Jumpline magazine Q1 2023 - Flipbook - Page 49
Dave Downey, Ret.
I was There when it Happened Continued
well-publicized case involving a NY Jets player, Dennis Byrd,
who had sustained a traumatic spinal cord injury during a
game. He was making a miraculous recovery, due in a large
part to the early administration of a high-dose IV steroid that
reduced the swelling. We knew we would have to include
this in our field care as well as another pain medication (Toradol) to augment the standard morphine and valium. While
we were doing this, Tom was creating what would later become the “T-Board.” Maybe because it was in the shape of a
“T” or maybe to recognize “T” for Tom Quinn. The board was
designed to accommodate a larger and heavier NFL player
with shoulder pads still in place. To test our board we utilized a high school freshman who wore a size 18 shoe and
weighed over 300 pounds. His size and weight were the
basis for the 75 pound individual dumbbell carry which was
part of the initial field training. Tom worked on all the toys
from the board to the stretcher with all-terrain wheels and
even the Dolphin logo for the transport unit. We would park
49
the unit in the tunnel for the first half of the game and then
it had to be moved out after half-time so that they could pull
Coach Shula’s car in.
This is part 1 of my memories to the best of my recollection.
In the next quarter of The Jumpline I try to recap a few other
events that shaped the department we know today. I am sure
I may not have gotten the exact chronology of events, but
I came as close as I could. What I hope others gain from
reading this is the fact that our great department has always
improved based on new ideas and innovation and that you
don’t have to make it to fire chief to have an impact. If you
have an idea that can make things better, take ownership,
understand there will be challenges to seeing it through, be
the champion! Remember, there are three kinds of people;
those who watch things happen, those who wonder what
happened, and those who make things happen.
Which one will you be?
Social Media/Digital Media Policy
I-R-10 SOCIAL MEDIA/DIGITAL MEDIA POLICY
subject to public record under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statute
If on duty please consider MDFR Media policies relating to
any photos you submit to the Jumpline. In a nutshell, don’t take
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Media and Public Relations.
Here at the Jumpline, we are working closely with MDFR PIO
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policies.
Please read the policies in full if before you
consider submitting photos or information that
could be in conflict. Some excerpts are below.
Digital images taken during incidents are to be sent only to
the Media & Public Relations Bureau for proper vetting and
dissemination. The Media & Public Relations Bureau reserves
the right to utilize the images as they see fit for the purpose
of media use, education, training, community engagement,
and public relations. See Section VIII for instructions on how to
submit digital images taken during incidents.
Photos may be submitted to MDFR PIO
via iPhone or android Dropbox (directions
in the policy). Email at mdfrpio@miamidade.
gov, or SUBMIT VIA WHATSAPP digital
images to 786-516-5362.
I-R-10 SOCIAL MEDIA/DIGITAL MEDIA
POLICY
While on-duty, ALL digital images taken
with or without approval of a supervisor or the
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are property of Miami-Dade County and are
I-R-13 Media Relations Policy
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February 2023 | JUMPLINE Magazine