only work 8 days a month and then work 2 other part time jobs just to make ends meet. Oh and after 26 years, I really enjoy chronic pain and PTSD, you know the highlight reel that flashes by in your mind. Pictures of the calls where we/I couldn't make the save. It's really enjoyable to see that multiple times a day. Oh another thing I can't even count all the Firefighter funerals I have been to. I think the only one that can understand what we do is us! They don't know what its like going into a foreign structure, in the black dark searching for life, tripping, falling through floors and ceilings coming down on us. Wearing all the gear and having to work your self to death. Yes, MI's are the number one cause of death. It's not just because of obesity! Do more homework or better yet come ride with us for about a month if you can hang come on.
Did you talk to ANY firefighters or paramedics. A lot of miss information here.
Wow.... paramedics are only there to stabilize and transport to a higher level of care huh? Well shit, I better get reimbursed for the 2 years I went to college for my degree in paramedicine then. Guess we're right back to just being ambulance drivers now, only good for loading and going huh?
Paul Bernard Jr. EMTs and Paramedics are not the same
Paul Bernard Jr. 2 years and a Degree? I think not! You have a diploma not a degree bro! Degrees come from universities not colleges! Now don't get your hackles up I to went to college to be a paramedic! Let's not over reach! Why so defensive anyway! Our job IS to stabilize a pt and get them to a hospital.
Where I'm from, Paramedics are able to push drugs. EMTs can't
If they are in need of adenosine for there SVT don’t call the ambulance they can only give oxygen 😂😂😂
Richard clarke degrees can come from colleges or universities. I have a degree in paramedicine also. But yes I do agree we are there to stabilize and transport.
I knew this was going to be rough when they used paramedic and EMT interchangeably
Facts 😂
I was a professional firefighter for 25 years. I worked out 2.5 hours everyday I was off and road an exercise bike after hours on duty. I had to retire due to injuries to my neck and back while fighting a fire. Every joint in my body has been injured while firefighting. My lungs are damage due to breathing smoke and I have heart damage as well. This video is the most insulting and untrue hateful piece I have ever witnessed. All I can say is the wall street journal should be ashamed of themselves.
24/48 is equal to 3 days, most months have 30-31 days making for 10 shifts a month, not 8. Also these are 10 24-hr shifts or 240 hours vs 160 that someone on the typical 40-hr work week would do monthly.
Joel Castellow ....not to mention two particular and very import points. One is that (not sure about everyone) those 24hr are usually WORKED with interrupted meals, report writting, projects (that never seem to get finished because of calls) and oh yeah...SLEEP!!! Where my sleep? Yup, running those CALLS! Two, not may eople can withstand the work, abscence from family and the events we see/do/rescue/save the people from. Two and half (2.5) point t be made is that most people can't last 20 yrs of seeing citizens in the situations we find them (let alone fins a "ride-along) nor have the mentally to cope with said findings. Again, what wasn't noted or even emphasized....WE ARE AWAY FROM OUR FAMILIES FOR 24HR STRAIGHT!!! Even if they do swing by, we're usually out helping others. So....take this ill advised information and go talk to a really FF or better yet, go spend three full shifts with one.....then come to an educated realization of what we don't tell others... These things make my brain actually hurt from the duhuh factor
FFs basically work two weeks a month more than folks on a 40 hour work week. Most people don’t realize that until I point it out to them because they are sleeping most of the time we are at work. All they see is we work 10 days a month but they never do the math.
Or how about training when we have our off days..or how about our shifts use to be 3 on 3 off . This is misrepresentation to the fullest
The only true thing in this video is the first thing she said about fireman not diagnosing you.
Im suprised they didnt put this vid out on Sept 11 just to make it that much more disrespectful
I am a 6'3 290lb active volunteer firefighter. And most people would call me obese. But i still compete with all of the "fit guys in my department" when it comes to agility and endurance. id like to see you reporters do what we all do on a day to day basis. And deal with the things we see and hear that the public dose not get to see.
I hear you there! I'll take a chubby firefighter who can work for hours over Mr. January who needs a break and a protein shake every 20 minutes.
tyjames429 you're absolutely right. All of these rich snotty reporters wouldn't last a day on this job
I usually don’t dislike videos, but you’ve earned it.
That's all a lot of bull
Wow. This video is such a joke! I can’t believe Wall Street journal posted this..
If we saved 1 life in that 10 day shift it was worth it for them. This was written by someone who couldn't pass the physical agility exam to become a FF. And don't worry we will still respond to your emergency no matter what you think or have said about us.
we may know whats wrong with you but we are taught not to give a diagnosis because that is the doctors job.
The heart attacks isn't because were out of shape. It's because of smoke inhalation. Smoking causes heart attacks so what do you think about all the smoke from a house fire.
Justin Smith it's because of the stress of the job, the mental and physical stress adds up after years in the fire service and it doesn't matter how great of shape you're in, we all have a limit to how much stress we can handle.
I agree that it is an occupational hazard but a large chunk of the fire service is out of shape. It's due to the culture of so many depts that don't stress fitness. I'm not saying this to attack anyone just saying it is an issue.
If your wearing an airpack that should NEVER happen. Ever.
My dad served in Army in the 1990's and based off what I know about the gas mask of his era, literally the only way to maintain 100% efectiveness was to stand still and look dead ahead. Is this the case with recent FF breathing aparatus?
jed-henry Witkowski Nope. There is tiny pressure inside the mask to keep the smoke out.
What five year old wrote this. My father is a firefighter this is such misleading and disturbing. I hope yall know what they really go through.
I don’t understand how you guys can even post this. Incredibly rude and disrespectful. Yeah a lot of firefighters these days are overweight but we know how to get the job done. I myself am kind of heavy but I can go nonstop for hours without an issue. And the one about paramedics may not know what the issue is, that’s just dumb to even say. They’re paramedics not doctors. They don’t have access to the same equipment. Whole video is inaccurate and disrespectful
Okay ***** So I'm supposed to be a psychic now and be able to diagnose "what is wrong with you" by seeing inside you with my xray vision and detect your body chemistry imbalances by taste testing your blood or urine? We field diagnose and treat based on what tests and capabilities we have available to us- IN THE FIELD! This isn't an episode of royal pains and we don't have a CT machine in our rig- oops. We use nurse AND MD consultations ALL THE TIME. I WISH I only worked 8 days a month- nope, I WORK A MINIMUM OF 240 HOURS PER MONTH- you work 160. And OF COURSE you get billed for an ambulance fee- do you get charged for a visit to the hospital, or urgent care, or doctors office? This is seriously the WORST thing I've seen since blackfish. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.
Really!! I would think that a publication like the WSJ would be more respectful then this. What we don't tell you is simply because no one asks... What about some of the more important and impactful things we won't tell you like how we get to live in a world of continuous PTSD and stress for very little pay. Oh wait, you didn't mention one very, very important fact... 75% of fire departments are VOLUNTEER, not paid. These are people in your own communities that typically work a full time job and come home only to respond to other peoples emergencies. Yes, larger municipalities have a paid or combination paid and volunteer department but most of us, like me, volunteer our time. I am active duty military, work per diem as a Critical Care Paramedic and volunteer with 2 fire departments and 2 volunteer ambulance corps... I am not part of the minority, my lifestyle represents the majority of firefighters.... Oh, and by the way, while we may not know what's going on with you, we do our damnedest to make you comfortable and gather as much information as we can to assist in the continuity of your care. For some, we certainly will know what's going on and can intervene with lifesaving techniques and treatments that not too long ago you could only expect in the ER. Wow, just flabbergasted by the lack of education and perpetuation of myths based on factual data from a small minority of our profession....
Somebody with a grudge against Firefighters and paramedics. Sounds so authentic. Plonker!
Why am i just now seeing this..☝🏾wow up top it says "Remember to keep comments respectful" then they proceed to completely disrespect firefighters and EMT's.. w
It's too bad YT removed the number of dislikes. I'd like to see how many people thought this was stupid.
According to the extension Return RUclips Dislike, it is as of right now at 964 likes and 3000 dislikes. 964 people are gullible self-absorbed ungrateful idiots. Or WSJ employees. Or both.
@@bettrhalf8006 964 people who’ve never been in an emergency situation in their lives.
Dear Wall Street Journal, This is a disgrace to the badge and discouraging to people who want to become firefighters or emts. The reason there isn’t a lot of fires any more is because of good fire prevention. If you don’t have anything nice to say Wall Street Journal don’t say it at all. You should be grateful that you get our help when it’s needed. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, were here to help you no matter what.
it may be 24 on 48 off but most firefighters have to work other jobs so it’s not that in reality
Very true.
I was a firefighter from spring 1986 till end of july 2017 i had to drive a hotel shuttle bus near ohare airport on one of my days off towards the end
None of this is true, And the first one you rely on when you are in danger is THESE GUYS.
1 - we are not Doctors.
2 - our stress levels are 1,000 times greater than yours.
3 - we work a minimum of 10 days and many OT shifts
4 - ambo's are 98% private company, they charge to keep EMT/Paramedics coming to your door.
5 - you need a fire crew(4) and that Ambo(2) to pick up all the obese people that call
6 - bet when your health is in need, you will call us. hope none of those that have watched this video show up.
yes because wall street journal reporters know what a FF / EMT does in their safe and snug offices.
I feel as if this was just made off strictly statistics I would love to see the people who thought up these bright ideas do a few 24 hour shifts and see what they think about everything they just stated
The only thing she got right was when she said that role of an EMT is to stabilize and transport the patient to the nearest hospital.
And let's forget to mention the 48 hour shifts as well...
Firefighters don't fight as many fires as they used too..... Maybe because they are running many more AFAs and investigations and preventing fires from happening. Maybe they are tied up responding to calls for MVA's, Haz-Mat, service calls and medical calls which have skyrocketed in the same time?
Came from Fire Department Chronicles' video and just went here to dislike this... Respect to all them firefighters out there.
I don't even have the time nor patience to explain to any of the general public reading this how misleading and wrong this video is. All I can say is do some research and you will rewatch this and feel as angry as I do.
Seems like the writers wife must of been seeing a hot firefighter on the side.. now he has a deep hatred for Fire/EMS 😂😂
Just something to ponder...they make life and death decisions every shift but they don’t even make $15.00 an hour. Then people say, “But you only work 10 days a month!”...so take that 2912 hours they’ll work every year and divide it by your average 8hr work day...I’ll do the math for you: it comes out to 364 work days in a year. How many days are in a calendar year again? This is pretty typical nationwide. So when you scoff at a firefighter who “gets to retire” when they’re only 48 years old and “only worked 30 years”, think about this. We typically don’t get big six figure pensions or free healthcare. We’re spent...our bodies shot out and our brains fried. But yet, we’re blessed beyond measure.
That said, “Best job I ever had!” Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
As a volunteer firefighter I'm never off the clock ever when we get called we go
They will also put their own life at risk to save you when you left your cooker on and fell asleep whilst drunk!
The topic should have been, top 5 dumbest things journalists have said.
Agreed
1) The hell we don't know what wrong with the patient. We dedicate 3 or more years of our life to learn many aspects of emergency medicine. Yes we stabilize the patient but more often than not, we hit the ED doors with a pt that is normal or near normal due to the emergency treatments those patients receive from us "dumb Medics". FYI there are specific guidelines of when we should consult with a MD. Most of our protocols state that we can treat pts with offline orders. There are some specific circumstances that we must consult with an MD for online orders. When we consult with that MD we MUST know what the current status of that pt is and why you are calling to get the order. If we can't paint the picture the MD absolutely will not give the go ahead to treat that pt effectively. Understand that apparently we DO know whats going on with these pts.
2) Yes the leading cause of death in emergency services is heart attacks. You may want to be more specific and lead less of a angle on this topic. I do agree that there is a problem with physical health among the industry. But yeah the conditions we work in surely wouldn't play a factor.
3) Traditional Shifts are just that...traditional, it's common among career fire departments. Private and volunteer services often work 24/7/365. Most private EMS services I know work at least 3 shifts in a 7 day period. This ranges from 60 hours to 72 hours. Most shifts we are up all day and all night. We may work less "days" but I will be damned if you think we work less than you.
4) We charge for EMS for a very specific reason. It is not legally a required service to a community in most of the U.S. This means that while the fire department (whose you even state the statics of running less calls and EMS running the majority of all fire/EMS related call) and police departments get tax paid funding, most EMS services have to generate a revenue to sustain the absolutely ridiculous low pay that we already receive.
5) As I stated above, you state that 80% of all emergency related calls are for medical service. I would like to take a second to further explain my stance on the situation. Out of the 3 main services that create the "core" emergency service sector, EMS is the only one that a community is not required to have. While it is required to have a fire department and police department, most states have yet to create legislation to make your heath as a priority. Just imagine that we take away Police, Fire, and EMS from all communities. Out of all 3 police services are the most utilized. The second most utilized is EMS. Following behind, with all of the advancements in fire prevention technology, is the Fire department. Now, it may be me but I would rather fund all three service to aid my self in my time of need. Most people do not know that EMS is not a requirement for a city or town but absolutely need to be informed about this.
Justin Lewis also in alot of places fire and ems are one department and also in others firefighters are required to be at least emts and work hand in hand with EMS including having to ride in and assist in treatment of critical patients or drive the ambulance while the medics work on the critical patients
Nice to know we risk our lives everyday for you to think we’re all fat and don’t know what we’re doing when treating our patients
Everyone should report this video. It is grossly incorrect and who ever wrote this has not researched the topic at all.
This is very insulating...I am currently a firefighter and we are on call 24/7 we work every day of the week so idk where u people get your information but not to be rude get your facts straight first
Cora Godwin Because you’re a. Vollie in a department that doesn’t run duty crews. Most departments run duty crews as well as on call. There’s a reason more and more of the vast vollie departments have gone to taking out of town applicants as well as in town applicants. It’s to ensure that at least one piece of apparatus will always be manned during these duty crew shifts. Unless you live in a small town not surrounded by much where you average 2-3 calls a week your department should be highly interested in starting duty crews. It’s what the world of vollie departments have started shifting to because it works and also allows those members who only participate in duty crews to get some training in during down time between calls.
That "work 8 days" thing is absurd. The WSJ should be ashamed of themselves.
Theres a reason why you guys are crashing.
Problem with fire these days is they are more furious than it was 50 years ago, thanks to petroleum based products...
I demand a response from the WSJ!!!!
Based on those figures that's a 44 hour plus working week. I don't know the average in the States, but in the UK 36 or 37 hours a week is more the norm. I'm perfectly happy for firefighters and paramedics to have plenty of quiet time on shift and downtime when off if they are ready if we need them.
Reporting like this helps no-one.
This is 100% wrong plz spread the word. heres a link to a reliable source debunking this video
ruclips.net/video/Z4PpnXYGbb0/видео.html
Okay so yes emts are said to only stabalize (meaning we stop them from going into shock or stabalize wounds and injuries, First aid CPR, give up to 6 medications) and transport, but als or paramedics do way more then just that, the things we cant do are why we transport to the hospital (surgery, make an actual diagnosis, etc).... duh.
56 hour workweek is standard in Texas. Most firefighters work 24 hr shifts by working two 12 hr shifts back to back, That makes 20 shifts per month. Not 8 shifts. Come in noon Monday to midnight then midnight to noon Tuesday then off Wednesday. Back on Thursday and Friday and so on.
Hector J Cardenas
NM and CO as well
1. Is obvious! EMS stabilizes and go! We don't diagnose. Our job is to get you to better care. 4. is also obvious. Who would have thought that was free?
4 people in the uk
Wow! So much false information, and whoever reported this needs to be fired. I don't see that reporter having the guts to go into a burning building or saving someone who is in a cardiac arrest.
If by stabilizing and transport you mean STOP a person from dying and get them to help quickly then yes you would be correct.
Lady get your stuff right are are not a firefighter you probably do not know what FF is so stop saying obis when we save you guys. Btw am a teen wanting to be a firefighter but I know a lot and this is all lies
Screw this I guess we’re back to being ambulance drivers and hose pullers
Top thing news reporters won't tell you. "We'll sell out anybody for ratings."
Even the “out of shape” guys can out work 95% of civilian population especially with gear
The number one thing a "journalist" won't tell you...
"We make completely false statements all the time and simply don't care about the truth"
This was an embarrassing video even by WSJ standards...
Where did this woman get her information, the biden administration or fauci
What a disgraceful piece of "journalism".
This needs to be taken down, not true in any shape form are fashion.
I’d like to know where they got their “information”. They got everything wrong. Wow
As a person who lost my father who who was a fiefighter saving someone else's life and has a son who is a passionate paramedic and firefighter, I find this video completely offensive as well as inaccurate. Really? During 9/11, who was running into the danger to help out, while others would run away? How could this woman feel right about producing this video? What would she do without firefighters if her house was burning down or if she or one of her loved ones was in need of energency care?
Why are you ignoring all of our comments?!?!?!?!
Fdny firefighters in Staten Island they have been fighting a lot of fires lately and in Hell’s Kitchen a lot of fires around engine 34 ladder 21 Manhattan
As so many others have said the lack of any actual depth of knowledge on display here is appaling. I mean seriously where did the WSJ get these facts from? Watching episodes of 9-1-1? As an 11 year paramedic it's nice to know that I don't know what's wrong with my patients and all I do is just drive them to the hospital.
Where do I sign up for those 8 shifts a month? More like 8 Days a week. And not tell you we are charging you? Then why am I asking you to sign this billing form? SMH, WSJ, ask the pros next time, please!
It’s wsj what should’ve I expected?
Incredibly misleading story. Not surprised by WSJ and their "journalism."
Anyone here from fire department chronicles?
I thought stories of people being critical of firefighters would have come to an end after 9/11.
Very insulting video.
24 on 48 off makes sense they do have one of the most stressful jobs out there
Also the BMI scores (which is probably what they’re using to determine obesity) don’t factor in muscle mass which weighs more than fat
Remember, they have to cope from things like decapitated corpses, drag corpses from fires, and they have to go to next emergency with clear mind etc... plus sleep deprivation. Would you like to be threated by a tired firefighters?
@@bobthebuilder2922 no I would not but why did you ask in the first place
@@yyb6512 no hhh🤦♂️ it was just an example
@@bobthebuilder2922 ok I was just a bit confused about what prompted the question
Save a few dozen lives and then you can judge me.
Yea, very simply gonna say that this is by far one of the most offensive things ive seen on youtube. Id like to see this reporter actually do research and look into a fire department to figure out that we "wont tell you" because I guarantee you, its gonna be 100% different than this report
Hahahahahahaha. Come spend just the back 12 hours with me for a shift. Then revisit this subject.
None of these made sense. Utter rubbish
Last I counted...30 days in a month....24 on amd 48 off.....equals 3 days...so simple math...thats 10 days......we have had plenty of fires lately. Small town ff jere but we have had 2 shifts in a row with house fires. And most of my dept is in shape...not top physical but not obese!. We are all paramedics....we encounter 1 or 2 out of 30 that we might not be 100 percent sure as to wjats going on with the pt.
Most of this is wrong we will tell you stuff trust me I am a firefighter
Omg what politician payed for this news
Actually firefighters get heart attacks because of the hot environment and age not health
This is so over exaggerated
Did someone at WallStreet not get hired? There are better ways to let out your frustrations than rip on a job you wish you could have!
Anyone else come here from Fire Department Chronicles just to leave a dislike?
it is so obvious that it was written by someone who doesn't care about researching info
So what do you want them to quit