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VOL. 51, No. 1
This has been an unprecedented year for UFLAC in building our relations with elected officials. We have had great success in endorsing candidates who have been elected into City Council. We have been reaching out to our elected officials consistently to keep them informed on a weekly basis matters that effect firefiighters on a local, state, and federal level. UFLAC has also been involved in State Legislation and has been successful in endorsing candidates for the State Senate and State Assembly. We recently endorsed long-time friends of the Fire Department Alex Padilla for Secretary of State and John Perez for State Controller. Successfully endorsing candidates who get elected into state office greatly assists firefighters when we propose bills at the state level to help increase public safety and protect firefighter rights. We have also been working closely with LAFD Management. It is important to maintain positive relations with management when possible and challenge management when needed. UFLAC Members were recently asked to purchase their own safety equipment in a letter from Emergency Services Bureau. President Lima had a short and very cooperative discussion with interim Fire Chief Jim Featherstone and he quickly agreed to rescind the letter. It was apparent that he shared in our concerns. On behalf of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112, we want to offer a warm welcome to our Interim Fire Chief, Mr. James Featherstone,
An Unprecedented Victory
Winter 2013
who will be leading the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) until a permanent Chief is selected. As many of you know, James Featherstone is a former LAFD Captain and has been serving as the General Manager of the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department since 2007. A native of Washington, D.C. and veteran of the United States Navy, he began his years of service to the City of Los Angeles in 1986 with the LAFD. While working for the LAFD, Mr. Featherstone served tours as a Public Information Officer, Academy Instructor, Chief Officers Staff Assistant, Station Commander, and Task Force Commander. Mr. Featherstone served as a UFLAC Negotiation Team Member for 19 years, as a Chief Negotiator for 5 years, and as a member of the Executive Board. He is also a member and past Executive Board Member of the Stentorians of Los Angeles City, a distinguished organization representing African Americans in the Fire Service. On his third day in office, UFLAC was honored to host Chief Featherstone and Assistant Chief Villanueva at the Firefighter Cancer Support Networks 6th Annual Gala Dinner & Fundraiser. This was a wonderful opportunity to share our mutual concerns regarding critical issues like high cancer rates in Firefighters and various medical risks our members face on a daily basis. We look forward to working with Interim Chief Featherstone and all of our elected officials in 2014. Happy Holidays.
UFLAC fought for the family of Matt McKnight in City Council so the family will receive his 100% sick time. (Continued on pages 5,6, and 7)
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By Tony Gamboa
I would like to thank those of you who have allowed me the opportunity to serve our membership for the past four years. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the people who cast their votes for me, for believing and putting your trust and faith in me. Its humbling to be re-elected for another term on our Local 112 Executive Board and Im excited about working with the newly elected board members. I am equally honored to have been elected by the membership to the Negotiating Team. I look forward to the next two years as your First Vice President and elected Negotiating Team member. Brothers and Sisters keep your thoughts and ideas coming. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank You. Pensions Our LAFPP plan is currently 83.1% funded for pension benefits. Former Mayor Riordans Charter amendment proposal if passed, would have created a new Defined Contribution plan to provide retirement benefits for all future City employees and would have made changes to the three Defined Benefit Plans (LAFPP, LACERS and, Water and PowerWPERP) for current employees. Brothers and sisters this is all out trench warfare as most of you are aware, Riordan was unsuccessful for now on obtaining the
hours for cash each year. Out of rank hiring to alleviate an assigned hire over the holidays. Continued talks about on duty representation. Continued Meet and Confer talks about MFC. Feel free to e-mail suggestions for our upcoming MOU negotiations to tgamboa@uflac.org and we will share them with the Team. NO on Prop 32 Campaign We were outmatched financially for the first time in comparison to previous paycheck fights. As one of your NO on Proposition 32 field representatives, I was pleased to see our membership rally behind the NO on 32 campaign. It took tremendous planning at the state level and we just want to say thanks to everyone at the CPF who helped coordinate the campaign. Once our plan was in place, it was time
Specialist Pay 07/01/13 longevity amounts were increased to $90.00/ $180.00/ $270.00 Uniform Allowance Currently $34.00 biweekly Your Negotiating team has been working hard during many Meet and Confer sessions with management. Some of the recent items that were discussed through collective bargaining are: 400 series engine and 600 series rescue ambulance hiring, brush patrol hiring. Tactical EMS trial program. Members working their own holidays will not receive a work number. (You will receive credit for assign hire). No Turnouts in living quarters trial program. Overhaul procedures trial program. Motorcycle patrol team trial program. Assigned or detailed to Special Duty or serving in the rank of Fire Inspector be allowed to work all of their vacation leave
to mobilize, like never before, throughout the state with labor. The Local 112 membership came together at a time of need, everything from educating family and friends to volunteering off-duty time to phone banking at different locations near your homes. Congratulations again to all of our members who dedicated their time during the campaign. Below are a few numbers to compare Prop. 226: 47% yes, 53% no Prop. 75: 46% yes, 54% no Prop. 32: 43.4% yes, 56.6% no Message from the MDA We want to thank our members for the year-long support you have given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). From Fill the Boot in the spring to volunteering at summer camp, UFLAC members have provided help and hope to many families living with a neuromuscular disease. MDA appreciates your friendship and support.
Another WIN for Local 112 membership! Through collaborative efforts by your Local 112 Leadership and the current LAFD administration, we have made it safer on the fire ground.
The LAFD will be utilizing the hailing term Mayday, Mayday, Mayday when a FF is in a LIFE THREATENING situation and needs immediate assistance. When a Mayday is heard over the
traffic had hailed...meaning everything from FF in need of rescue (MAYDAY) to Wires down and all the dangerous situations in between. With the new Mayday procedure we are in full compliance with the NFPA and FIRESCOPE. The term Mayday for the Los Angeles City Fire Department has a projected implementation date of Sunday January 5, 2014 @ 0630. On another note, take advantage of the Fire Ground Survival Prop in the basement at the FHMTC. The prop was designed to build confidence and to challenge our members as if they were fighting for their life at a real-life incident. The survival prop was not meant to be a race for time,
but rather a way to practice and be exposed to something that you would be able to walk away from if you didnt get it right. In the real world of firefighting you dont come back to tell the story if you dont make it out alive with your company. Local 112 believes that it is always better to see mistakes or lack of knowledge be addressed in a controlled, safe environment. The scenarios in the basement of FHMTC are based on past Line of Duty Deaths (LODD). You can access the IAFF Fire Ground Survival Awareness Course by clicking on http:// www.iaff.org/hs/fgs/fgsindex. htm and taking the 4 hour online course and get certified to the awareness level.
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Greetings. A year ago I had the distinct honor of running and being elected as President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), IAFF Local 112. As such, I now have both the opportunity and the responsibility to serve as Vice President for the CPF in the 8th District. As a union official for the last several years, I have joined many others throughout this state who have come togethe at CPF Conventions, CPF District meetings, IAFF functions, and, most recently, in the great effort we all made to defeat Proposition 32. I have
learned so much from so many of you in this great organization and enthusiastically look forward to continuing to play a part in something that we all so very much believe in. Relationships go a long way in this profession. As we move forward, UFLAC is running on a simple philosophy, Treat us well, and well treat you better. And never mistaken our kindness as a weakness. This will apply to our managers and politicians. Without re-hashing all of the things that all of us in CPF did to defeat the real enemies of Californias working families in our anti-Prop 32 campaign (you all know and can be proud of how well you answered the call), I will say that members and officers of Local 112 were proudly active in planning, strategy, publicity, Historic Times for Los Angeles and phone banking in the fight. We should never be shy about reminding our members of what they accomplished last November. That way, well be better ready for the next round - as it
By Frank Lima
year in endorsing elected officials and building our relations with City Council. We have increased out communications with City Council in an unprecedented manner and send them a weekly newsletter about issues and news clippings affecting firefighters at the local, state, and federal levels. It has been a lot of work, but UFLAC is heading in the right direction. I am humbled to serve as the UFLAC President and as a Vice President for the CPF.
murder for setting the 1981 North Hollywood fire that took the life of Apparatus Operator Tom Taylor (and seriously injured several other firefighters), was recommended for parole by the State Parole Board. UFLAC and others were successful in persuading the Governor, supported also by a prison psychologists report, to overrule and veto the parole board and keep him in prison, citing negative factors that demonstrate he remains unsuitable for parole. We have had great success this
Greetings and welcome to the Biennial CPF Convention. This is my first as 8th District Vice President, an opportunity resulting from my recent election as president of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), IAFF Local 112. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the CPF Executive Board, representing the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, as we serve together to work on behalf of all California firefighters. Although this is my first convention as president, Ive been active in the leadership of Local 112 for many years, and have attended previous CPF conventions and IAFF meetings. What is most impressive about these events is the spirit of solidarity and commitment among the delegates. Whether their local is large or small, the leadership is dedicated to the cause of making life better for our members on the front lines.
As a local, UFLAC was proud to be an active part of the campaign to defeat Proposition 32. Officers and rank-and-file members alike were active in planning, strategy, publicity, phone banking and whatever else it took. The size of our victory vindicated this effort but it came at a price. We must all be on guard for the next attack, which we know will inevitably come. The view from District 8 is a lot like that elsewhere in the state fighting to preserve critical resources in the face of sometimes openly hostile leadership. Under two-term Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, we saw a rash of station brownouts reductions that left our citizens dangerously unprotected. The confrontational attitude taken by the mayor and some at City Hall simply underscores the simple truth about the importance of staying politically active. Our philosophy is simple: Stand with us and we will stand with you and never
Frank Lima and Councilmember Curren Price - CD9 meeting, and we are seeing new faces every meeting. Growing this participation is a top priority going forward. I have learned so much from so many of you in this great organization and look forward enthusiastically to continuing to play a part in something that we all so very much believe in.
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This years Primary and General Elections in the City of Los Angeles were probably more wide-open than in any time in the past 30 years. Of the 12 offices up for election (all three of the city-wide offices, the 8 odd numbered Council offices, and the 6th District vacated by Councilmember Cardenas election to Congress), 9 were for open seats with no incumbent running for re-election. UFLAC participated in all 12 and our efforts were largely successful. We endorsed in every contest after holding membership conducted candidate interviews and membership votes for every endorsement in several meetings, both at UFLAC and off-site. A special thank you goes to all who participated. We congratulate Mayor Garcetti and look forward along with all other City labor organizations to working with him to advance the interests of those we represent and protect. Mayor Garcetti is a committed and
LA City Elections
Councilmember Mike Bonin - CD11 were re-elected in the 5th and 15th. In the 1st, 9th, and 13th Districts, there was no decision in the Primary. UFLAC supported candidates Gil Cedillo and Curren Price who won their run-offs in the 1st and 9th. It should be noted that, in the 6 even-numbered Districts for which there was no election this year, 5 of them are held by UFLAC endorsed Councilmembers (Parks being the only exception). Our success in this years election means that, when the new Council sits down in July, 13 of the 15 will have sought and received Firefighters support in their most recent quest for office. We congratulate all of them as we do the Mayor, City Attorney, and Controller and we anticipate working successfully together for many years to come.
Campaign Party for Council Member Felipe Fuentes - CD7 Campaign Party for Council Member Bom Blumenfield - CD3
UFLAC Members with Jennifer Riviera - Gil Cedillos new Deputy Chief of Staff
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nephew Mark Jr. From a young age my Dad was his role model, and now after he is gone he will proudly carry his legacy as a Los Angeles Firefighter. Eric, Marios son, was fortunate to travel the world with his father and share so many amazing memories like backpacking through the mountains of Machu Pichu or treading through the rainforests of Brazil. Mario taught him to go after what he wanted in life and no matter what Eric could always count on him to support his lifes decisions. Now that hes gone we will
keep the memories we have close to our hearts and will never forget all of the things that he has taught us. I think this quote best explains Mario Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are. We as a family lost a beloved member, and you as a community lost a great icon. And although our hearts are heavy, our love is undying and together we stand with love in our hearts.
In Loving Memory...
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as well as his firefighter family. Jeff spent his off duty time enjoying photography and was particularly proud of one of his photos being published in the local newspaper. He loved playing golf, riding bikes, flying radio control helicopters and listening to music. His favorite past time was traveling and spending time with his family.
In Loving Memory...
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There are no bad days, just some are better than others. - Matthew G. McKnight
greatly enhanced the number of members who volunteered to attend the training. In March of 2007, Matt volunteered to return to OCD, this time as an officer. His prior experience as a dispatcher served him well as he quickly became a well-respected and competent Floor Captain. Matt was a calming presence on the dispatch floor, easily handling
the challenging demands during busy floor operations. Matt assisted with the transition from OCD to the new facility at MFC and worked hard to bring the new facility up to fully operational status. Matt entered the DROP in July of 2012 and intended to finish his career assigned to MFC. Matts dedication and commitment to what he believed in both
on and off duty earned him high praise from everyone whose life he touched. He will be missed by all of us. Last month, UFLAC successfully lobbied the City Council to pass a resolution granting 100% of Matts sick time pay to be directed to his surviving spouse and young children.
In Loving Memory...
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LAFD in Action
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LAFD in Action
The Los Angeles Fire Department proudly assisted the Neighborhood Councils of the San Fernando Valley at the 6th Annual Valley Disaster Preparedness Fair on October 5, 2013 The Fair was held at Fire Station 87 in Granada Hills an sponsored jointly by the Northridge East, Northridge West, Northridge South, Granada Hills South, Granada Hills North, Lake Balboa, Chatsworth, North Hills West, Porter Ranch and Mission Hills Neighborhood Councils, The Valley Disaster Preparedness
CD 12 Staff
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he or she will notify the Battalion Chief who will immediately place the employee and sometimes the apparatus the employee was working on out of service . Internal Affairs ( PSD ) is immediately notified and a cadre of PSD staff is dispatched to the work location. The cadre usually includes the PSD Chief, a PSD Captain and maybe a civilian PSD member that is in training. PSD will notify UFLAC that a Reasonable Suspicion process is being initiated. A UFLAC representative will be sent to the work location to witness and preserve the rights of our UFLAC members. As a UFLAC representative and Executive Board member, I recommend that any member who is in this situation not discuss ANYTHING until the UFLAC representative arrives and can advise you. The member is not required to discuss the matter with anyone until the member is represented.
Reasonable Suspicion
The member may be asked that his or her vehicle be searched. That answer should be absolutely NO. A supervisor will usually be ordered to follow the member in the work location and not allow the member to be unaccompanied. The members locker will be secured and any items taken from the locker will need an approval by the PSD representative on scene. The member will be read an admonition and ordered to cooperate with the urine test. The member will then be ordered to provide a urine sample, which will be witnessed by a PSD representative. After the urine sample the PSD cadre will provide the member transportation to the residence because of the alleged liability that PSD may encounter. The member may be asked about any medication he or she may be taking. Medication and medical history is protected by HIPPA, a federal law. If the supervisor or PSD
suspects alcohol intoxication, a scientific analysis will eliminate any physiological or any other etiologies that may explain the alleged behavior. According to the LAFD a member should always be presumed innocent until a preponderance of evidence determines otherwise. As a UFLAC representative and Executive Board member I advise that if a member is taking any medication , even a Doctor
prescribed medication, he or she should use good judgement when reporting for duty. Reasonable Suspicion is a difficult road to travel but our members need to know that your rights will be protected and the final determination will be based on evidence and not suspicion as the term reads. If any members would like to discuss this article please call me (213) 392-1546
honor and a privilege to represent the men and women of this great Union and Department. President Lima has graciously appointed me to the Negotiating Team and Benefits Trust once again and I look forward to these challenging assignments. The President is working hard to once again unite this Board and our membership, and I support his endeavor. We will surely face some of the most difficult challenges we have ever faced over the next two years. We will all need to work together to survive the attacks and come out even stronger. It will take a strong commitment from our Board and Management, to move forward and restore our resources and membership levels back to where they belong. I have hope that a
I Am Excited To Be Back
new Mayor and City Council will stand ready to support our efforts and bring this Department back to full strength. It will take this Board and Management, working together, to explain that second best is not good enough for the citizens we serve. Public Safety must always remain the number one priority of this City. I also look forward to once again come to the table and negotiate the salaries and benefits that our members have earned and worked so hard for. During these hard economic times our membership has rose to the occasion, and given back more than its fair share. Now is the time however for the City to say thank you, and restore our benefits and resources. We have done so much, with so little, for
far too long. Each of you has demonstrated the kind of high quality individuals who work for this Department. The City should be proud of you and I have no
problem reminding them of that at the table! Thank you all once again. Be safe out there and be good to each other.
On November 10th USMC LAFD Veterans celebrated the 238th Marine Corps Birthday at the LAFD Fire Museum in Hollywood. Every year, Marines get together for this celebration no matter where they are or if they are active or retired. The LAFD and UFLAC have
a proud history of supporting members of our military. Last year the LAFD won the Pro-Patria award for how the Department treats our Military reservists. All current reservists are encouraged to submit applications for the ESGR Freedom Award. Semper Fi
Veterans Corner
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Photo By Greg Doyle Your Union constantly is safety, and welfare. Months ago looking out for your health, the Department and UFLAC
As this project moves forward UFLAC will continue to monitor and support the department, as long as they stay in alignment with providing you the best equipment possible. This program will certainly have a lot of questions generated. However, this is a vital program pushed by the Union, and recently supported by the department. It seeks to ensure the safety of our members, limit the serious health risks of contaminated gear, improve the selection, use and maintenance of your PPEs. Thank you for your all of your hard work out there on the line. Continue to stay safe even though 20% of our department was permanently cut, and Truck companies continue to be run below the minimum staffing levels.
On the eve of the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, an historic meeting was held at the UFLAC Union Hall for our membership as well as for Chief Officers, retirees, and civilians affected by the exposures to the World Trade Center (WTC) while serving as rescue workers. The presentation, given by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Department of Occupational Health and Safety, outlined the resources available to 9/11 responders through the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The Zadroga Act, signed into law by President Obama in 2011, was monumental Federal legislation lobbied by your IAFF and your UFLAC Executive Board which provides health care and financial aid for First Responders and
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Community Events
firefightercancersupport.org.
Councilmember Mitchell Englander hosted the 2013 E Awards For Excellence in Public Safety Recognition Luncheon for public safety personnel in the San Fernando Valley. Joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Controller Ron Galperin, Councilmembers Bob Blumenfield, Joe Buscaino, Felipe Fuentes and Paul Krekorian, and many others, we recognized outstanding individuals of the San Fer-
LAFD E Award Honorees: Pilot Rick Wheeler, Captain Raul Miranda, Councilmember Englander, Firefighter Christopher Winn, Firefighter Kendal Koneval, and LAFD Chief Deputy Daren Palacios
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Legislative
lic safety officers who died as the result of heart attacks and strokes while discharging their duties. Other changes as a result of the review of the program include moving to an entirely paperless online system that allows claimants to file and monitor the progress of their claims.
Thank You for a Great Turnout to Support Council President Herb Wesson On Wednesday, October 23rd, UFLAC co-hosted a fundraising reception with Jimmy Blackman & Associates for City Council President Herb Wessons re-elec-
to show our elected leaders that the dedicated men and women of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City are engaged in the issues that impact the health and welfare of our members and the safety of the communities that we serve.
Frank Lima, CPF President Lou Paulson, California State Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Council President Herb Wesson
Unions Massive LA Mobilization Helped Deliver the Statewide Margins of Defeat for 32 and Victory for 30
the fall election, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and its affiliated local unions ran a full-blown campaign to defeat Prop. 32 and pass Prop. 30 out of 21 offices spread from Lancaster to San Pedro and from Culver City to Claremont. More than 20,000 union members and labor activists made phone calls and walked door-to-door, targeting four million registered county voters. Those combined efforts produced 500,000 oneon-one conversations with voters. Yes, we helped raise money so labor could compete with television ads because L.A. and California are so big, said Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the county federation. But we also put much of our resources into mobilizing rank-and file union members who walked the precincts and made the phone calls. Tuesdays triumph against 32 and for 30 demonstrated what a local labor movement could do to change the way unions do politics. Instead of simply acting as an ATM machine for political candidates, L.A. Labor dedicated itself to educating union members, registering them to vote, getting them to work in the campaigns and getting them to the polls. That helped make the difference in L.A. County, and the state. Durazo continues political practices begun by her late husband, Miguel Contreras, in the mid-1990s. They made the county labor federation, the second largest central labor body in the U.S., a model for the nation, able to put thousands of activists on the streets during any given election contest.
Harold Schaitberger, Elena Durazo, Lou Paulson, Lew Stone LOS ANGELES Because of posted by the Secretary of States a mammoth grass-roots mobiliza- office. The same labor-backed tion by L.A. Labor, Los Angeles endeavor contributed 1,351,925 County racked up 1,406,707 mil- million votes or 27 percent of the lion votes or 28 percent of the 4,959,206 million-vote statewide 5,086,590 million-vote statewide margin by which voters approved margin by which Californians Proposition 30, Gov. Browns tax rejected Proposition 32, the anti- measure for schools and public union measure on the November safety. In the final 12 weeks before 6 ballot, according to figures
Democracy cant just be the play thing of the Koch brothers, Karl Rove and the Munger family, Durazo said. There has never before been an election where the super-rich played so direct a role. With unlimited money they come into California like an invading army trying to silence the voice of workers through support for Prop. 32, and to starve our schools, children, teachers and public safety by opposing Prop. 30. Yet their money could not overcome the hard work of firefighters, teachers, construction workers, grocery clerks, hotel workers, longshoremen, truck drivers, nurses, and stagehands talking to family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Reprinted from: http://launionaflcio.org
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We also have extensive lists of counselors, both individual and marital. We have created a packet on elder care issues, and recently held 2 elder care workshops. We are also in the process of planning to repeat this workshop in new locations later this year. The EAP is also able to provide callers with names and number of lawyers practicing in many different specialties. On the UFLAC/ EAP website is a complete list of pamphlets we have available in our office dealing with a wide variety of issues. We have also put the EAP Financial Guide on our website, this booklet deals with money issues from a multitude of perspectives from budgeting, consumer protection, to information on how couples sometimes have difficulties working together on money decisions.
A Bridge to Somewhere
If you have a situation doesnt appear to be resolving itself, or solutions seem to be in short supply give us a call. Sometimes having someone help brainstorm a problem may uncover remedies you werent aware of. It has also been the subject of much discussion that at multiple Fire Departments have seen an alarming increase in suicides among their members and extended families in the last couple of years. Theses departments, like LAFD, have EAPS and multiple other services on mental health issues. So if the resources are available how can individuals be so close to help and so unable to access it? While the reasons may vary from individual to individual each of us needs to acknowledge that when a person slips into such despair, no matter what the reason, that
EAP
Winter 2013
ending their life seems to be the only alternative they may no longer be in a position to help themselves. This brings us to the meaning of the headline of this column, can each of us see ourselves as the bridge to help. You may be unsure how to approach someone about contacting the EAP, or how to open a conversation about what is troubling them. However if youre willing to try, lives may be saved. Over the years I have helped many of you strategize how to approach someone youre concerned about, and in many instances it has paid off in that individual contacting this office for help. Some of the saddest conversations Ive had, were with friends/co-workers that knew someone was in a downward spiral and because no one knew what to do, and were afraid of
doing the wrong thing, they did nothing. In these situations I frequently hear, I wonder what would have happened if I had done or I wonder what would have been different if I had said.? There are no answers to these questions; none of us will know what would have been different. So in a very real sense we are our brothers keeper, we can and must look out for each other. Give the EAP a call and we will help you look for the opportunities to become that bridge and potentially save a life. We can be reached at (800)2528352, option 3 during business hours. After regular office hours and on the weekends we can be reached by calling our answering service at (213)250-1212.
I am asleep at 30,000 feet when I am woken up by a chime in the aircraft requesting a medical professional. In Los Angeles nearly 80% of our calls are EMS and I am Firefighter / Paramedic so I am push the call button and identify myself as a LAFD Paramedic. Most Firefighters like to travel and you could easily find yourself in the same position I was in. Several things were going through my head as I approached the patient. I was not aware of what kind of medications or equipment were on the aircraft. I was not sure if I could legally give the medications, and I was not sure if I did give the medications if I was covered legally. With a substantial increase in air traffic and an increase in the elderly population it is only a matter of time until you will be called on to assist a patient in flight. We all have a duty to act and if you are educated on inflight emergencies you will be more willing to assist. Aircraft Medical Kits I was initially very impressed with the contents of the on board medical kit or what the FAA calls EMK. The EMK was designed to be more of a Doctor kit but has most of the medications that we carry in Los Angeles County. You will be happy to find a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, AED, BVM of assorted sizes, IVs, cardiac medications,
EMS
headset provided by the flight attendant. MedLink was the service I used and it was very efficient. I was able to speak directly to the pilot of the aircraft and gave a report to the physician in Phoenix just like I was contacting base. Challenges of In-Flight Emergencies One of the biggest challenges you will encounter will be your environment. You will be working in tight quarters with equipment you may or not be familiar with and it can be very loud. As LAFD members we are used to working in adverse conditions and the environment on an aircraft is actually much easier to work in than many of our incidents. We are used to having a standard emergency kit but it will vary in the air depending on which air carrier you choose. Some airlines far exceed the FAA mandated minimum and some airlines only provide what is mandated. You will be working in a small space. Flight Attendants are trained to assist people to the floor but you may need to ask for assistance from other passengers to get them to a galley or create more work space.
Am I Covered? As EMTs and Paramedics we are all covered off duty under Good Samaritan laws. Additionally, while in the air we are covered by the Aviation Medical Assistance Act by Congress. We still need to act within our scope and will be covered unless there is gross negligence or willful misconduct. If you treat the inflight emergency like any other medical call at the fire station you should be covered. Use common sense and make contact with a ground physician just like you are contacting a base station hospital. I contacted a physician in Phoenix using a
It can be difficult to auscultate so you may need to palpate a blood pressure. You might encounter problems with other medical professionals. I have encountered both an EMT with very little experience who wanted to run the incident and a physician on the aircraft who was more than happy to let me run the incident. It is important to take charge of the in-flight medical emergency if you are the most qualified. Flight Diversion Generally the Physician you talk to on Med-Link will make the recommendation to divert the aircraft of not. Remember that you are painting them a picture and if you firmly feel the aircraft needs to be diverted and do an emergency landing then you need to justify it. Ultimately the decision to divert is up to the pilot. There is a large number of contributing factors that go into deciding to divert. Incident Report The type of report taken varies from airline to airline. When I was called to act I asked the Flight Attendant for a pen and paper so I could get the patients history, allergies, medications, and vitals
signs recorded. I was asked by the airlines to fill out a very short form that looks nothing like our ePCR or old 902M. Remember to be cognizant of the patients HIPPA rights. It is always a good idea to make note of what medications you gave and what procedures you performed as long as you dont violate the patients HIPPA rights in the process. Conclusion Now that you know that aircraft have EMK Doctor Kits on board and that you will be covered by the Good Samaritan Law and Aviation Medical Assistance Act hopefully the next time a medical professional is called in-flight you will step up and lend assistance. The kits are not perfect but they are a drastic improvement from the basic kits in the past and they continue to evolve. The improvement being taken by the FAA and the airlines will save lives. I am actively pursuing getting glucometers added to an airline fleet. Please contact me for any suggestions in getting glucometers added to aircraft or if you have any questions about this article.
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Services Directory
Department of Fire and Police Pensions 360 East Second Street, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 978-4545 www.lacity.org/pen ACTIVE MEMBERS Applying for a Service Pension (213) 978-4575 Applying for a Disability Pension (213) 978-4500 Applying for DROP participation (213) 978-4568 Buying Back Time (Academy Time, Bad Time, Prior Service) (213) 978-4522 Contribution Statements (For Divorce, Loans, Verification of Contribution) (213) 978-4522 Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars (213) 978-4522 Refund of Contributions (213) 978-4522 Domestic Partner Information (213) 978-4522 RETIRED MEMBERS Name, Address & Telephone Number Changes (213) 978-4575
PRESIDENT
1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 Refreshments and Free Parking Available
James A. Perry
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Page 16
Winter 2013
By Adam VanGerpen
Communications Now, more than ever it is important to continue to increase our communications to our members. We have been sending out regular email blasts to the membership as well as sending bulletins out to the fire stations in order to reach the maximum number of members. We are also broadcasting updates through our website, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. Our followers are slowly but surely increasing. If you are not already following @UFLAC on Twitter and Facebook be sure and start today. If you are not registered on the website or you have forgotten your password you can contact me at avangerpen@uflac. org or go put in a request from the website. LA Press Club Finalist The Los Angeles Firefighter Newspaper won an 2nd place award for Best In-House / Cor-
Editors
porate Newspaper for 2012. The LAFD Blog took home a 1st place prize, and the Lets Roll Documentary produced by Matt Holwick about the LAFD and LACoFD members who rode their bicycles from LA to NYC to honor the victims of 9/11 also received an award. City Elections UFLAC was very active in the LA City Elections this year.
Increasing Communications
We held Special Meetings at the James A. Perry Labor Center so the membership could voice their opinion and cast their vote for which candidate to endorse. Once we endorsed a candidate UFLAC actively campaigned on their behalf. It was great to see so much participation from our membership and we look forward to more involvement in the future. Future Issues
As firefighters, we have been through several attacks the past few years. Our pension was under attack, our staffing levels, and our safety have all been directly attacked. Now more than ever you need to be involved in our union. When a request is made
for members to show up we need to show up in force. We also need to build our PAC fund to counter issues and candidates who threaten us. Please get involved in our organization and make your voice heard.
A USMC Staff Sergeant keeps tradition alive and presents a Flag to the widow of retired LAFD Captain Kearns
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ LAFDLeadershipAcademy You can also find the schedule for upcoming classes at: www.lafdtraining.org By Adam VanGerpen, Editor
The Los Angeles Fire Department Leadership Academy or LAFDLA is one of the few classes you will take in your career that will change your life forever. In four short weeks you form a bond with your classmates and build friendships that will last a lifetime. The course is intense graduate level worked based on curriculum
Moab so that the members of Fire Station 97 could cook the food in a timely manner. Wed also like to thank Light Force 78 and Task Force 60 for stopping by and being static displays for all the families in attendance.
Firefighter Glenn Allen Actor Jack McGee and his wife, Stephanie, held their second annual college fundraiser for Glenn Allens grandson, Nathaniel. They have combined this fundraiser with their celebration called the March Music Madness where musicians and friends play music based on a theme. This years music theme