FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMMACK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS
PO BOX 819
COMMACK, NY 11725

CORPS TAKES NEEDLE PROBLEM TO SCHOOLS

Commack, NY For more than twenty years the Volunteers at Commack Ambulance have been frequenting the local schools to educate the students in first aid and safety. Traditionally this program has been limited to subjects thought appropriate for school age children including: when to call an ambulance, what information the 9-1-1 operator will need, and basic first aid to help oneself while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Today's subject matter is far different.

A March incident where several Commack school first grade students were found playing with a hypodermic needle spurred the need to adapt the program to more modern times. The incident which involved an insulin syringe served to point out that while the problems students face continue to include the traditional litany of medical emergencies, society today is exposing them to an even greater set of hazards, mandmade ones.

Sensitive to this need the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps Support Personnel, lead by volunteer Ronnie Schaefer have adapted their program to include personal safety issues that would not have been considered even a few years ago. "Its unfortunate that students are exposed to such inappropriate items such as used hypodermic needles" stated Corps Chief Greg Miniutti "But as it is the case, we feel an obligation to include the proper actions they should take should they come into contact with a needle or other bloody product". The addition of the module on needle safety was the brain child of Schaefer. "Ronnie was quick to recognize the impact that this incident could have on the students, particularly the younger ones who are less aware of the dangers and exploding with curiosity" comments Miniutti. "The department couldn't be happier with the work they are doing".

Schaefer and the other volunteers that make up the support squad regularly visit classrooms, scout meetings, and community events to share their safety information. The team of some twenty odd senior volunteers both visit the schools and conduct programs at the department's Burr Road Headquarters. Over the course of a given demonstration day the team will present to approximately three hundred to three hundred and fifty children. Local boy and girl scout troops will visit the department to assist in the attainment of first aid and safety merit badges.

A typical program runs approximately an hour in length and includes information on the 9-1-1 system, personal safety, what to do until help arrives, and the basics of EMS operations. Students at time participate in practical demonstrations of initiating the 9-1-1 call and the ambulance equipment. Programs generally terminate with a walk through of a line ambulance, call volume permitting. Students will leave the demonstration with safety workbooks, an emergency information card for the refrigerator or telephone, and a certificate announcing the successful completion of basic safety awareness and elementary first aid.

The department is planning to add personal and needle safety information to its website in the near future. In the meantime those with questions on needle safety or requesting a demonstration can contact Schaefer through the department dispatcher at 631-499-9342. More information on Commack Ambulance you can visit them on the web at www.commackambualnce.org.

Pictured: Volunteer EMT Stephanie Danielle conducts a walk through of the ambulance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gregory C. Miniutti
631-499-9342