Archives for 2018

Preventing School Bus Accidents

It’s that time again. Schools are back in session and it time to remind everyone to slow down. Be a little more aware of school buses and children walking to school.

I recently gave an in service on safety to bus drivers in our area. These men and women have a tremendous responsibility. Parents trust these individuals to safely transport their children to and from school each day. This job becomes more tedious when other motorists do not give school buses the due regard they deserve.

The NHTSA reports, about 134 people die in school-vehicle-related crashes each year. Of those, 8% are riding in the buses. Pedestrians, bicyclists and others outside the bus account for 21% of fatalities. By far the most fatalities, nearly three-fourths, are people in other vehicles.

Here Are A Few Tips For Drivers To Remember

Don’t block crosswalks
Be patient when following a school bus.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
Allow a greater distance between you and the bus when following from behind. This provides greater reaction time when stopping.
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus
Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore
hazards and take risks
Slow down and abide by traffic laws
Above all, share the road

Let’s do our part in making in making this a safe school year for everyone. Remember small distractions can lead to tragedy in a matter of seconds. Stay alert and watch you surrounding when driving this school year.

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Psalm 37:3

Selecting The Right Gun

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

After receiving her CCW license, I took my wife to the gun store. We had previously been to the range and shot several guns. She did not like the recoil from the 9mm. Although she was a very good shot with several guns she did not want to carry any that she had shot.

Once we arrived at the gun store we looked at several J frames. She did not like the large caliber guns. Then I saw the Smith & Wesson AirLite 22 magnum. Light weight, felt good in her hand, little recoil, this was the gun for her.

The salesman was not impressed and said it would not be a good gun for personal defense. I ask you, Would you like to be shot with a 22 magnum hollow point? The old saying, Any gun is better than no gun. It works well for her and she has become very accurate with this gun. Never let a salesperson dictate the gun you should buy. Here are the specs for the Smith & Wesson AirLite 22 magnum.

Specifications

Model: Model 351 C

Caliber: 22 Magnum

Capacity: 7

Barrel Length: 1.875″ / 4.8 cm

Overall Length: 6.3″

Front Sight: XS Sights® White Dot

Rear Sight: Fixed U-Notch

Action: Double Action Only

Grip: Synthetic

Weight: 11.5 oz / 326.0g

Cylinder Material: Aluminum Alloy

Barrel Material: Stainless Steel

Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy

Frame Finish: Matte Black

Purpose: Concealed Carry, Personal Protection

Sometimes gun sales people are more interested in selling an expensive gun than matching the right gun to the right person. The 22 magnum can be a lethal weapon in the hands of a confident and determined woman.

I feel each individual who receives their CCW and would like to carry a gun, must find the right match for them. Don’t let a salesperson direct you in the wrong direction. Be informed. Do your research before buying. And buy the gun that is best suited for you.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:11-17

Never Judge Before You Know The Facts

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

Recently in Aurora, Colorado a home invasion took place which resulted in both the intruder and the homeowner dead. It all started when the homeowner heard a crash. He then called 911 to report a break in. The police were only a block away. As the homeowner proceeded down the hallway of his home he is greeted by the intruder. The homeowner shot and killed him.

Meanwhile, as the police arrive at the scene they hear the gunfire. Fearing for the safety of the homeowner, the police officers rush into the home. They confront the individual still holding a gun. Not aware that this was the home occupant, the police officer shot and killed the homeowner.

Now there has been a lot of speculation as to what actually took place. All of the details have not been released. But many are already convicting the police officers in the media. It is a sad time when public opinion and news media can determine the fate of those involved in a situation such as this, even before all the details are confirmed.

The responsibility of owning a gun for personal defense is a big one. And it can be a dangerous one. The situation above is tragic. A man only trying to protect himself and family is shot and killed. Most will want to blame police. But remember none of this would have happened if the intruder had not broke into the home. So ultimately, the blame should be place where it is due. On the intruder.

In critical situations police must make life and death situations in a matter of seconds. They are dispatched to a home invasion. When they arrive on scene they hear gunshots. Now the stress level increases. As they enter the home they encountered a man with a gun.

Did they identify themselves? What was the lighting like in the home? Did the homeowner point the gun at the officers? Did the officers tell him to drop the gun? Was the homeowner’s hearing impaired after firing the gun without ear protection? These questions and many more must be answered before the truth will be known as to what really occurred.

It is not my place or anyone’s to judge before all the facts are known. Public opinion and the media have no right the convict a person of a negligence or of a crime. This is and always has been reserved for the court system.

Instead of judging a situation before the facts are known, let’s pray for the families of the victims and the police officers that were involved.

Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Luke 6:37

A Gunfight Is Not Always The Answer

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

Several weeks ago there was an incident involving a person in Clearwater, Florida who used his legal firearm to protect himself. Could this incident been prevented?

On July 30, 2018 the Tampa Times reported the following:

“The confrontation between Michael Drejka, 47, and Markeis McGlockton, 28, took place in a convenience store parking lot Thursday afternoon. According to deputies, Drejka confronted McGlockton’s girlfriend, Britany Jacobs, about parking in a handicap space without a permit.

“McGlockton went up to Drejka and ‘slammed him to the ground,’ the sheriff said. Drejka, seconds later, while still on the ground, pulled out his handgun and shot McGlockton in the chest.”

So far no charges have been filed against Drejka. Most likely because McGlockton was the aggressor and assaulted Drejka by throwing him to the ground. There are reports of Drejka being involved in in other arguments over the same parking space in the past. Although no charges have been filed against Drejka he still may face a civil law suit, which could have devastating consequences for Drejka.

My point is this. A life was taken. For what? An argument over a parking spot. Just because we have a conceal carry license, it does not make us a police officer. Calling the police to report this parking violation may have prevented the entire incident. And a young man would still be alive.

Our conceal carry instructors have taught over 1000 people how to use a firearm safely. We also stress the importance of de-escalating a volatile situation before it leads to an all out fight. Sometimes it may be better to just walk away. The gun should be the last resort not the first.

As a medic I have had many incidents in which I had an uncooperative patient. I have two choices, de-escalate or escalate. How would escalating the situation benefit the patient or myself? So de-escalation is the only choice.

Another option, if Drejka felt his life was in danger, is to pull the gun and call 911. Hold McGlockton at gun point until the police arrive to sort out the situation.

Pride and ego have no place in the Conceal Carry community. Sometimes humbling oneself and walking away to avoid an all out kerfuffle is the best option.

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

Proverbs 20:3

Congratulations, It’s A Boy!

By Tim Holman Leave a Comment

Medic 1 respond to 1387 Riverside Court. Report of a twenty eight year old female in labor. Time out 1853. On arrival we found a young woman who appeared to be in active labor. Her face was red, she was sweating and contractions were less than two minutes apart. I asked if her water had broke and she responded yes. She also had an urge to push.

The next step is to determine if she is crowning. This is done by checking to see if the baby’s head can be seen in the birth canal. If it is visible we will deliver the baby now and not transport. Sure enough she is crowning.

Being my first delivery, I was a little more than nervous. We obtained an O.B. Kit from the medic unit. This kit has all the material we will need during delivery.

As the baby continues to move out of the birth canal, gentle pressure is applied to the top of the babies head with the backside of my fingers. This prevents an explosive birth that can lacerate the mother and create needless bleeding.

The head is now delivered and the nose is suctioned. (Babies are primarily nose breathers for several months. Suctioning prevents the baby from taking a breath and sucking fluid into the lungs.) Since the shoulders are wider than the head, the birth is slightly delayed. Gentle downward pressure on the shoulder followed by lifting upward on the other shoulder will allow the baby to deliver easily.

As the body of the baby is delivered a warm towel is wrapped around the baby to prevent loss of body heat. Baby’s go from an environment of 98 degrees to 70 degrees in a matter of seconds. A warm towel wrapped around the baby as it is delivered, makes for a more enjoyable entry into the world.

Once the baby is completely delivered, the umbilical cord must be cut after no pulse is felt in the cord. This is done by clamping the cord about six inches from the baby’s belly. A second clamp is placed about an inch further down the cord. It is then cut between the clamps.

Now the baby is dried and wrapped in additional towels. The head is covered. Baby’s lose much of their body heat from their head. Then the baby is given to mom so they can begin bonding.

Next we clean mom up and keep her warm for the trip to the hospital. An IV is established as a precaution for mom. If the trip is more than twenty minutes to the hospital it is possible that the placenta will deliver.

We then notify the hospital that we are in route. They are informed that mother, baby and paramedic are all doing well.

Birth is a natural process and it should be noted that the mother does most of the work. This being said, delivery of a baby is both exciting and nerve racking. In the case above, I was asked to sign the birth certificate. What a wonderful honor.

Since this first delivery, I now have a total of ten babies that I have delivered in the pre-hospital setting. Each one seemed like a miracle from God and I got to play a small part in bringing a new life into the world.

“Children are a gift from God, they are His reward.”

Psalm 127:3