Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s Ambulance Enhancement Committee recently released the Nassau County Police Department Emergency Ambulance Bureau report, which recognized the outstanding work during COVID-19 by medics and outlined suggested actions in areas where Nassau’s ambulance service can be improved.
“While, the COVID-19 public health crisis has proven that we have a robust emergency response team it also revealed how important it is to look at these services closely and discover ways we can be even more efficient,“ said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Our first responders are dedicated to protecting the safety and well-being of our communities and it is critical that they are able to effectively do their jobs. In the short term, my Administration is in the process of hiring 7 additional Police Medics and my proposed budget includes increased funding for the Emergency Ambulance Bureau. Emergency Medical Services are an essential component of public safety and will continue to be a key priority in my Administration — especially as we prepare for a possible second wave of COVID-19.”
Key findings included:
- 2021 Budget increases Police Medic staffing by an extra $354,200 resulting in five new positions
- Volunteer Fire Service recruitment to ensure staffing of volunteer ambulances
- Two new ambulance posts
“I would like to thank County Executive Curran for organizing a task force to analyze and suggest any changes necessary to improve the EMS system within this county. To my knowledge, this is the greatest effort that a County Executive has ever put forth in order to address the Medical Services provided to the residents of Nassau County. Due in large part to the diligence of Commissioner Ryder and coordination from his staff, we were able to offer a comprehensive plan to improve Emergency Medical coverage as a whole. For the last 70 years, the Fire Service has been a partner, working in tandem with the Emergency Ambulance Bureau to serve and respond to citizens in need of medical services. The Nassau County Police Medics within the Emergency Ambulance Bureau are the best at what they do, and this report will help to augment the excellent services that they provide,” Ron Gurrieri, President, CSEA Local 830.
“Recently I was asked by County Executive Curran to oversee a committee to review county wide ambulance response in Nassau County. Collaborative multiagency discussions took place and recommendations were made on how to promote communication and coordination while we continue to serve the residents of Nassau County with superior services,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
Special thanks to the Committee members which included Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and representatives from: Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Fire Marshal Office, CSEA Local 830, REMSCO, Nassau County Fire Commission, Nassau County Fire-Police EMS Academy, Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County and Nassau County Fire Communications for their professionalism and dedication.
Ambulance services are provided in Nassau County by the Nassau County Police Department Emergency Ambulance Bureau, local Fire Departments, Volunteer Ambulance Corps, contracted hospital system-based ambulance services , and the private volunteer service Hatzalah.
“Our hard working first responders have shown unbelievable grit and determination during this public health crisis, valiantly working on the front lines in a high stress and emotionally taxing environment. I applaud our police medics and volunteers for their outstanding pandemic response and I will continue to back County initiatives that support and strengthen our County’s EMS operations and the hard-working men and women who dedicate their time to keeping us safe,” Curran said.
