Idea may reduce EMS response times
FirefighterNation Staff
NEW YORK — A city councilman wants the FDNY to improve response times and he wants them to use scooters to do it.
Spectrum News NY1 reports that City Councilman Joseph Borelli (District 51, Staten Island) wants to see the FDNY test scooters in order to improve EMS response times.
Councilman Borelli says other cities such as San Diego use scooters and he believes they would be useful in Manhattan where security bollards and barricades are obstacles.
The FDNY told NY1 that they are open to the idea.
FDNY Deputy EMS Chief Alvin Suriel said, “We like the concept of a smaller vehicle, it has the third wheel for additional stability, I like the fact that we can use it indoors, so we’re looking at places like Grand Central Station, airports, special events. We also like that they can be charged just about anywhere, just plugged in. and we believe it will definitely increase someone getting to the patient quickly.”
The FDNY currently uses ATVs called Alternative Support Apparatus in Times Square.
THEMAJESTIRIUM1 video of a new FDNY EMS Polaris vehicle in use in Times Square in February of 2020.
