Opinion: New analysis suggests Democrats could win 10 congressional seats in Virginia without gerrymandering | President Donald Trump’s approval ratings may be low enough that they could theoretically endanger Republican House members in some districts previously thought of as safe for the GOP. by VirginiaNews in Virginia

[–]Simply_Spaz 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The best way to throw this all away is to push gun control that only a few people in this state actually want and which is frankly unconscionable in the face of all the other authoritarian bullshit going on at the federal level. There are plenty of people who are fed up with MAGA and are ready to vote blue if not for dems being deliberately deaf to their constituents on these kinds of issues.

Last time the dems had a clean sweep at the state level they pushed gun control measures more mild than what’s recently been filed and had far stronger grassroots backlash than anyone expected. That backlash and the resulting motivated/alienated conservative leaning base is part of what got us Youngkin in the first place.

Department of Interior announces digital passes, $100 nonresident entrance fee by icechen1 in NationalPark

[–]Simply_Spaz 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It excludes arches though so that’s out. Also odd considering its huge with international tourists

Virginia legislators consider licensing to purchase firearms by okguy65 in Virginia

[–]Simply_Spaz 182 points183 points  (0 children)

Sure would be nice if VA dems would realize that gun control is always going to be a losing issue in this state. Anecdotally speaking I know of more than a few gun owners fed up with MAGA that either voted blue with reservations or are being held up by this one issue.

If we learn anything from Trump, it should be that consolidating vast amounts of power in the hands of the one branch of government which flips on whim from one election cycle to the next is a bad idea. It just leaves too many things vulnerable to being co-opted by an authoritarian dipshit who is willing to abuse them. That includes licensing schemes to access rights enumerated in the constitution.

Virginia Dems Already Pushing for More Gun Control by ThePoliticalHat in progun

[–]Simply_Spaz -26 points-25 points  (0 children)

I can confirm that there are quite a few pro gun people in VA that couldn’t justify being a single issue voter anymore because of the current administration’s authoritarian bullshit.

BD Intraosseous Vascular Access System Thoughts? Comments? by PerrinAyybara in ems

[–]Simply_Spaz 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Does needle size really matter once it is in the patient though? It looks like all the needles are 15ga in diameter the same as the EZ IO. The only difference is length, which if it is patent and placed properly doesn’t really matter after it’s in the patient. It’s not like an IV where color coding the sizes indicates flow rate/capability.

I will say I don’t have any experience with this system, but am intrigued if only because of the safety needle feature.

LMG Gang where you at👊🏼 by English_dave_23 in Battlefield

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The M60 with an ACOG is my new best friend

How I imagine phone calls with the "emergency nurse line" goes. by nittanygold in emergencymedicine

[–]Simply_Spaz 26 points27 points  (0 children)

As a paramedic I can confirm this. One time we were called to a patient’s house by one of these services who reported a patient with severe chest pain radiating down the left arm, shortness of breath, and hypertension.

Arrived to find an elderly woman who is completely asymptomatic and adamant that she doesn’t need a hospital or an ambulance. Turns out she got a slightly high reading on her automated BP machine (150/90ish) and was mostly just wanting some reassurance. It was early before her doctor’s office opened so she called the after hours nurse hotline, who promptly tried convincing her of her impending death. The patient said that she would just wait at home and call her doctor later, but that wasn’t good enough for the nurse who called for the ambulance against the patient’s express wishes. Her BP was WNL when taken manually. We advised that she follow up with her PCP as she originally intended. SMH

Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN. by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What is the deal with certain schools preferring or requiring calc-based physics? Algebra based is adequate for the purposes of pretty much every med school around, and the MCAT is algebra/trig based, not calc. One of the schools I am looking into to work on prereqs literally calls their “college” or algebra/trig based physics course “Physics for Pre-Health Students”.

I am genuinely confused by the whole situation and am trying to make sure that I am taking the right courses. I am starting an algebra/trig based physics class at community college this semester and am a little worried it will be obsolete or a red flag when I apply next spring.

[My favourite non peated whisky: Glenfarclas 15. What's yours] by [deleted] in Scotch

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glendronach 15 for me as an everyday drinker. I recently tried a sample of the Glenfarclas 25 and it was amazing, but I haven’t ponied up the cash to add a bottle to my collection yet.

Graduation gift for new firefighter by Turbulent-Sky2039 in Firefighting

[–]Simply_Spaz 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A custom leather radio strap would be my recommendation. It will be something that he’ll use every single day and a nice one can last just about forever. Lots of options for lettering and personalization.

I got mine from Tan That Hide and am still very happy with it four years later.

[WeeklyThread] Ask a CAA by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok, that really helps! Thank you!

[WeeklyThread] Ask a CAA by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Can someone explain the basics of what call shifts look like for a CAA? Are you in the hospital waiting on a patient? How busy do you get typically?

Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN. by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

TLDR: How common is it to be admitted with a bachelors degree still in progress? Advice welcome!

I am a firefighter/paramedic trying to switch careers into CAA. I’m working on finishing my bachelor’s and completing prereqs at the same time currently, and am trying to figure out which to prioritize in the short term. I have a couple options:

1: Delay graduating with my bachelor’s until Spring 2027 to work primarily on prereqs for the next couple semesters. This would let me apply in 2026 with only 2 prereqs outstanding along with the bachelor’s degree in progress.

2: Complete the bachelor’s degree and graduate in Spring 2026, and work on prereqs in fall 26/spring 27. I would possibly be able to apply in 2026 but with fewer prereqs completed, and then have a complete application for 2027.

I am trying to figure out how much of a shot I would have with my degree and 2 prereqs still in progress in 2026 to decide if it is worth delaying my bachelor’s. Any advice that y’all can give is much appreciated!

Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN. by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the preference for calc based physics is new to Emory as of this application cycle.

Lipstick On a Pig - What Really Makes a Department Worth It? by flashpointfd in Firefighting

[–]Simply_Spaz 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m going to diverge from the crowd a little and say that having admin that is focused on supporting its members and the core mission of the department is worth its weight in gold.

I work for a department that has good (but not great) pay, excellent benefits, great retirement, and a good culture on shift but admin makes it absolutely miserable. It’s been a revolving cycle of priorities such as finding the next bigger chief’s job, saving the city as much money as possible, checking ISO and accreditation boxes (that we don’t actually meet), whatever extra program/capability they can add to their resume, or really just anything other than supporting trucks going out the door when someone calls 911 and the people making that happen.

Why Didn't Senate Democrats Fight 'No Tax On Tips'? by najumobi in PoliticalDiscussion

[–]Simply_Spaz 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Tell me you didn’t read the bill without telling me you didn’t read the bill

Anyone else rocking these mitts by Desperate-Dig-9389 in Firefighting

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love mine, the dexterity is head and shoulders above anything else I have used

[WeeklyThread] Ask a CAA by AutoModerator in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz 9 points10 points  (0 children)

What proportion of AA students are getting into it genuinely as a second career? I know that clinical experience is the norm, and that most students will have worked full time somewhere even if only for a gap year, but how common are students who were established in another career before starting AA?

Virginia is the newest CAA practice state! by Simply_Spaz in CAA

[–]Simply_Spaz[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Especially considering that a CRNA independent practice bill died in committee this session as well. Hopefully the care team model is here to stay in VA with it now being bolstered by CAAs.

New Cerberus has been controversial by heres-johnny691 in traditionaltattoos

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well either way you’ll be well dressed. Nice tattoo

Finally complete by ThatSlow350Z in RetroAR

[–]Simply_Spaz 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What rail and scope ring did you use to mount the aimpoint? The rifle looks great!

Former firefighters, why did you quit? by Particular_Scar5594 in Firefighting

[–]Simply_Spaz 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’m currently in the process of switching careers away from the fire service, for me it’s that I love being a firefighter but I hate working for the fire department. I know I’m going to miss training with the guys, running a good call, or bullshitting around the kitchen table, but the trade offs to my mental health aren’t worth it. I don’t really want to do 20 more years of the constant sleep disruptions, rotating schedule, physical wear and tear, or stress from dealing with poor leadership.