EMFD Gets New Ambulances With Support from Senator Thomas

East Meadow residents will continue to have the best and latest in emergency medical care. The East Meadow Fire Department recently placed two new ambulances into service; they replace similar vehicles that served the community for more than 15 years. According to East Meadow Fire District Commissioner John J. Priest, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, ambulances are among the most heavily used apparatus in the community. In addition, he noted that requests for emergency medical services have increased, in part because of the building of several East Meadow housing units that are aimed at older adults.

The new ambulances are located at fire headquarters, on East Meadow Avenue, at Front Street, and at Station 4, off Carman Avenue, in the northern portion of the district. They are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency medical equipment, including chest compression systems, external defibrillators, and cardiac monitoring systems capable of transmitting electrocardiogram (EKG) information to the hospital for a doctor’s analysis and treatment order. The ambulances are also outfitted with advanced stretcher-lift systems that improve patient safety and comfort throughout the loading and unloading process. In addition, East Meadow’s emergency medical services volunteers have received extensive training in how to use the new equipment, as well as in the overall operation of the ambulances.

Funding for the new ambulances was made possible, due to in part, from a $300,000 grant secured by New York State Senator Kevin Thomas, through the State and Municipalities funding program.

“Our first responders go above and beyond to keep our community safe, and they deserve to have the most up-to-date equipment and vehicles to effectively do their jobs,” Said Senator Thomas. “I was thrilled to help our East Meadow Fire Department secure needed funding to upgrade their ambulance fleet. These brand-new, state-of-the-art vehicles will help our first responders do what they do best – keep our community safe and save lives.”

“We thank Senator Thomas for his efforts in providing the funds to replace East Meadow’s aging ambulances, which also provides welcome relief to the district’s taxpayers,” said Commissioner Priest. “The two new ambulances will allow the East Meadow Fire Department to continue to provide the highest degree of emergency medical response to the community.”

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.