Diabetics

[DM]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

I can drive a front line ambulance (on blues and two and I do and have done since I was 21)

Which Service is this with. I've just done a quick phone round and stand by my original statement.

My Service is questioning the disability act on the grounds that IDDM is not a disability but a medical condition. How would you apply the Act to epileptics to enable fairness across the board?

And where's my bloody M3? You've had it ages.

DM

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by davidmanning

Which Service is this with. I've just done a quick phone round and stand by my original statement.

My Service is questioning the disability act on the grounds that IDDM is not a disability but a medical condition. How would you apply the Act to epileptics to enable fairness across the board?

And where's my bloody M3? You've had it ages.

DM

David

M3? can't find one here with your name on it.
How did you send it back?
Was it via a dealer? if so who?
What is the serial number?
Have you chased it?
Is it waiting on parts?

With regard to ambulances...
Have been with the Red Cross since I was 14 started to drive font liners with them at 21, am now with the St John's and am driving with them.
They tried to introduce a blanket ban on IDDM last year but then stepped back to a case by case working.
I know that before I left the Red Cross there were some issue but again all have been settled on a case by case basis.

In a recent chat with a very senior man in Kent he said there is no reason why IDDM can not.
I know of 2 guys in Kent who are on front line duties.

That's what I love about internet forums... no one believes a word you say!!!

Regards

[DM]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

... no one believes a word you say!!!

I know what you mean. No-one believes that I've killed three Icoms. The missing radio has surfaced today. It's with the dealer in Hartlebury. Shortly to be in the bin as it's knackered. They said it probably got wet. I had to agree as I've found getting wet to be one of the hazards of being out on an Ocean Pro.

Three down, two to go.

DM

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by davidmanning

I know what you mean. No-one believes that I've killed three Icoms. The missing radio has surfaced today. It's with the dealer in Hartlebury. Shortly to be in the bin as it's knackered. They said it probably got wet. I had to agree as I've found getting wet to be one of the hazards of being out on an Ocean Pro.

Three down, two to go.

DM

Would have to say the M3 is not a good radio for a RIB.
It is not waterproof.
I would not be suprised if you have killed 3 of them!

Regards

[SDGANDER]

At the risk of starting a NHS/VAS war here I ll also stand by my statement early on in the thread - I DO NOT THINK YOU CAN LEGALLY DRIVE AN EMERGENCY AMBULANCE IF YOU ARE IDDM under EU regs - can't find them though. I know of at least two staff who have been removed from operational duties after diagnosis of IDDM. EMERGENCY ambulance services - ie NHS Trusts - are so worried about liabilty that if you fart in the wrong place you ll be off the road!

Have a look at section 6 here...

I would also dispute that Red Cross/SJAB etc are actually frontline vehicles so maybe that's how you ve got around it? As for believing senior ambulance service managers... well I d trust the little green men from Mars more!

Again not sure about the VAS but as far as I know all the services want C1/D1 on your licence before letting you work operationally, especially as in most NHS services you ll start by doing patient transport on 'mini bus' type ambulances which then come under the commercial driving regulations and the law regarding them. A lot of services including mine are expecting potential staff to pay for and pass the additional testing - runs around £1100 at the moment I think.

Also I work as a single responder on a car or 4 x 4 but still could be required to drive any service vehicle including those with trailers upto 7500kgs.

Top Right Hand Box Guess thats where the case by case bit is coming from.

If you are responding to emergencies on behalf of an NHS Trust under a 'reservist' type deal, (bailing the understaffed and overstretched NHS service out of the crap for those who don't know), I would be very careful because from my 15+ years experience in the job they ll dump you in it to protect themselves so quick you won't know what hit you.

A couple of calls came up with same response as DM... unlikely we would employ you... but final decesion would be with occupational health.

SG

[Mr-d]

Well, they can take our lives, but they can nae take our freedom!
So, everyone should be happy that they can still play with a rubber ducky in the bathtub , until they ban that because it could be a choke hazard...

I am just going to sit idle here over the winter, perhaps do some more boating early next year, IF my parts ever arrive.. depending on what the future brings, i dont know if im even going to bother fighting the system, only 18, years to come!

[Jon Brooks]

SG

My comments were and are made based on my own experiences.
I would also not want to start a VAS/NHS war.
Far to many of them happening in other places!

I have never and do not comapre nmyself to you guys.
I have always known where I am in the food chain!
20 odd years in and have now as when I joined the up most respect for the job you guys do on a daily basis.
It is my hobby and a spare time activity, always has been.
Although am on the verge of jacking it all in...politics!!
Boats are so much more fun than the medical car at Brands!!

THe Red Cross did help both me and others to convince DVLC to retain our C1/D1.

The SJA are looking to follow their example.

I am under the impresion that most of the van conversion are under the 3500 limit, especially the SJA Crusader.
They noted this before they went into build.
Whilst I would always bow to your better judgement of a VAS vehicle being front liner or not, the SJA think the Crusader is and built to CEN regs for ambulances.
Their words not mine!

Regards

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Mr-d

, i dont know if im even going to bother fighting the system, only 18

That's what people your age are supposed to do. It's your job to change things!!!

Go for it.

Nice to know the engine has been replaced by a ducky too...

missus

[SDGANDER]

Yeah bit like you lot shouldn't have blue lights!!

There's good and bad in both VAS and NHS - would rather be treated by a monkey than some NHS staff!

Know the politics feeling - can't wait for a way out now - so many feel the same unfortunately.

And don't get me started on CEN! The UK seems to be the only ones trying to stick to it - surprise there then!

SG

[Jono]

My favourite story about a St.J's fella..

Watching an "inter brigade" footie match, my SubO cops a good 'un and we hear his leg go from the side lines.. We all rush up.. well, you've gotta make the most of these moments, haven't you?.. and up rushes the SJ fella with his bag swingin' and his most determined expression in place.. now bear in mind that my SubO is not having the best of days and could, therefore be forgiven for what he said next...it wasn't the most charitable thing I've ever heard.... so, he's lying there with bone sticking out of his thigh and the SJ fella reaches into his bag....and I quote..

"Your life depends on what comes out of that bag, sonny! If it's a radio to call for a proper feckin' ambulance then good... if it's anything else, I'm gonna have to kill you..."

[Mr-d]

Jackeens, if i attempt to fight it i will be seen as a spoilt brat that doesn't get his way.. I will be called 'Inexperienced' .. and secondly.. i have a dutch accent because i was brought up abroad (Hold UK Pasport though..) which REALLY helps to speed things up, "oh, he is a foreigner, never mind him"

Problem with politics is politicians.... to solve the problem i would have to become one... (And appearently im extreme right..) dont think the UK needs that and getting in would be virtually impossible.. because i am as plain as it gets... No University or whatever degree..

Perhaps when im a bit older I'll take another look at it, and slap them round the head with facts... Until then, i will only take it further IF i happen to make a career choice that requires the piece of paper of approval...

[The Jackeens]

Sounds like you've got a plan

You've certainly raised awareness. Well done.

Hey... peeps here can get used to foreign accents and phrases And the bigots are few and far between.

So don't give up trying to get your point across. You might be a great politician one day

missus

[Mr-d]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

Sounds like you've got a plan

i do? ... nothing else than... To take over the world with Mr Bigglesworth (my cat) and other things along those lines!

i wasn't planning anything actually.. i just typed it.. i cant be bothered chasing politicians from the situation i am in now, i need to build some foundations around me that can support me

[The Jackeens]

Bring on the revolution. (And don't forget to feed Mr. Bigglesworth )

Missus

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

Yeah bit like you lot shouldn't have blue lights!!
There's good and bad in both VAS and NHS - would rather be treated by a monkey than some NHS staff!
SG

Well I wont disagree, I have always fought that VAS members should do "proper" driving assesments and training.
Not wot they get now, a man who is a driving instructor, who teaches 17 year olds to drive not an emergency services driving instructor, takes you out for a 30 min drive and then say's yes or no to you driving on blue lights!!
There are many I know that if it was down to me would not be allowed to drive a go-kart on blues let alone and ambulance!!

I have worked at all levels in the VAS over 20 odd years, member Centre/Divisional officer, County Officer, National Officer/Adviser.
I am very much for all the VAS members knowing where they are, am sorry to say there are many that think they are as good if not better than the NHS guys' and girls.
Most of them have pips, crown and scambled egg on their hats!!
Most could not manage their way out of a wet paper bag let alone manage people and or kit!.

So trust me when I say there are lots of monkeys and wana be's about!

I and a very dear friend of mine (who is a firefighter and an ex SJA memember) have a saying:-
"the Red Cross has many idiots, the SJA just has a higher class of idiot!"

Please don't get me wrong there are many good people in the VAS that do a great job but they get let down by the wanna be's and little Hitlers!!

Anyway I will get off my soap box now
I will try to get back on topic too

All the above is IMHO and not that of Icom (UK)!

Regards

[Rogue Wave]

I've just been looking at the commercial drivers form and it says Insulin dependant by injection. I presume insulin can come in tablet form for milder cases (but I don't know) and are you injecting your insulin.

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I've just been looking at the commercial drivers form and it says Insulin dependant by injection. I presume insulin can come in tablet form for milder cases (but I don't know) and are you injecting your insulin.

Yes I am using injections, you can also control via tablet or diet.

Regards

[Mr-d]

As far as i know Type 1 only works with injections, if you use tablets it is impossible to regulate how much you actually get in, due to stomach acid, and other things that could damage it. However, if your not producing ENOUGH insulin, it can be aided with the pills, Type 1 means your not producing at all.