To replace two ambulances, one that was obsolete and another that was destroyed in an accident while responding to a call in 2013, West New York has unveiled two new high-tech ambulances which will provide the city with increased protection. The two ambulances, said Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator William Bringas, brings the number of vehicles in the municipal fleet up to four ambulances and one supervisor SUV.
While WNY has mutual aid agreements with other towns, the ambulances will be primarily used in West New York, Bringas said.
Paid for primarily through an insurance reimbursement and a six-year financing plan, the new ambulances provide West New York emergency medical services personnel with the most up-to-date technology.
EMS workers joined Mayor Felix Roque and Police Director Robert Antolos to help mark one more advance in expanding public safety services in the town. Earlier this year, these officials also gathered to welcome the addition of new police vehicles.
“It is critical for getting our residents to the hospital.” – Mayor Felix Roque
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“EMS is dear to me,” said Roque at a press conference near the waterfront when the new vehicles were unveiled. “It is critical for getting our residents to the hospital.”
He recalled his brother’s death, and the desperate rush to get him to medical care. The new technology available in these ambulances will allow EMS to begin life-saving procedures enroute, saving time and lives.
“We have the best EMS in the county,” he said. “They are highly motivated.”
‘They save lives every day’
He called the new vehicles one more effort by the city to expand its infrastructure without imposing a greater burden on the taxpayer.
Bringas said an insurance reimbursement on the destroyed ambulance helped pay for one ambulance, while the second ambulance is being financed over six years.
Police Director Antolos said he was proud of the EMS team and how they work hand in hand with the police and fire departments.
“This is a good crew,” he said. “They save lives every day.”
Bringas said the crew is always there, helping to get sick people to treatment, and the injured to hospitals.
“The ambulances are only as good as the crew that runs them,” Bringas said. “These crews are phenomenal.”
The city got the vehicles at a reduced cost because they are 2013 models. They have additional features that will allow them to navigate some of the narrowest streets in WNY. Unlike the older ambulances, Bringas said, the new vehicles have sliding doors that allow them to open in tight space, and also allow EMS workers to see outside in high traffic volume areas.
Inside the vehicles have low heat emitting and energy efficient LEED lighting.
“Our people sometimes had a hard time seeing to do IVs with the old lighting,” Bringas said. “This is not going to be a problem with the new vehicles.”
The new vehicles also have radio in the back allowing for immediate contact with the driver and other emergency personnel elsewhere.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.