The Smithtown Fire Department was ready to battled the elements to provide medical emergency assistance during the first Blizzard of 2016. Despite heavy snow, high winds and closed roads, a collaborative effort was launched between Fire, Rescue and Suffolk County Police Departments to assure timely hospital arrivals for patients in need of medical care.
Smithtown Engine and Rescue companies worked tirelessly with Ambulance crews in a coordinated effort with the Suffolk County Police Department to quickly arrive at emergency calls, provide initial treatment and deliver patients to the hospital safely and in a timely manner. Numerous emergency medical calls were answered with multi-vehicle escorts, an engine or rescue truck and a Fire District snow plow. The strategy made it possible to plow through dangerous roads in order to get to and from every call as they came in.
First responders acted quickly to dig out walkways to each patients home, keeping ambulances free from becoming caught in snow and ice. Emergency personnel were able to quickly transfer patients into ambulances without any decent ground traction on stretcher wheels.
“The Smithtown Fire Department is dedicated to delivering the highest quality fire, rescue and EMS services no matter how adverse the weathers conditions are.” – Jeff Bressler, Public Information Officer for Smithtown Fire Department
All EMS and firefighting personnel in the Smithtown Fire Department remained on “standby” for the duration of the Blizzard. Each Emergency responder was on hand in their stations so personnel can respond instantly, when an alarm is received without having to leave their homes in destructive weather conditions.
*Help Fire Departments throughout Smithtown and dig out Fire Hydrants near your home!