Hi Mark (By the way, a very noble name! )
What seems to be the problem with this whole NR thing is not the NR in 
general, but the attitude of NR and non-NR folks.
I'm an NREMT-B and I have a whole 3 months experience.  If you think 
for one minute that I would stop (even if it was possible - which it 
most certainly is NOT) and take command of a scene because I have a 
"higher level of training" (Which is questionable depending on the 
individual) You're insane.
What the other party MAY HAVE BEEN referring to is the responsibility 
to the pt and avoiding abandonment.  If I was to stop for an accident, 
it is my understanding that I can only turn responsibility over to 
someone who has my level of training or higher.  Consequently if the FD 
arrives and they are trained as first responders (hey, I live in the 
sticks - mostly volunteer and not much formal training for FD), I could 
not leave the scene until EMS or another EMT arrived.  In that 
particular case, It would be wrong of me to leave even if it meant that 
I had to leave my vehicle at the scene and go with the PT if the FD had 
to transport.  If, however, the FD came on scene and one of them was an 
EMT, that would be that.  I would offer my help and get the heck out of 
the way if it was not needed.
The algorythms that NR uses are good; however, you must avoid having 
tunnel vision when using them, or any other form of pt/scene assessment.
If folks would put the pt first (Ain't that why we are here to begin 
with?!), and leave the attitudes and GOD modes at home, EMS would be a 
lot more like EMS is supposed to be.  Sometimes it is almost sickening.
Just my humble, niave, idealistic opinion.........
               Mark
                                   
--- KBBS vZ.20p (#ARI-00088)
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