WAOB The Wonderful Adventures of Budd

CHRISTmas day outage

2009-12-28T13:35:00.004-06:00

Some time ,somewhere before noon on Christmas day there was a problem with a fiber optic cable.This problem wiped out Internet for everyone with out satellite Internet.Long distance phone service went down as well as some local coverage and cell phones.
I was bothered by the lack of preparedness by several groups charged with public safety. Apparently the phones at Howard Memorial Hospital are Internet based,I was able to explain to a nurse via radio where the emergency phone was.She had never been told what this phone was or how it was to be used.Unfortunately this phone also had problems in that it could only be used to make out going calls.
My father was admitted to the ER a ct was done but it was not able to be sent out to be read until that night.
There was no information going out to the public about the situation.It was not a major problem but it could have cost lives. All public safety groups need to come together at a round table to discuss and plan for events like this.

common sense EMS

2009-12-06T12:12:00.003-06:00

There is a need for EMS in the more remote-read outside of Nashville-parts of the county. It is a hard 30 minute lights and siren run to Athens.People have proposed all kinds of solutions,some workable some not. The smallest amount I've seen published that anyone can put an ambulance in Dierks for is 11,000$ a month.
There is a solution all ready in place that for 15,000$ a year could save lives but no one has seen fit to utilize it. There are medical first responders all over Howard county.They are not supported by any tax money, they raise their own funds and buy their own equipment.
What would it take to use the first responders to the maximum benefit for the people of Howard County? I think the following will have to happen before the first responder program can reach its full potential.
1- recognition by the Quorum court as a legitimate part of EMS system
2- Director for the program must be hired this is a part time , probably around 10-15 hours a week.
3- Standardization of equipment, training and run reports over the county.
4- Development of county wide protocols
5- A medical director must be in place.
6- The following must be educated as to the capabilities,limits,and requirements of the first responders:law enforcement,dispatchers,Howard Memorial Hospital,EMS agencies and the public
If this is done the people of the county can have quicker,professional medical help, and it can be done for a very small cost.
Call me ,email me let me know your thoughts.

Do the politicians even care?

2009-08-11T13:39:00.003-05:00

I am offended by Nancy Pelosi saying I am unamerican because I don't agree with her.It seems pretty obvious to me that the majority of the American people don't want the government in health care. Poll numbers now are 53% opposed.
I see elected officials going to the town hall meetings and they seem to be ignoring the comments that are being made. They prefer to explain their own views.
If i remember my civics and American History classes correctly that is not the way it is supposed to work. I think the elected officials are supposed to represent the people and what they want. We see the politicians interpreting the constitution and telling us what they want to do.Forget this go back to representing the people.

Zebras on the highway.

2009-07-28T22:54:00.003-05:00

I am teaching a first responder class. I enjoy teaching because I always learn so much in every class. When you are teaching to fire fighters they always want to do something rather than listen to a lecture and this is good. Sometimes that want to do will get you in a bind. Tonight I tried to emphasize that every call is different and every call has a surprise in store for you.
Any one who has been around for more than 3 or 4 calls knows this. They know to sit back and watch for those surprises before they start doing. But we all sometimes forget it.
Before you start doing at the next call look around for surprises. It will certainly help you to live longer.
I believe I said something like at a scene it would not surprise me to see a herd of zebras coming down the highway.
I promise there will be more info on NIMS and Zombie Nurses.

Defending your self from Zombie Nurses

2009-06-07T13:48:00.004-05:00

Budd has received thousands and thousands of phone calls , emails ,letters , telegrams , smoke signals , coded and scrambled communications from all over the world regarding his exposure of the zombie infiltrations of this countrys' ER departments. I t is possible this problem is even more serious and wide spread than was previously thought. Reports have come in from as far away as Mineral Springs Methodist Memorial , Midway Mennonite Memeorial , And Umpire Unititarian Univerity , and Bingen Baptist Research Hospital and appliance repair of zombie activity.

Many people are questioning why the Center for Disease Control is silent on this subject . Who works at the CDC ? nurses and who are the zombies ? thats right Nurses.

Here at Budd command we have been asked " How might I spot a zombie in my ER"? Even thought this question is similar to asking why are tigers cats , Budd command will give you a check list to go by . If you pull into the ER and you wonder is there a zombie inside do the following ; pull out you EMS field guide (this is similar to a solier readying his weapon for combat , you may not need it but better safe than sorry) and second ask your self the folllowing questions:

1- Is the suspected zombie frequently seen in or near a hospital?

2-Is the suspect wearing tennis shoes?

3- Is the suspect wearing scruba and or a lab jacket?

4-Does the suspicious character have an assortment of pens and pencils in thier pockets?

5-Do they have a cell phone? ( be careful Budd was once attacked by a zombie with a brick wrapped in a cell phone cover , see zombies part one)

6-Does the suspected zombie roll their eyes when you bring a seriously injured or gravely ill patient into the ER?

7-Does the nurse/zombie ask a lot of personal questions of the patient? Many zombie experts believe this is a ploy to lern more about potential victims.However still others believe this is merely part of the z/n (zombie nurse) inate desire to torture.

8-Does the Z/N immediately began taking the patients clothing?This is either a desire to establish dominance or Z/Ns have really full closets in their zombie cave.

9- Does the Z/N ask questions about things they enjoy ie any street drug? alcohol? how much? frequently z/ns are heard to say "that aint much I had more than that before I came to work" Have you been in a fight?(z/ns like nothing better than to attack un suspecting innocent EMTs_

10-Does the Z/N ask where do you hurt and immediately begin to probe and prod that area?

If you follow the above guide lines you should be able to identify any Z/Ns you encounter . Understand that these are only Guidelines . For instance some Z/Ns that are supervisory Z/Ns do not wear tennis shoes they were shoes that make loud clicking noises as they walk.

As the goverment ramps up to meet this new threat Budd command has been asked to Speer head this action . This was done for several reasons , one Budd is the only known person to survive a Z/n attack and second because of our fearlessnes in exposing this epidemic.

Attack of the Zombie Nurses

2009-06-02T14:07:00.003-05:00

Once up on a time Budd was accused by a nurse of stealing her patient as well as her cell phone cover.This story was maiciously spread by rumor mongers(this is a speciality nursing area,rumor mongering)In order to protect his good name Budd tells the true story of what happened that fateful night.

It was a dark and stormy night Budds phone rings,He strains to hear the whispered voice:"Budd you have to come and rescue me,these so called nurses slapped me into this bed,chained me down and took my clothes.Budd being the person he is tries to see the good in everyone,even nurses said"I am sure they will be right back with you,they are probably overwhelmed by critical patients"."As soon as possible they will be back in there to comfort and treat you"
"No Budd you must save me"all they are doing is talking on the phone" To this Budd replied they are consulting with other highly trained medical profesionals about your case.
A whispered "NO!"was my answer,"they are talking to each other"PLEASE PLEASE RESCUE ME"
Later as Budd innocently approaches the ER he is still looking for the good in everyone.
Budd pleasantly walks in smiles and very nicely says to the nurses Hello how are you?
Suddenly fangs and claws appear and Budd is being attacked he fights for his life,he can't just fight his way to freedom he must save the patient.

Over and Over as the claws rake his eyes he hears zombie like voices repeating "nurse talk on phone must kill he who disturbs"
Overwhelehemed by sheer numbers and the ferocity of the attack Budd frees one arm and reaches for his EMS FIELD GUIDE as soon as it is brought out the Zombie nurses fall back in horror and awe,this is the magical book that talks about forbidden topics, things like patient care , Budd rushes down the hall and scoops up the patient and runs for the safety of the ambootaxi.Behind him Budd hears a howl of animal fury and a cell phone hits budd as he shields the patient with his body.The force of the impact not only did tremendous damage to Budds body but seperated the cell phone from its cover.Budd grabbed the cover and used it to stop his arterial bleeding from the injury,all the while rendering excellent patient care.
And that is how The cell phone case wound up in my possesion

The people I spend my weekends with

2009-05-09T20:00:00.005-05:00

I had this idea that I would blog about the people that I work with on the long weekend shift. The words just won't come, I have to struggle for them and when that happens its not enjoyable reading or writing. The purpose of this blog is was to be relaxing for me and maybe to poke a little fun at the Public Safety community. Lets try the weekend family that I live and work with for 72 hours at a time.

There are 4 of us at the amboolance/taxi service at any one time, 2 medics, 2 EMTs. We do literally live together for 72 hours every other weekend. We literally do live to together for 168 hours every 2 weeks, in fact.

There are 2-3 nurses at a time in the ER, 1 or 2 receptionist, a couple of lab techs, an x-ray person and a doctor.These are extended family.

The nurses are kinda wimpy because they only work 12 hour shifts. Nurses are some of the toughest, smartest,kindest,most professional people there are. There is no way I could or would even attempt their job. They have to be gentle and earn the trust of babies , yet be tough enough to wrestle with drunks and dopers. I have seen them cry over patients and cuss patients. I've watched them comfort grieving family members and patiently deal with those suffering emotional problems.

I have never figured out the hours the lab techs work. I am not sure they have a schedule, I think they communicate telepathically and have the ability to travel through time , space and walls. They just show up. They play with all sorts of neat machines that no one else knows about, then they come out with lots of numbers to confuse every one. However they do it, it works,they find hidden problems and save lives. They are kinda like the outlaws in being given their directions in "blazing Saddles";"go and do the voodoo you do so well".

The receptionist only has to have one quality and that is a never ending supply of patience. They must deal with people who they know are not telling the truth, those who are telling the truth but wish they weren't and those who are just plain rude and arrogant. Yet they some how do it. Without harming anyone. I think they work normal human hours of 8 hour shifts.

The x-ray people work some weird shift that is determined by the phase of the moon and growth rings of trees from some Transylvania. They manage to get pictures of fractures and bad things that normal people can't see. They thus save lives. How they manage to get the drunk, who has wrapped his car around a tree and wants to fight, to get in the right position for these pictures is beyond me. they do it while smiling at the patient of course they might be mentally cussing him but they to are professionals.

The doctors why would any one who could have a practice in the daytime ever want to work 24 hour ER shifts? These folks have to be extremely sharp and have a really vast medical knowledge and skill sets. Probably the most important skill is that to interpret ramblese and drunkese, These are the language so many people answer the docs' question in. An example would be something like this; Doc "where do you hurt?" patient " right now?" Dr "yes, right now" patient "well it is hard to say" Dr."why is it hard to say?" patient "well it is really not me leg but it feels like it is' "It is kinda like my cousin Earls pain that he had that time, you know what I mean /"

I am sure that it hurts doctors to lose patients even if they only meet them in the last moments of life. However they don't have time or permission from society to grieve. I don't see how they keep going.

Another part of the family is the police. I have no idea the hours these folks work. I just know they are always there. I don't know how many work at any one time. If I were to guess I'd say 4 in Nashville and 1 each in Mineral Springs and Dierks. There is maybe 3 deputies on at a time and most of the time there is trooper lurking some where. I know from real world experience I can't do their job. I don't have the self discipline to keep my mouth shut when some bottom feeder threatens my family. I don't have the smarts to think two steps ahead of the person who is making up lies as he goes.

They have helped with unruly patients,forced open doors to access patients, they have dispersed hostile crowds. In other words they have pulled us out of the fire time and time again. Thanks so much.

Another part of the family that is kinda like the prodigal son is the volunteer firefighter/first responder. We don't see them that often but when we call they come. At 3:00 AM you would expect most people to be in bed, but I think some of these people sleep in the fire truck. You call a fire department for help and you get it. If it is lift help for a large patient up 3 flights of stairs or a person trapped in a smashed vehicle they will come and do their job. and they do it well.

I have seen them cussed and griped at but I know first responders save lives. People deride them about being volunteers but they are professionals who don't get paid. They are maybe the most elite of us all they do their job for the community asking only equipment to work with and a little respect.

WAOB Weather Radio info

2009-05-05T16:18:00.004-05:00

I've promised several people that I would put together information about weather radios.So here that information is.
You should own a weather radio because you pay for the broadcast. The National Ocean and Atmospheric administration (NOAA) is the parent organization for the National Weather service (NWS). NOAA operates weather radio stations all over the U.S. These stations provide warnings of severe weather ,and many other emergencies.
The stations broadcast in the VHF hi-band.This means you need a special receiver to hear them ,your normal household AM/FM radio won't work. However scanners will receive them . There are 7 frequencies for the stations beginning at 162.400 MHZ and ending at 162.550, there are 3 other frequencies used internationally.
With out going into a lot of technical stuff I don't understand each station tries to cover a 50 mile radius around its transmitter sight. The signal from these stations is what is called a line of sight frequency ,this means that in theory you have to be able to see the tower to hear the signal. Of course you can hear them without actually seeing the tower, but if you draw a straight line from the top of the tower to your radio and the curvature of the earth intrudes on the line,or a mountain is between you and the tower you are not going to hear it well. There are various cures for this and none are really expensive.
I am going to list several web sight that have good information and then give my personal preferences.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/shv/nwrcrs.htm This is an essential site it gives info for the ArkLaTex.

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm This sight gives you all the info on weather radios much better than I can.

http://www.oregonscientificstore.com/ This is a builder of weather radios. I have never used one of their radios but they have some interesting features.

http://www.ccrane.com/product-categories.aspx This is THE place for top of the line am/fm radios.They are a very reputable dealer if they sell it, it is good.

http://www.radioshack.com/home/index.jsp?cid= Radio shack is not quite the retailer they once were but check out the web page.Search weather radio. They sell others beside the Radio Shack brand.

http://www.weatherradiostore.com/ what can I say their name says it all.

What I prefer in a weather radio:
1- must have S.A.M.E.
2-Selectable alerts You get to choose what type of Alert sets the radio off.
3-Selectable alarms You get to choose how the radio wakes you up
4-battery backup
5- external antennae jack or plug
6-jack or plug to set off an external alarm or signal.
7-External speaker is nice but not absolutely essential.

I have had extremely good service out of the radio shack brand and I like the auto shutoff feature.

More weather info the NOAA warnings and watches for Howard county are repeated on the 444.350 mhz N5BAB ham radio repeater.

During severe weather you can listen live to the Howard county fire radio system on154.400.

Skywarn can sometimes be heard on the following frequencies 147.045 and/or 147.55.

If you have questions leave them in the comment section and I will try to find an answer.

The swine-avian-water buffalo-salamander flu

2009-04-26T21:18:00.002-05:00

Lets all take a breath, calm down and look at the numbers. 67 deaths in Mexico, as

as I can find that is it. None in America, none any where else. I've read conflicting

numbers for people testing positive in the U.S. The number has varied from 6 to 20.

The World Health organisation is reporting 20 lab confirmed cases in the U.S.

According to their web page W.H.O. the U.S. cases have all reported "mild,flue like

symptoms, with only one requiring brief hospitalization.

The population of the U.S. is around 304 million people. Do the math. You probably

don't have the swine flue.Use common sense : cover your mouth when you cough,wash

your hands frequently, avoid contact with people who are sick.

People like me might even say that some government agencies hype things like this

to make sure they keep a huge budget

More adventures in NIMS land

2009-04-24T21:32:00.002-05:00

Things I have heard lately in NIMS land. NIMS land is the courses the feds tell you that you must have to continue doing what you do.

Unified command that's where you all have a representative making the decisions.The next day the same instructor gives the scenario of an mva, with police,fire and EMS responding.Then says the volunteer fire department will probably not park where the police want them to.HUH?
Park the big red truck so that drunks have to run through it to hit you. A destroyed big red truck is better than an injured firefighter.

Asking about any stimulus money for fire departments I actually heard a state employee say there are loans out there.If we could pay a loan back we would go get one and I wouldn't be asking about grants.

Not overheard but I did read it.Stimulus money in Arkansas called public safety and going to law enforcement and abuse centers.That's fine and good but what about volunteer fire departments.

I actually had another state employee tell me there is a program that does grants for fire departments.Yes ma'am we have applied for it numerous times, what are we doing to help volunteer fire departments? Well I don't know she said.

Do the people in Little Rock know that there is a rural Arkansas?

Free to GOOD Home

2009-04-23T21:12:00.003-05:00

I don't have a selfish bone in my body. I apparently don't care about getting rich. The spring weather has led to yard work which led to discovery of the fire ant attack.
Someone else will figure a way to sell these little suckers and get filthy rich. I've tried to sell them on facebook and door to door with no success.
I am now offering free to a good home purebred, suitable for breeding purposes, very prolific, quality mound building fire ants.
They make great gifts for Yankees.Do not feel greedy if you want all of them I am anxious to share

Uncontrolled Chaos

2009-04-12T21:08:00.008-05:00

The weather service has determined that the tornado that occurred in Sevier and
Howard counties was an F3.Top wind speeds are estimated to have been 140 MPH.
A few lessons were learned in this. Our local people need more training in ICS. Our
response in Howard County was a little frazzled. We didn't maintain very good radio
discipline and tactical comms were done on the repeater. These are minor things but
need to improve them to reduce the chance of missed comms that are urgent.
I am afraid that all the NIMS stuff has been theoretical and local people have not
seen the true application of it. There is also a disconnect in agencies in the
acceptance of ICS.
Unified Command is still theory to some people.
AWIN overloaded very quickly. Each region needs a plan to monitor a regional channel
as well as their own dispatch. Some of us are doing this but we need to formalize the
plan.
Speaking of AWIN I am still not sure how there wound up being specific law enforcement channels and none for fire and EMS.

Storm Season

2009-04-10T14:49:00.003-05:00

It is spring in Arkansas that means the possibility of severe weather. This point was brought home thursday evening.The city of Mena hit by a tornado , the damage at Dierks and Center Point.
Please get a weather radio it can be a life saver. Think of it as insurance you hope you will never need it but you have it just incase

New ISO rating

2009-03-28T15:55:00.003-05:00

Mineral Springs Fire and Rescue has received its new ISO rating.We are now a class 5 in the city and a 8b in our rural coverage area.

I want to say thanks to the fire department members, and especially to former chiefs Randy Phillipps and Chris Hostetler.Also Carol O'Donnell and Franki Darr for their help in keeping me legal and within budget.

By having a lower ISO insurance rates will go down.It is my hope that the community will realize the benefits and support the department.

I hope the citizens out side the city limits will understand they are benefiting from the department and pay the yearly dues.

My reply to AESN

2009-03-19T17:59:00.002-05:00

Before You read any further know that Bob Edwards the man behind AESN is a close friend of mine.He is a gentleman and very knowledgeable of the fire service.He and I may disagree but it is only when I am right.The following is my reply to comments on AESN.If you are not on the AESN mailing list,get on it.It is the best source of info for emergency services in the state of Arkansas.
Regarding the training issues You and Captain Fred have commented on,I would like to make a comment of my own.I do not know of anyone who wants to have less training.I do know of some who want more flexibility in training,Let me give an illustration,one of the best young guys on our department works as a millwright and is subject to call as well as his regular shift work.This past year he attended 2 separate 16 hour classes,however because of work he was not able to attend the final night of each class.Therefore he had no documented training.Now this same young man and I have spent quite a bit of time in going over pump ops,fire flows,apparatus ops,I guess you could even call it a mentoring relationship.This is training but it is not certifiable.Now I am sure some one will say "you can submit this for training".I have been told this by several people but no one seems to be able to tell me the process.I have been asked several questions by fire fighters that I haven't been able to get anyone to answer.Questions such as #1 If I don't get my training this year can I still be on the fire department?I did get this question answered-with at least 3 different answers from 3 different"officials"#2 If I don't get my training this year what do I have to do to get back active? I got this one answered to 3 different ways by 3 different "officials"#3 What if I have a lot more than 24 hours training,can I carry them over?#4 Why did that department get that many hours training for xyz course and I only got half that many?I have noticed that the people who are most rigid in their view of training have a background quite different from most of the people who are firefighters in this part of the state.Any time some one says cut off their act 833 funding I get suspicious.I wonder where their heart is ?do they really want to help the little rural departments that are struggling to survive?I think some people believe that a community would be better of with no fire or first responder coverage than have it with out their idea of being well trained.

A moment of clarity

2009-03-15T21:41:00.002-05:00

Any one involved in EMS will understand this.
My partner and me in the ambulance on Sunday afternoon.He needs something from a quick shop ,we stop,he goes in.A truck pulls up a person gets out,he is cool and wants every one to know it.He has on a T-shirt with the sleeves torn off and it has the number and name of dead sports figure on it.Then on his shoulder I see it,the symbol of his pride,what makes him cool,what is going to give him everything in the world,he has the dead guys' number and name tattooed in dark bold lines.
My partner gets what he needs gets back in the 'lance.We began the discussion why would you have a dead guys' name and number tattoo?.The dead guy is never going to know it.Dead guy got paid millions of dollars to play a game.Dead guy never knew the guy with the tat.Guy with the tat never met dead guy.
Then we see it tat guy has dead guy tat,dead guy T-shirt and dead guy sticker on his truck.Then that moment of clarity We are working,we are wearing uniforms.He isn't working and he is cool.We need a dead guy tat.

My home defense preference

2009-03-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

I love handguns,I like shooting them and seeing how accurate I can be.I've got several handguns but when things go bump I reach for a shotgun.
There are many reasons for this :
1-the stopping power of the shotgun is greater than any pistol could ever be.
2-the lower penetration of a shotgun (with the loads I shoot)vs a handgun round
3-the intimidation factor,yes I believe there is one nearly everyone is intimidated by the appearance of a short barrelled shotgun.
The shotgun I reach for when BUMP happens is a Remington 870 12 gauge with a 20 inch barrel and a magazine extension.It is a little of a glitz gun,Folding telescoping stock with a pistol grip,barrel shroud,flashlight,pistol grip for end,and at times a laser.
For a good defensive shotgun all this is not needed, I did just for fun.My personal idea of a good defensive shotgun would be a 20 inch barrel and a magazine extension,and some way of carrying a few extra rounds and a flash lite on it.
12 gauge or 20 I don't care when you began to look at shotshell performance tables you see only a small difference in the two.My thought has always been if the BUMPER survived a good hit with a 20 gauge I probably couldn't DEBUMP it with a 12.I do insist on a full stock,I can't shoot a pistol grip only shotgun.I have never seen any one who could.
For home protection I use #6 shot.I can hear people screaming "you got to use double aught buckshot for defense".Bear with me a minute,with my shotgun at approximately 50 feet I am looking at only a 2 foot pattern with #6s.In my house 48 feet is the maximum distance I can see.That means with #6 at the maximum shot distance in my house is going to give a 2 foot pattern.Now the 48foot distance is theoretical,it is from 1 wall to another to make the shot I would have to be standing on chest,with the targets back pressed against another wall.If I move two feet horizontally in either direction the shot drops from 48 feet to only 40.
If I move from the wall at my back the longest shot in my house becomes less than 30 feet.When you look at it from this viewpoint #6 becomes more reasonable.
My final reason for #6 is penetration,my interior walls are sheetrock to shoot from one room into another you only have to penetrate 2 layers of sheetrock. #6s are somewhat stopped by this,Double aught isn't even slowed down.
This is what I have for a BUMP IN THE NIGHT GUN,it works for me.It might not for you.I hope I made you think though.

The way to make gun people mad

2009-03-12T19:49:00.004-05:00

These are questions I get asked pretty often and the answers I give.
What kind of gun do I need to buy for home protection?
I have to know more,do you shoot now? Do you own any weapons now?
Who else is in your house?Are they comfortable with a weapon in the house?How much do you want to spend?Do you have a CCP?Is your house rural or in town?Are you paying me for this advice?
No i don't ask the last one but I want you to see that there are many facets to the question.Generally it comes down to this,"I don't have much money but I really would like to have something for home protection,What do you recommend?"
For the time being lets just talk about handguns, later we will talk about long guns.The sole purpose of a handgun is to level the playing field between you and an aggressor.It doesn't have to be pretty or artistic it is meant to be used for saving lives.
If you have a concealed carry permit and want one weapon to serve as a ccp and home defense weapon and you don't have a lot of money there is a good choice.It is the Keltec P-11.I know there are some gunnies out there right now saying "there is no way I'd trust my life to anything other than a smith,Beretta,Walther,colt,glock,ruger".They are screaming you can get a good used smith or whatever for the same price as a new keltec.Maybe they can I never have been able to.
The keltech as it comes from the factory holds 11 rounds of 9mm.This is probably the most widely used handgun cartridge in the world. However the Keltec will accept smith magazines which will increase capacity to 14.
In the concealed mode use the keltec magazine in the home defense mode slip in the smith magazine.
You are going to pay around 300 bucks for a keltech.For this price you get a functioning , reliable handgun.To make the gun even bettter go to the keltec website ,and do a search for keltec owners group.Here you can find some very helpful information and people.
If the 300$ is too much for you and if you are not really concerned about carrying concealed-this is where all the people who own high dollar guns go ballistic-you might try a High Point.These guns are heavy and awkward looking,the finish looks like krylon but they go bang when you pull the trigger.
For less than 200$ you get a gun that fits my hand well , is more accurate than I am and in my experience is as reliable as any gun ever made.I don't know the shooting life of a HP but mine has over 2500 rounds through it and appears to be just like it is brand new.
There is only 1 reason I would hesitate to make an HP my daily carry and that is the weight of the thing.It is heavy.
HP are called gang banger guns but if you don't have a lot of money and don't care what it looks like and want to keep your family safe,it works.
When the time comes when you need a weapon in your hand , the super hi performance do it all race gun for 4000$ that you don't have because you can't afford it,will not do you much good.The ugly cheap High Point, people laugh at, in your hand might save your life

The stories we tell

2009-03-11T16:40:00.002-05:00

My friend says that some times you just have to say "There I was all alone in a Strange City.I say the stories I tell are true , I know because I make them up myself.
I hear that all the Ambulance services in Arkansas have finally gotten paid for the hurricanes.
Thousand of anxious readers are harassing Budd wanting more ICS advice.I am honored to say I am attending "Decision Making and Problem Solving" and "Incident Response foe Emergency Managers".
DM&PS promises much to Budd.I think that the class will be very beneficial in establishing Forward Operating Bases.
It is rumored that Budd will be teaching ,at EM conference this year,MOBILE COMMAND CENTER PARKING AT EMERGENCY INCIDENTS AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH CRACKHEADS.

I'm just not convinced yet

2009-03-04T21:43:00.003-06:00

The stimulus package, grants (money)going to the same places that get it in every grant cycle.I thought things were supposed to change.
Health care investment, No money going to first responders and EMS.Maybe we are not part of health care.I am just not convinced that this whole thing is going to work.
Besides who pays for this?

a funeral

2009-03-01T16:47:00.005-06:00

I lost a friend this week,no that's not quite right I had a friend killed in an accident this week.
I am not quite sure how to write about it.The preacher was the pastor who volunteers as chaplain for the jail.He read a note from my friends mom that said all he ever wanted to do was to be a police officer.I can identify with that.
I noticed the people there volunteer firefighters,EMTs,and cops , a prosecutor, a former judge ,an attorney or two.
The uniforms: from midnight blue to gray and black to southern sheriff brown and tan,to EMT white.Cops out of uniform and plain clothes cops in the plain clothes uniform and young guys who didn't know what to wear. Volunteer fire fighters who have no uniform . There were some who had never been to a funeral before and some who were scared because this was too much like church.
They played Vince Gills "GO Rest High on the Mountain which somehow seemed really appropriate.
My Fire Department guys knew him and had worked with him and helped extricate his body.They will have a tough time for a while but they did their job and they did it well.They will do it again and again,when ever they are paged to do it.
He made mistakes and a some bad decisions but I am glad I knew him. He didn't hold my mistakes and bad decisions against me . He for a while got to live his dream.I told him once "man I consider you a friend".
I would say the same thing again.
We always shared a laugh about a time we were out of town for training and some of the things he had done.
I'll miss you .

What is the purpose of your Department?

2009-02-15T10:31:00.004-06:00

What is the purpose of your department?We all know the standard answer to protect lives and property.Budd thinks that would be a good answer to the question what is the purpose of government.
Budd is frustrated by the action of the Arkansas Fire Services Protection Board.They are to help your department to protect lives and property.However some members of the board see their purpose as to gain more money for their favorite group.Others look down from the lofty heights of paid departments on the volunteer departments and think to them selves "we need the money worse than Podunk VFD".
am I the only person who has noticed that if you have a meeting in the middle of the week you have more people from paid departments than volunteers?The reason is the volunteer has a job and he can't get off for the meeting.
The Arkansas Fire Protection Services board needs to make sure their purpose is to protect lives and property,not build empires
What is the purpose of your department?We all know the standard answer to protect life and property.Budd thinks that would be a good answer to the question what is the purpose of government.
Ok we got the trauma system tax passed,now let's use some of the money to recognize first responders and fund them.In large areas of Arkansas the first care that a trauma victim gets is from a first responder.How is it going to ruin any ones career at the health department to legitimize first responders.Budd will even help you with it.
Step 1 Arkansas fire academy teaches the national DOT first responder course.
Step 2 student takes test
Step 3 AFA grades test
Step 4 AFA sends certificate to those who pass the test
Step 5 student sends copy of certificate copy of drivers licence and 20 bucks to Dept of Health
Step 6 Dept of health sends card saying you are a first responder for the next two years and then you have to take the course and test again to the student.
If the department of health even wants to come look at the designated first out rig for first responder calls and charge me 20 bucks again I got no problem with it.If however they want to have a long list of equipment that is required other than the basics they need to go back and read the answer to "what is the purpose of government?"
The dept of health must realize that vfds with first responders are not ambulance services,VFDs have no way of recovering expenses

Don Maclean where are you?

2009-02-14T21:21:00.002-06:00

Friday February 13,2009 was not the day that the music died,however I am afraid it might be the day the USA got really sick.
Not only is the stimulus package unworkable,it contains several items that are scary to Budd.
Though the exact words might not be there the ideas certainly are.Ideas like a national health care director deciding who gets what in health care,like gathering and storing too information about me,like gun control.
Am I the only one left that doesn't want some one to take care of me , cradle to grave.I will b e responsible for my well being and for my families . I would really like for the democrats to quit trying to take care of me.Please President Obama leave me alone.

Arkansas Trauma System

2009-02-01T12:32:00.002-06:00

I really believe that this could be the defining issue of this legislative session.This could be the session that will be known as the one that really did something for Arkansas.
I know that the people in Little Rock are breathlessly waiting for my advice.At this very moment calls are being made all over the capitol saying have you heard from Budd yet,I really don't know what to do until I hear from him.There are text being sent from one legislator to another asking has the newest WAOB out. By Budd's own humble admission WOAB is the primary guidance for most people involved in state government.The general rule is the more important decision the more you need WAOB.
Some of you may not know it but Budd was not always a philosopher,advisor to powerful people.He was once (for most of his life)a construction worker.Budd learned many things in the construction business.Many of these lessons apply to life in general.
One of the most important lessons you learn in building things is start at the bottom.You don't build from the top down.The reason for this is without a good base or foundation , no matter how pretty a building you build it will crack ,leak ,and not last.
The people who are sponsoring the Arkansas Trauma System Bill need to realize this. Build a good foundation first.Trauma care starts with fire department first responders . As the bill is now written first responders are not mentioned.
If you are a first responder call your legislator and point out that you are part of trauma care and you would like to have some input and be recognized as part of the system.
Fire departments in Arkansas have for too long been taken for granted. Everyone wants to tell them what their job is but have never realized that maybe we can actually have some intelligent to contribute to the discussion.
We must recognize first responders!

New and Improved WAOB

2009-01-30T22:17:00.002-06:00

I made my first trip to the new UAMS today.It is really nice and is far better than the old hospital.But Budd has one question:did the person who designed the ambulance parking ever drive an ambulance?I think that who ever designed it has had two other jobs in life he was first a logistics manager at a disaster and then he developed the idea of credentialing.I'm not sure he would even know to park his command vehicle across the rail road tracks.
But the new hospital is really nice and I am proud of it.
On another topic we really need the state to recognize medical first responders.If a person takes the national DOT course and passes it we need to recognize it.I know first responders save lives.I would not expect the health department to certify them for nothing ,20$ seems reasonable to me.The certification could last for 2 years and then the responder could take the course again.After all changes happen in EMS all the time and taking a 40 hour course again is not too much to ask..
If you agree let me know if you don't let me know.This is a legislative year and now is the time to act.
We are praying for those who are impacted by the ice storm.

The Right to keep and bear Arms

2009-01-22T21:09:00.002-06:00

I am a shooter, I don't apologise for it. I know what our constitution says , it is pretty plain I think anyone who wants to can understand it. The people have a right to keep and bear arms. To someone as simple as me that means that the people of this country can have guns. There is no restriction mentioned. I have a right to own guns.
The fact that I own a gun does make me more likely to commit a crime , if anything it probably makes me less likely to.
Why do I own guns for several reasons:
1-I enjoy shooting.It is a sport , I don't like football.I like to shoot.I like to see how small a group I can make in a target.
2-I enjoy the engineering and craftsmanship that went into building a gun. I don't have paintings on my walls, but I find just as much art in examining a gun.
3-I own guns for defense.Not just self defense but the defense of my family and loved ones. When I spoke my marriage vows to my wife , I agreed to protect her and my future family. I have a sacred responsibility to protect my family to protect them. I have a duty as a citizen to protect them.Isn't this what civilization is caring for others, protecting others. I will go so far as to say those who oppose my right to own a gun are one of two things,they are either uninformed or they are not good citizens.
To me there is no middle grounds, any compromise always leads to those who have something losing it.
I respect law enforcement they do a job I couldn't do it.They are like fire departments ,that is they have a lot to do and not enough rescoures to do it.They can not protect my family or me.In fact courts have ruled that they are not required to.I will attempt to protect my family and myself.I don't ask the goverment to,just leave me and my gun alone.
If you are a gun owner you had better be writing your senators and reps.

WAOB-1 thing

2009-01-18T20:04:00.003-06:00

What if I determined to do 1 thing each day to benefit my department.Just one thing that was above what is required.1 thing and not care if anyone noticed.1 thing just to benefit someone else, 1 of my brothers and sisters. 1 thing that was not for my benefit or to help me just 1 random act of kindness or honor for my department.
After a week I would have done 7 things for my department after a year 365.Then my department might be a better department.

waob-very random thoughts

2009-01-17T23:49:00.002-06:00

Actors say that comedy is the most difficult type of acting.When I first began WAOB the idea was to with humor look at those of us in emergency services in such a way that we would look at our selves and constantly reevaluate our duty performance.This ain't easy,for several reasons 1-my sense of humor is a little of kilter,2-a lot of people in our line of work take themselves way too seriously,3-I can't type . 4- my spelling is terrible.
I am going to give advice to us: don't let your job control your life.I too often have.No matter how hard you work or how much time you put in , your department is never going to be perfect, mistakes will continue to be made-learn from them and move on.Just this week I heard some one say our life priorities should be God,Family,Job.I think they were right
We need to learn or relearn some words.Words like honor,truth,duty,dedication sacrifice . We meed to realize that honor means we will do what is best for others not our selves.One of the first lessons in EMS is you are the patients advocate , how long has it been since you thought of that?
We need to practice courtesy , It might be difficult at 2 am when you respond to a domestic call for an assault.But courtesy is the oil that makes the call go smoother.
Try to look at your next response thru the eyes of the person with the problem.
One more thought here in Arkansas the legislature is in session your Representative and senators phone ought to be ringing off the wall. A little math there are roughly 1000 fire departments in Arkansas if 10 people from each department called we could have anything we wanted.But we all have to be playing the same game and some times i think we are playing on different fields.
Personal empire building does not make strong departments.
Of course you could tell your legislator to park his command vehicle across the railroad tracks.

2009 Hopes

2009-01-03T14:43:00.002-06:00

Here are a few things I hope for in 2009.
1- That the people who asked for me to vote for them will remember what they told me they would try to do.
2-That we can get the 24 hours of "certifiable" training mess cleaned up or that at least some body will be able to give me a straight answer when I ask a question.
3-That ADEM will realize that they need to deal with local responders when developing plans,procedures,guidelines,policy,etc. If NIMS is required teach it in every county,PLEASE.
4- That the state fire marshals office will actually become involved with all depts in the state.
5 That Medical First Responders will be recognized at the state level.
6-That I will be faithful to Jesus Christ , my Lord and Saviour .
7- That we standardize command vehicle parking , Some places don't have rail road tracks.
8- That I get to meet many more of the unselfish people who give so much to the people of this state through emergency services

WAOB #8

2008-11-18T18:58:00.002-06:00

Another semi serious topic.I was recently told that I am trying to have too good a fire department.Budd is quite sure that this was not meant as a compliment.The person saying this didn't really elaborate just "too good a fire department".
Budd freely admits he probably is.I want too have too good a fire department to have any one of my firefighters get hurt.I want too good a department to lose any life we could have saved.I want to have too good a dept.to keep any citizen from losing there home or property that we could have saved.I want to have too good a dept. for my current ISO rating , I want it lowered and maybe we can save some money for the citizens.
The same person also said to Budd "training and all".Budd being as obtuse as he is did not understand the inflection.However Budd does believe in training that's why he encourages it and offers so much to a small department.Budd's thought process is that the more well trained the dept.is the less chance of some one being hurt and the better job the dept.can and will do.
My dept.is paid on call 10.00$ for a drill and for a fire.This is much appreciated.Two of Budds firefighters recently discussed this and after much math of the higher sort , they discovered they had earned this year 26 cents an hour.The thing that shows the heart of these guys is that they were not griping about it they were laughing at it.They would be doing the same thing if they only made half that , really they would be doing it for nothing.
While Budd appreciates their math ability there were a few factors left out in their formula . They failed to include the clothes they ruined at scenes , they also failed to include the gas they spent going to calls and training , for dome reason they didn't include the times they stopped by the station to do some job that needed to be done.
Budd has certain rules of command like asking for other peoples opinions and listening to people.He has recently added another one - when a person speaks ill of a volunteer look to see if that person volunteers , chances are they don't . It takes a special person to willingly give their time and efforts to help people they don't know.
Budd hopes he does want to have too good a fire dept.someday they might even learn to park the command vehicle across the railroad track.

WAOB7

2008-11-04T22:37:00.003-06:00

I normally make fun of the silly things we do in emergency services,but I would like to be serious today. Today my partner and I responded to a fatality MVA.I started thinking of my career if you Can call it that.I started as a deputy in 1979 that's 29 years ago.It was probably six months into my job that I responded to my first fatality,it was a drowning of an 8 year old girl.It must have hit me pretty hard because I still remember it.
I counted up all the fatalities they I have responded to either in LE , SAR ,fire or EMS.It was quite a list.There were 19 fatalities that came to mind.These weren't codes but fatalities MVA or GSW or fires.Codes you can reason away after all sickness and disease are part of life even if it does all ways come too quickly for us.
The point of what I am saying is that I was affected by each one of the events.I can remember them so I must have been affected.Most of the people reading this are probably in emergency services in some way.You too have been thru these traumatic incidents and they have affected you,whether you admits it or not.police are the worst in denying that anything ever bothers them followed closely by young people in any profession.
I make no secret of being a follower of Jesus.This is part of the way that I cope with tragedy.
If you do respond to a traumatic incident get some help.I know you are tough and that stuff is for weak people who rent as tough as you.But I will tell you that you aint tough enough to handle all this stress all by your self.I am not saying you have to get in a critical incident stress program but find you a confidante you trust completely and talk with them and listen to them.
This doesn't make you weak or a coward it makes you smart.You probably love your job well this can keep you enjoying it longer.You know the signs and symptoms of it:you keep reliving the incident,you dream about it.you doubt your calls,you don't sleep or you sleep too much or you drink too much.or you self medicate or your sex life is gone,or you can't laugh and enjoy life.If you see any of these in yourself don't be stupid get yourself some help
How do you get help?first try your pastor second try a mental health clinic,go to your boss and say"i need some help"or even call me I can put you in contact with someone.Talk to your spouse don't shut them out,they love you and don't want to see you self destruct.
My wife is my best friend and when I say "I worked a fatality today'she always says"are you ok?"because she cares
I know this is rambling but I want you to stay in the "business"as long as you can.

WAOB part 6?

2008-10-12T23:19:00.004-05:00

Its 11:20 on sunday night I am 63 hours and 20 minutes into a 72 hour shift.Budds brain at this stage is even fuzzier than normal.However Budd realizees that his many fans and students are crying out for another inspirational lesson in the exciting field of EMS/Fire.Its possible that no one is really crying out for another lesson its just that I'm afraid that if I go to bed the bat phone will ring and I will have to do some thing.
This time Budd will take questions from the class.thats right any question you have you can now ask.The phone lines are open.I'm waiting and waiting any question any one, now is your chance,the question you always wanted to ask............................I'm still waiting.OK in that case I will assume that you are to shy to ask and I will ask some questions of my own.
#1 Why is the warning on the back of a fire truck,you know the one that says "KEEP BACK 250 FEET" written in letters so small they can only be read from 50 feet?
ANSWER 1 This goes back into the early days of the fire service somewhere around the early or mid 80's there was a tv program that was very popular with fire fighters.The show was called Max Headroom.For all of you that don't understand google it.
#2 Why are there so many acronyms used in NIMS?
ANSWER 2 It is a weak attempt by those in charge of such things to imitate the Budd Model of ICS.Remember the first rule of the Budd model is to create confusion.Who knows what a JIC or a JIS or a HP or a HBO is?and yet they are NIMS terms.
#3 Who are the multi jurisdictional agencies that we read about that authored the NIMS documents?
ANSWER 3 They are the same people that helped write our SOGs: a loose band of crack heads that some judge sentenced to community service.Budd shouldn't insult crack heads so.The real answer is they are nephews of a very powerful politician,who couldn't get a real job so thier uncle set them up with a nice goverment contract.
#4 Why do we in emergency services only see politicians in an election year ?
ANSWER 4 Do not look a gift horse in the mouth.Seriously(it is now 13 hours later, the bat phone rang and we wound up with a run and a transfer.I've gotten off work and gone home and tried to sleep but everyone in the world had question s for the fire dept today.I've given up on sleeping and gotten up.Budds dedication to you dear student is just unbelievable)back to the question seriously if you have got to ask why you only see the politicians on election year you obviously failed Emergency Services and politics 101a.This is the class that teaches you that any program that the goverment says is to help fire and ems is immediately eaten up by the agency created to administer the program.The politicians only come around during election year to help you.
#5 Why do agencies fight so much among them selves?
ANSWER 5 Budd has spent considerable research into this area and has concluded that we think it is fun.It is a hobby among reponders,hobbies don't have to make sense.Some people raise snakes that doesn't make sense,some people for a hobby crawl into caves,that doesn't make sense but they think it s fun,so they do it.We apparently think it is fun to fight and destroy our departments.I think it is because the work we do requires aggressive personalities and put us together and we are aggressive to each other.
#6 Why do you keep saying "park your command vehicle across the railroad tracks"?
ANSWER#6 Because it is the highest place in town.

WAOB and credentialing

2008-10-01T22:36:00.003-05:00

Credentialing is the buzz word among public safety agencies now and these same agencies are spending large amounts of money to insure credentialing.Budd has a desire to help fellow public servants and is presenting his Budd Model of ICS Credentialing for Public Safety Professionals.
This seminar is presented free to all public servants just have your company send payment in the form of cash to Budd.This seminar is presented in the form of frequently asked questions.So remember all that you have learned of the Budd model and lets begin.CEUs may be available for this lesson.Just let me know before you apply for them.
#1What is credentialing?Credentialing is a term that was thought up by a person who has 1 - a laptop 2 - a lot of time with nothing to do.However this person has an uncle who is a very powerful senator.With this connection he sold the whole concept to the government for a very large sum of money.The government to justify this is passing the concept to people who actually have a job.Of course other agencies and study groups as well as taskforces have to be implemented to make sure the crendentailing process is done thoroughly and in an orderly manner.Crendenialing is making sure you are who you think you are and you do what you think you do.Budd once knew an individual who thought he was some one else and did what they were supposed to do for his entire career.Then through credentialing he found this out and sued himself for identity theft and lost wages.But as you can see identity is the key in credentialing.
#2 How does one proceed through the credentailing process?For management this is easy ,for the actual street level employee it is more complicated.To understand this we must view the etymology of the word "cre"is an early American expression meaning to inflict dentailis from dental a medical term meaning pain.From this we see that credentialing is to inflict pain on the person working the street.
#3Budd you are really smart on this stuff
#4 and handsome
#5 What has brought about this emphasis on credentailing?NIMS what else?We all knew who we were and what we did before the NIMS classes turned our brains to mush.
#6 Budd do you have any tips for the ordinary person to help them through this long ,difficult process?Budd does and he thought you would never ask.We call this part of the seminar THE THREE MAGIC WORDS or in NIMS speak ttmw.You should affix ttmw to a Velcro backing so that they can be easily placed on your ICS vest.Make each one of ttmw 1/3 the size of the label on your vest and clearly wri
#7 SHUT UP AND TELL US TTMW. That isn't a question but Budd will answer it any way.TTMW are in this order(to begin with)GOVERNMENT-AGENCY-LIAISON.
#8Why those words?Remember the concept behing credentialing is identity and the concept behind the BUDD MODEL is confusion.These three words have been chosen after much study because they can mean so many different things.
#9 Give us an example.Getting a little pushy there aren't we ?Where are you from North East Arkansas?Example:day one your ICS vest reads GOVERNMENT AGENCY LIAISON this title is good for at least a week.No one wants to interfere with a hard working goverment agency liason.The Liason might get offended and report to some one that you are trouble maker. The thought never occurs to them who the liaison would report them to.So if you frown a lot and mumble you can be the official GOVERNMENT AGENCY LIAISON for at least a week.
After 1 week change TTMW so that they readAGENCY GOVERNMENT LIAISON.Now you represent the agency to the goverment.The goverment agencies can't be expected to know you and the agency doesn't want to interfere with you doing your job.You can probably with luck get 3 or 4 days out of this title.However agency personnel tend to talk among them selves so it might pop out in a conversation that no one from any agency knows you.Always have an agency name that is not present ready to use if the need arises.
Next change your ICS vest to read LIAISON AGENCY GOVERNMENT .
#10 That doesn't even make sense!Precisely are you a government liaison to the agency or a agency liaison to the government?who knows?but you have a title and people will not want to show their ignorance by asking.Hopefully the event will be over and you can leave before any one gets their nerve up enough to ask"Who are you?What are you doing".If you are asked this question answer by saying "that is a good question and when we know we will tell you"This answer establishes that you are very high in the ICS structure.
#11 Any other tips?Park your command vehicle across the railroad tracks,it's the highest place in town.

WAOB part 4

2008-09-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

When we last visited with Budd we saw him at forward operating base hilton in Layfayette La.Here we saw Budd deveoping lobby based EMS and trying to teach the cajuns the Budd Model of Incident command.Budd being the dutiful public servant has been trying to learn somethings to.He has learned about the cajun model of EMS.This model dictates running lights and siren while trying to find where you are supposed to go.In this model you run the ambulances between towns in convoys at 45 mph.Why you ask.This is done so that when 1 ambulance gets lost they are all lost , it is also valuable when stopping for fuel much more time can be lost.Budd has also learned about meetings.Meetings are very important in ICS.They are used to set the time for other meetings.A common rookie mistake here is to use the meeting to convey information.At all times when having a meeting and information is asked for the answer should be "We dont know and when we do know we will have a meeting to tell you"Remember that at every meeting you must decide to have another meeting , so using this method you can soon wear people out by just going to meetings. Budd has also learned about logistics.Many people wrongly believe that the purpose of this branch is to supply the equipment that is needed to accomplish the given task , this is wrong.The purpose of logistics is to avoid detection and to supply places to have meetings.A good logistics head can hide from every one, in fact if they are really good they don't even have to leave home.If an IC points out we will need fuel the proffesional logistics leader can reply,from his easy chair at home,tell them to go to a gas station.NO SWEAT.If there is a question about communications supply the following:_________________ .Another tip for the logistics chief : do not under any circumstances supply maps to out of state crews.This has a twofold purpose it aids in transport and response times and it requires the IC to recognize you , he must keep calling for fuel for lost ambulances.This reminds people that it is really you that is in charge. Budd has noticed that air transportation has really influenced EMS not with helicopter patient transports but with the "holding pattern".If you don't know what to do with a group of ambulances use this technique.Just keep giving nonsensecal directions, keep them moving.If you can do this for 2 hours you can then direct them into a circular pattern around the city where the stading area is. Next we will review staging this is where rescources are kept until assignment and human assests can be tortured.

WAOB

2008-09-26T14:40:00.003-05:00

I've been asked by a few people to put on the blog a series of e-mails I wrote to friends.These e-mails were written to people in emergency services to make us laugh at ourselves.They are not meant to be critical of anyone or any goup.If they offend you I hate it because they were not meant to.
I started these at the Arkansas Emergency Management Conference,where my phone was "stolen" and there was quite an adventure in getting a new one. I was frantic to have a phone because hurricane Gustav was coming ashore and we were preparing to shelter evacuees.I called the first one The "Wonderful Adventure of Budd " out of this "WAOB" was born.These were written going down the road or sitting in an ambulance so spelling is not good and grammar sure isn't.Enough of this, here goes:
WAOB : part 3 (I think)
When we last saw Budd he was on his way to confront hurricane Ike,lets rejoin him 8 days into this wonderful adventure:> Budd is now stationed in Lafayette La.at the Hilton Convention center.Here Budd has developed a new form of EMS called lobby EMS.This strenous bbut rewarding field of EMS consist of sitting in the lobby of the Hilton, watching for anything that might require EMS and being prepared to dial 911.Many unscroupulous EMSers would charge Hilton for this,Budd doesn't,Hilton refused to pay.> Along with lobby EMS Budd has also established forward operating base hilton(here after reffered to as FOBH)command.Command is a heavy burden but Budd is willing to bear the load as long as some one else does the work.One of the many problems Budd has faced in fobh is that electric line workers and relief personell try to take his chair.This has neccessiated a change to NIMS there is now in any command structure a position known as chair watcher.This comes from Budds'most often given command "somebody watch my chair"> Budd is extremely proud to note that La hos adopted the Budd method of incident command, that is make sure that no one knows what is going on and create total confusion.Budd has spent years developing this style of command and is sure someday he will be famous for it.A few people might not be familar with this style so lets illustrate.First you take a totaly independant organization named LEMUA that is taffed by Drs and Nurses from acroos the state,that has raised its own funds so that they can be free from gov't red tape,and has thier own field ER put them in a small town that is flooded after a hurricane , where they are happy giving tetnasus shots and treating things like poison oak,snake and spider bites and anything alse that comes along and doing a heck of qa job at it.Now that you have this pictured in your mind the Budd model says send 16 ambulances and crews to HELP THEM.Do not send just any crews send crews that have been in a disaster area and> not allowed to do patient care for 3 days.The best test of the Budd to see if it is working properly is to closely observe the doctors face when you report that you have 16 ambulances and crews there to HELP THEM.If his face shows any 2 of the following signs you have suceeded:fear,anger,fear,disbelief,fear,shock,fear,outrage,fear,rage,fear,or if the doctor begins to exhibit symptomns of the big one you have succeeded.A few people may be strong enough to merely get tight lipped and say "thank you,you can triage"watch this person they are in denial.You must compensate for this by triageing everything as critical.> The next step in the Budd model states move all of your resources away from where you need them.Many people might question this but there is an obvious answer,this way you can call in more rescouces to supply them.However don't fall for the first timers mistake of placing these rescources where they are easy to find.Fuel supply dumps must be placed a minimun of 12 milesaway from the roads,we have found that 12 miles is the optimum figure because any less and it would be too easy any more and the ambulance crews tend to stop at the filling stations they are passing.> > One other benefit of moving your rescources to where they are not needed is transport times, For example if you have patients in arkansas that need to be returned to La,have all of your ambulances come to south La so that they can recieve the assignment to go to Arkansas to get the patient to bring them to La.> One other change to NIMS has been made the common definition of strike team is no longer to be usedif the rescources come from different states they immediately become a task force.> Also always remember that at least one person in every crew should not want to be where they are.> Next edition we will look at how to foster fear and cooperation with other agencies.> until next time always remember park your command center acroos the RR tracks,that is the highest place in town.> > > >

Blessings

2008-07-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

It is the 4th of July as I post this.On this day I think of all the blessings which God has bestowed upon this country.We have more freedom than any country in the world.We are the richest country with the highest living standard.

I just read the declaration of independence,And I thank God for the men who signed it and pledged their lives,fortunes and sacred honor to this new ,unproven country.

In recent weeks the supreme court has ruled that we as a free people have a right to own weapons to protect our lives and property.I am thankful for this ruling,but ashamed that we have drifted so far from what the founding Fathers intended that we must go to court for approval that the founders of this country assumed was a natural right.

As I read the Declaration Of Independence it occurred to me that the signers referenced their belief in God.This nation was founded to be a nation that was to be a nation that would seek Gods direction in all of her courses of action.Notice that the Bill of Rights was written to keep politics out of religion ,not religions out of politics.No where in the constitution is there mentioned the separation of church and state.

On a personal note in the photograph above you see probably the two smartest,cutest,strongest twins in the world.They are Luke and Jacob McBride,grandsons of Sharon and Budd Dunson,nephews of Holli.Parents are John and Sarah McBride,Sarah is our oldest daughter.We thank God for their safe arrival,and we dedicate them to God for his service,and pray His blessings on them.

Have a safe and happy fourth.

I will get back to blogging

2008-06-26T23:56:00.002-05:00

I've been busy with after election stuff and a fire dept ISO review.But I will resume shortly.I am now a grand father of twin boys as of monday afternoon,Jacob Charles and Luke William.Thats right daughter Sarah and son-in-law John have twins.

Parson road tornado

2008-05-05T21:10:00.003-05:00

According to the National Weather service At 9:03am last Friday a F1 tornado struck on Parsons road in north Howard county.The tornado lasted 5 minutes with a path 4 miles long and 50 yards wide.I responded to check for injuries and do damage assessment.I didn't do any politicking as I felt this wasn't the time or the place.I've included some pictures I took of the damage.A special thank you to Kirby and Kirby and Lawrence Land and Timber for the efforts in opening the road.

I ate lunch at the Umpire store and need to warn everyone if you are there at lunch you better have thick skin.

Saturday was the peach festival in Nashville and it was quite a success.Sharon and Holli helped me pass out fliers and cards.We also had my laptop with our web page going.I took a lot of pictures but am not able to down load them tonight.

After the festival we went to the Umpire /Athens fire department fishfry.Again pictures but not able to down load.

These two fire depts.are special to me,I taught their first responder course and developed some very special friends there.Their fishfry is more like an old fashioned community homecoming,the people are always friendly and conversation is good.

The Howard county Campaign trail

2008-04-30T23:15:00.002-05:00

I have always tried to go to benefits especialy for fire departments.I always enjoy them and the people there.
I can't remember how many events Sharon and I have been to this year.I got to speak to the senior adults at the Howard county Senior citizens center,and this was really enjoyable because many people there knew my grandparents and my parents.I've been to the Howard county Cattlemans association twice and these people are the foundation of our country,because a nation is only as strong as its food supply.
The Democratic party of Howard county sponsored a fish fry.All the local candidates spoke and we had plenty of fish,I've never eaten all the fish I wanted but I have eaten all I could hold and I did that night.
Last Saturday We went to Center Point for the fire Department Benefit.As usual the food was excellent , the entertainment great and I understand the benefit was very successful.
The county line Fire Department was a great success.
This weekend is the peach festival at Nashville and there will be something for everyone.I am planning on having a booth there so stop by and say hi.
Saturday night I will be at the Athens/Umpire Fire Department benefit.Please come out and support these groups.
Many of you know my lab,Chas,well Chas is missing so Sharon and I are driving around looking for him.If you don't know Chas he is a large,100lbs,yellow lab with a brown leather collar.If you see him please give me a call.

The greatest county in Arkansas

2008-04-15T18:55:00.002-05:00

I have been to so many events in the past few weeks,at everyone of them I've been impressed by the depth of feeling people have for this county.You see it in fire departments and civic clubs and churches and places of business.
Three places that really made me notice this were at the North Howard Community Council Meeting.After years and years of meetings and hard work it seems that rural water in North Howard is on the way.These people believe in Howard county and have worked to improve the quality of life for others.
The Community Health Fair held at the Nashville city park was another demonstration of people believing in the county.There were volunteer groups there that are involved in the public health field.These people gave up their Saturday to help others.
I got to do an in service for Howard county Children Center Employees.I really enjoy doing preparedness training but these people made it special.They are concerned about their clients and it shows.HCCC employees have helped and continue to help many citizens of Howard County.
By the way congratulations HCCC on breaking ground for building 10.the Liz Bell Adult Education Building.

NRA BANQUET

2008-04-03T18:05:00.002-05:00

I am big believer in the second amendment.One of the major groups that protects our right To keep and bear arms is the National Rifle Association.I have been privileged to attend every friends of NRA banquet in Howard county.The proceeds from this banquet stay in Arkansas to further young shooters education and young peoples shooting sports.We are fortunate that in Howard County we have a good range and several good leaders in the 4H shooting sports program.
For the past couple of years I have had the chance to help with the banquet,this year due to campaigning I didn't get to help as much as I would have liked.Ronnie Furr worked hard and we had a good banquet and auction.I really enjoy the banquet it is one of the friendliest events that I go to.Everyone is friendly and the whole nite is family friendly.I think Sharon and Holli enjoy it as much as I do.
People always ask me about hunting , I don't really hunt but I do enjoy shooting and try to shoot at least once a week.Mostly I shoot pistols but lately I've been playing with a rifle or two.
Remember register to vote and vote for Budd!

Dierks Easter egg hunt

2008-03-25T17:26:00.002-05:00

I got to go to the Easter egg hunt at Dierks Elementary.This was sponsored by the Dierks Chamber of Commerce,the same people who do the Pine Tree Festival,one of the oldest events in southwest Arkansas.Here are a few of the pictures I took.

tuesdays' storms

2008-03-20T14:16:00.002-05:00

Around 9:00pm Tuesday I was called about flooding on hwy 371 west of Nashville.The report was of a foot of water on the highway.I left home and arrived about 15 minutes later and there was only about 2 to 3 inches of water flowing across the road.The hwy dept arrived and placed warning barrels.I went up county line road north and there were several places where water was over the road.I then traveled down hwy 355 and there were several places that culverts just could not carry the water and water had crossed over the highway.The MS fire dept placed cones at the most dangerous one.I didn't get called any more that night.However there was significant damage to county roads and today I learned of damage to a chicken house in the Dierks area.
This is one of the reasons I want to be your county judge.There are programs to help with the cost of the repair to these roads.I have dealt with these programs and know how they work.The county judge needs to be out and observing the storm damage as soon as possible,and I will be.
We will have storm damages in Howard county in the future.I have dealt with this and want to continue to serve Howard county with the experience I have gained.
If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

severe weather

2008-03-03T19:58:00.003-06:00

This morning we had a line of severe thunderstorms move over southern Howard county and a tornado warning was issued.We were fortunate in that damage was slight.Emergency management , and fire depts.were out and about.Thank you guys.This is the first time we have used the new AWIN radios to any extent and they performed well.
I did damage assessment from Tollette to Bright Star and Schaal,and moved a few limbs out of the road.
There is a possibility of snow tonite after all this is Arkansas.
There is a chance of more severe weather later this week so be prepared.
I finalized the order for signs today so we will e getting them out soon.I got to be the first candidate to file today.Later I went out and went door to door for a while.I hope to get the county covered by election.Thanks for every ones support.

Dierks Chamber Banquet

2008-02-21T21:26:00.002-06:00

Monday night I got to go the Chamber of Commerce Banquet in Dierks.I really enjoyed it.I laughed harder than I have in a long time.Mr.Eudy that did the entertainment was hilarious.It is always good to see people recognized for their contributions to their community.
The Dierks Chamber always puts on a good show at the Pine Tree Festival.This year looks to be as good as everyone has come to expect.A show as big as the festival is almost a year around effort and they already have begun planning for 2008.
Dierks Chamber you do a good job.

Kick off report

2008-02-10T23:25:00.000-06:00

We had our campaign kickoff and fundraiser saturday night.We had a good night and it was a success.I want to say thank you to everyone who came,and to the folks who did the calling.I really want to say thank you to my family who worked very,very hard in preparation and during the event.My family has been and continues to be most supportive and I thank God for them.
I hope to have some pictures of the kickoff posted soon.
It is really humbling to have people have enough faith in you to work and help in your campaign.

county preparedness

2008-02-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

The tornadoes that roared through the state earlier this week showed us once again the need to be prepared.There were 55 people killed in the storms across the southern states.
What can we do to be prepared for this type of storm? The first reccomendation that I make when I am asked this question is always buy a weather radio. These radios are silent until the National Weather Service issues an alert then a tone sounds and the alert is heard.They come as simple or as elaborate as you like they can flash a lamp or sound a remote alarm.They range in price from 25$ to over 100$.
The second thing we can do is to educate our selves about these storms.The national Weather Service web page is a great source of information.
Consider a safe room. An interior closet can be converted to a safe room.
Be prepared to be without electricity for a few days.This means ready to eat food,flashlights,and in the winter an alternate source of heat.
Do a web search on preparedness and follow through on some of the advice you find.

visits in the county

2008-02-06T17:55:00.000-06:00

I am enjoying getting around the county visiting with people and going to community events.One new event for me was the "wild game supper"sponsored by Central Baptist Church at Mineral Springs.The food was great and Mark Davis a proffesional Bass Fisherman from Mt.Ida spoke.I even tried the barb-b-que beaver.
Last Saturday I went to the Center Point chili supper.I've been going to Center Point benefits for years and they allways have good food.The community center at the Point is really nice,the people there have every right to be proud.I remember meetings at the old fire dept.building and how everything had to be crowded in.Now they have a nice new building with plenty of room.
Monday I went to the North Howard community council meeting.They put me to work helping get fire dues letters out.The dirt work has begun for thier new fire station.The dept.has grown and they are stacking trucks in their station.I know they are anxious about a new building.
Tuesday I went to the Howard county Search and Rescue team meeting at HMH.I confess that lately I've not been making the team meetings but it was good to get back to them.The team is going to be working on some training and recruitment efforts.
The severe weather that roared thru Arkansas on tuesday is a reminder of how much we depend on our emergency services. I am proud to speak up for the fire depts and the HCSAR team when ever I can

The other side

2008-02-02T14:31:00.000-06:00

Working as an EMT, I see one side of patient care. I recently got to see the other side of it. Last Friday a virus and I collided and the virus won. I tried to tough it out but by Sunday afternoon I had rigors and was in the ER at Howard Memorial. This is tougher than you think because working with the ER staff every day, you know they are going to have a lot of sugestions for you, these suggestions generaly include a lot of pain. I was really hoping the Ambulance wouldn't come in while I was there because I knew they would have a lot of remedies. Unfortunateley the ambulance did come in, and they did have a lot of suggestions and each suggestion involved a lot of discomfort for me.
Fotunately for me the doctors didn't listen to any of thier suggestions. That won't stop me from offering my ideas when I find them in the ER.Thats what friends are for.
The down side of this was that I was not able to attend the Chamber Banquet last Monday.In fact I wasn't able to do much of anything until Thursday.I understand the banquet was a tremendous success and That chamber manager Tammie Smith did an excellent job.My congratulations to her and to all the winners.
I plan on being at the Center Point chili supper tonite and hope to see you there.
Remember Campaign Kick off and fund raiser Febuary 9 at the Howard county Fair Barn at 6:00 pm.

Why do I want to be county Judge?

2008-01-24T22:42:00.000-06:00

The weather service is calling for possible sleet and freezing rain tonight and Friday morning so please be careful driving.

I am asked almost every day "why do you want to be county judge?" That is a fair and relevant question, and here is my answer.

I would like to be county judge to serve the people of Howard county. One of the nicest compliments I ever received was from a lady that I had the opportunity to help as an EMT and then later in another capacity,at the second meeting she said "first as an EMT and now this, you are always serving". I feel that we all have a duty to help our communities and I do my best by being a servant.

I have always believed that the best way to lead is to serve. In all of my jobs in public safety I have tried to be a servant of the public. As I served in these jobs I began to see ways for local government to work for the betterment of all of Howard County. I want to help improve roads,communications ,emergency services,and county government services for everyone in the county.

My promise to each and everyone of you is that I will listen to your concerns. I will be courteous in my dealings with you. I will, as I have proven in the past, put the public welfare above my own.

I am convinced Howard county can have a bright and prosperous future.

I want to be county judge to serve the people of this county.

Remember the campaign kickoff at the Howard county fair barn on February 9th beginning at 6:00 pm.

My newest Class

2008-01-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

This is most of my First Responder class from Ben Lomond.We had students from:lockesburg, Wilton, Ben Lomond,Horatio, and Mineral Springs Fire Departments.

I am really proud of this class they have done really well.I know that they will serve their communities well .

Vote Vote Vote

2008-01-18T18:42:00.000-06:00

Every privilege carries a responsibility.If you drive a car that is a privilege the responsibility is to drive so that you don't hurt yourself or someone else.The privilege of living in the greatest country on earth carries responsibilities also.
I met two very different people recently one told me they didn't vote, they had no interest in voting were not going to vote and really just were "not interested".The second person was a retiree to this area and he mentioned how that he was a captain in his neighborhood watch program and tried to support the local fire department and wanted to be involved in his community and was planning on voting.
The first person wanted all the privileges of this country but none of the responsibilities.The second person realized that he not only had privileges but he had responsibilities.
One of the greatest responsibilities we have as citizens of this tremendous country is to vote.This is part of our input to how the country is run and what our future will be.
Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote Vote
Remember campaign Kickoff and Fundraiser February 9 Howard county Fairground 5:00 PM

Volunteers Helping Howard county

2008-01-14T16:25:00.000-06:00

There are more than volunteer fire departments that give of their time to help make Howard county the best place on earth to live. I know I'll leave some out but I don't mean to so here is my list of people that give to all of us.
Sheriffs reserve,literacy council,Christian clinic,Hospital Auxiliary,Search and Rescue team,Skywarn,the people that put the PineTree festival and Standup together,4H leaders, and many more
These are just a few of the many many people that volunteer their time, effort,and money to help our county.
I honestly do believe that Howard County is a wonderful place. I think we have a positive future.
We have a lot to offer:recreation,good schools,industry,agriculture,forestry,and beautiful scenery.If you haven't noticed by now I am big on Howard county, and I am big on volunteers

volunteers

2008-01-10T18:47:00.000-06:00

Let's talk about the fire departments in Howard county.Staring from the top of the county they are Athens,Umpire,Dierks,Center Point,County Line,Nashville,Mineral Springs,Cottonshed, Tollette,and Saratoga.The best estimate that I can come up with is that these departments make approximately 300 calls a year.I came up with this based on the number of runs that we did at Mineral Springs ,in 2007, some departments do more and some less.If each call averages two hours that's 600 hours a year that are given by these volunteers!
For every call made there are numerous hours spent in training ,preparation ,and maintenance.
The services offered by the departments include: fire suppression,extrication,medical first responder,water rescue,fire safety education,fire inspections and hazardous materials decontamination.While we don't often get cats out of trees we have been known to haul water to poultry houses when wells have failed.directed traffic at accident scenes,and covered roofs damaged in storms.
Howard county fire departments are funded in a variety of ways.Some departments have barbecues ,cake walks,and auctions for fund raisers.Some are funded by their municipalities.Some charge dues,some don't.All of the departments receive act 833 funding .This is a 1/2 of 1 percent tax on property insurance,so for every 10 dollars you pay in insurance premiums the fire departments get 5 cents.
Beginning in 2008 in order to receive act 833 each member of a department is required to have 24 hours of training per year.To be a firefighter approximately 28 hours of training is required.This brings a person to the introductory level and more training is encouraged.Most departments meet or drill twice a month.One thing that is unique to the Howard county fire depatments is that the fire service radio system is owned by the departments themelves.
Hopefully I've given you a brief overview of the fire service in Howard county.
To the men and women of our fire departments I say thank you.You make Howard county a better place.
I am planning a campaign kickoff on Febuary 9 at the Howard county fair barn at 6:00 p.m. I'll have more about this later.

Having fun

2008-01-09T16:40:00.000-06:00

Blogging is a completely new experience for me.but we will work through it.I am having fun campaigning for Howard county Judge,meeting new people,hearing concerns and dreams of the people of the county are enjoyable. Something that continues to impress me is the positive outlook and common sense of the people here.
I am trying to meet as many people as I can from all over the county, it is a long way from Saratoga to Athens. I am continuing to work at the ambulance service and we work seven twentyfour hour shifts in a two week period so covering the county will take some time.
If you want to ask a question or just visit give me a call or e-mail.