Rob Burnside
Rob Burnside is a retired firefighter.
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Latest articles
Conditions and diseases
"Turn out the light, the party's over," sang color commentator Dandy Don Meredith on ABC's Monday Night Football when a seminal fourth quarter play occurred and the game was suddenly in the bag. For me, that's where it's at right…
“Turn out the light, the party’s over,” sang color commentator Dandy Don Meredith on ABC’s Monday Night Football when a seminal fourth quarter play occurred and the game was suddenly in the bag. For me, that’s where it’s at right now — just a few ticks of the clock away
First, for the American Heart Association then for the American Red Cross, …
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Looking back on a life teaching CPR
Patient voices
I went to the retired firefighters dinner last week and had a great time, probably because I happened to land on a table full of contemporaries: men who worked at pretty much the same time I did. Inevitably, conversation turned…
I went to the retired firefighters dinner last week and had a great time, probably because I happened to land on a table full of contemporaries: men who worked at pretty much the same time I did.
Inevitably, conversation turned to our memories of some of the older firefighters we had to deal with as we worked our way up the seniority ladder; “getting time on” is what it was called. …
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What a retired firefighter has to do with health care today
Patient voices
It's tempting to blame it all on Henry Ford. I was standing alone at the empty counter, waiting to order in a fast food joint at 9 p.m. Off to my left, three or four carloads of customers had been…
It’s tempting to blame it all on Henry Ford. I was standing alone at the empty counter, waiting to order in a fast food joint at 9 p.m. Off to my left, three or four carloads of customers had been served before anyone noticed me and came over to ask what I wanted. After all, Henry gave us the mass-produced (and therefor affordable) automobile. I wondered if the day …
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Patient satisfaction surveys and accidental pickles
Health policy
In firefighting, pump physics is one of the most critical things an engine company officer must understand. How do we "get the wet stuff on the red stuff" in sufficient quantity without sacrificing penetrating power? The inverse ratio between volume…
In firefighting, pump physics is one of the most critical things an engine company officer must understand. How do we “get the wet stuff on the red stuff” in sufficient quantity without sacrificing penetrating power? The inverse ratio between volume and pressure (as the water pressure increases, volume decreases) has befuddled many a rookie lieutenant.
The same, I think, is now true …
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Taking a page from firefighting to fix health care
Physician voices
On a recent cross-country flight, I feigned sleep and overheard the following conversation between my seatmates: a radiation oncologist (I'll call her "Dr. M"), and a former firefighter/paramedic called, "Captain." Thought you'd like to listen in. DR. M: You guys…
On a recent cross-country flight, I feigned sleep and overheard the following conversation between my seatmates: a radiation oncologist (I’ll call her “Dr. M”), and a former firefighter/paramedic called, “Captain.” Thought you’d like to listen in.
DR. M: You guys have been my heroes for a long time, the way you constantly put your lives on the line.
CAPTAIN: We’re in serious danger 10% of the time, at most. Moderate danger another …
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Will the real hero please stand up?
Patient voices
Over the years, since the early 1990s, I've been treated for depression. Initially adjustment disorder, and lately, major depression. Perhaps I'm just getting older, and the "black dog" heavier. Then, I ponder all the changes I've encountered and wonder if…
Over the years, since the early 1990s, I’ve been treated for depression. Initially adjustment disorder, and lately, major depression. Perhaps I’m just getting older, and the “black dog” heavier. Then, I ponder all the changes I’ve encountered and wonder if they haven’t played a part. It may surprise you, but I’m thinking primarily of setting right now, and how much the therapeutic scene has morphed over those same years. I …
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The relationship with my doctor has been taken away
Patient voices
Flexibility is important these days, perhaps more than ever before. I'm reminded of this almost every time I order lunch at a fast food joint: "I'd like a double cheeseburger, please, with ketchup only." "You mean 'only ketchup,' don't you?"…
Flexibility is important these days, perhaps more than ever before. I’m reminded of this almost every time I order lunch at a fast food joint: “I’d like a double cheeseburger, please, with ketchup only.” “You mean ‘only ketchup,’ don’t you?” “Okay, a double cheeseburger with only ketchup.” “Right, got it, coming up!”
So many changes on the medical care horizon and everyone speaking a slightly different language — it’s bound to …
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With health reform, flexibility is important
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