No photograph is more important than the duties being discharged by a First Responder, their job is the number one priority. Being a ‘third rider’ is a honor and a privilege that should never be taken for granted or abused. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
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General:
These are some general rules that are
followed:
1) Never get in the way of any First Responder (Ploice, Fire or EMS).
2) Never make them wait, always try to ‘stay ahead’.
3) If requested by an agency (other than the one you are riding with) not to take photos, respect that request.
4) If an incedent is bad and help is needed, offer it. Help only in a non medical capacity (caring equipment, opening dors, etc...)
5) Never talk or make comments while in the presents of a person being treated, their family or the public in general. Defer all questions by the public to a First Responder.
6) Be polite and courteous to everyone.
7) Use comon sense. If there is ever any question, don’t take the photo.
1) Never get in the way of any First Responder (Ploice, Fire or EMS).
2) Never make them wait, always try to ‘stay ahead’.
3) If requested by an agency (other than the one you are riding with) not to take photos, respect that request.
4) If an incedent is bad and help is needed, offer it. Help only in a non medical capacity (caring equipment, opening dors, etc...)
5) Never talk or make comments while in the presents of a person being treated, their family or the public in general. Defer all questions by the public to a First Responder.
6) Be polite and courteous to everyone.
7) Use comon sense. If there is ever any question, don’t take the photo.
Personal Health Information:
I’m always committed to protecting patient
privacy and maintaining the confidentiality
of their Personal Health Information (PHI)
in all settings. Federal public law 104-191
(also known as the ‘HEALTH INSURANCE
PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1996’
or HIPAA) requires me to make sure that a
patient’s health information is kept
private. A patient’s PHI is covered under
the type of invasion of privacy known as
public disclosure of embarrassing
private facts.
1) Before photographing in a private setting (someone’s home, place of work, etc...), approval from the patient or a family member and the crew must be obtained first. A signed release is not needed, a verbal one will suffice.*
2) While in a private setting, ambulance or medical aid station (like that at a marathon or outdoor music festival), no full face photographic images and any comparable image are to be taken unless specifically asked of the individual.* This includes standing outside and taking photos through windows/doors or into a designated area for providing aid (a tent with no walls, etc...).
3) No identifiers of the individual or of relatives, employers, or household members of the individual.
4) While in a public space, make every attempt to avoid full face photographs and identifiers.
* If a department or agency requires written consent (in-addition to the verbal) in order to take photos in a private setting, no photographs should be taken as it impedes with the caretaker performing there duties.
private facts.
1) Before photographing in a private setting (someone’s home, place of work, etc...), approval from the patient or a family member and the crew must be obtained first. A signed release is not needed, a verbal one will suffice.*
2) While in a private setting, ambulance or medical aid station (like that at a marathon or outdoor music festival), no full face photographic images and any comparable image are to be taken unless specifically asked of the individual.* This includes standing outside and taking photos through windows/doors or into a designated area for providing aid (a tent with no walls, etc...).
3) No identifiers of the individual or of relatives, employers, or household members of the individual.
4) While in a public space, make every attempt to avoid full face photographs and identifiers.
* If a department or agency requires written consent (in-addition to the verbal) in order to take photos in a private setting, no photographs should be taken as it impedes with the caretaker performing there duties.
Safety:
By nature, First Responders are often put
in harms way. At no time do I want to put
myself or the personal that I’m riding with
at risk.
1) Always follow the direction of ALL First Responders.
2) Use discrestion in any situation, but especially in a domestic disturbance, as to not inflame the situation further.
3) If responding to a Fire or HazMat incedent keep back a reasonable distance, particularly if appropriate ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ is not avalable.
1) Always follow the direction of ALL First Responders.
2) Use discrestion in any situation, but especially in a domestic disturbance, as to not inflame the situation further.
3) If responding to a Fire or HazMat incedent keep back a reasonable distance, particularly if appropriate ‘Personal Protective Equipment’ is not avalable.
Appearance/dress:
When in the field, not only am I
representing the department, agency or
company I’m riding with but I’m
representing JEMS as well. In having a good
appearance by looking and dressing the part
(as well as acting accordingly), I shows
respect and it aids in public perception as
to why I’m carrying a camera.
1) Prior to riding with a department, agency or company seek information as to their dress code or uniform.
2) If available, seek temporary use a department, agency or company’s ‘official’ (logo) apparel. This leads to less questions by the individual(s) being treated or by other agencies while on-scene.
3) If feasible (not cost restrictive), purchase apparel as needed.
4) Do not wear or display anything that constitutes a rank or a accreditation that has not earned. It very disrespectful to do so. This is unless having been instructed to do so by a department or agency as part of wearing ‘official’ apparel.
5) If ‘official’ clothing has been given [as a gift], it is never used to misrepresent oneself to other departments, agencies, companies or the public.
1) Prior to riding with a department, agency or company seek information as to their dress code or uniform.
2) If available, seek temporary use a department, agency or company’s ‘official’ (logo) apparel. This leads to less questions by the individual(s) being treated or by other agencies while on-scene.
3) If feasible (not cost restrictive), purchase apparel as needed.
4) Do not wear or display anything that constitutes a rank or a accreditation that has not earned. It very disrespectful to do so. This is unless having been instructed to do so by a department or agency as part of wearing ‘official’ apparel.
5) If ‘official’ clothing has been given [as a gift], it is never used to misrepresent oneself to other departments, agencies, companies or the public.
