| On Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012, about two-dozen volunteers met in the late afternoon to discuss operations at a fireworks display to be held later that evening. Members fully staffed four ambulances, and walking crews were established. Walking crews carried bags of standard oxygen and trauma equipment. These crews were able to initiate medical care within the crowd until the patient could be transported to an ambulance post. It was also decided which ambulance would respond to 911 calls, and was placed in a post closest to the roadway.
At about 5 pm, crews made their way to their posts, and setup a command post on a field where most spectators were expected to sit. Ambulances were staged in the George Miller Elementary school, the field next to the High School parking lot west of the tennis courts (Command Post), in the parking lot east of the tennis courts (to respond to the lowest field), and finally by the exit of the High School parking lot (to respond to 911 calls as well). Walking crews were established in the upper field between the ambulances posted at Miller and the Command Post, as well as the lowest field, where spectators were prohibited, but the fireworks were launched and the Nanuet Fire Department readied itself as well. Rockland Paramedics sent over a Paramedic to assist if a patient should need any advanced life support needs – he is also a Nanuet Community Ambulance Life Member! Clarkstown Police assisted the ambulance personnel with crowds and location of potential patients. All of the ambulance crews were back in service by 12:30 AM.
The Town of Clarkstown provided bouncing houses for children to entertain themselves, a band, and the Rockland County Radio Control Club prior to the fireworks, starting at about 5:30. The fireworks started at 9:30, lasting about a half hour.
During the earlier events, Nanuet saw three patients, all of which did not require transportation. After the fireworks, Nanuet transported three additional patients to the hospital. One rig stayed in service continuously for 911 calls, and the three that provided transports decontaminated their patient compartments, and returned to active service as soon as possible. All four were ready by 12:30 AM.
Thank you to the Town of Clarkstown, Clarkstown Police, Nanuet Fire Department, and all of our participating members for making this event a success! |
