Photo courtesy of: Nicholas Cromeyn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMMACK VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS
PO BOX 819
COMMACK, NY 11725

ANOTHER GIANT STEP

Commack, NY The over one hundred members of the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps are currently undergoing additional training in preparation for any suspected biologic incident. The volunteers are participating in the domestic preparedness homeland security initiative to push front line resources and training to the nation's true first responders. While the specialized forces of the federal government would be necessary to effectively combat a biologic or chemical incident, those resources are realistically hours if not days way. The traditional first responders: police, fire, and EMS agencies will be the first on scene.

In an effort to prepare for such contingencies the department has chosen to participate in the County decontamination and antidote administration program. The program provides training and resources for the department's response to such incidents. Members undergo training in how to recognize and operate at nuclear, biological, chemical, incendiary, or explosive incidents. Dressing and operating in protective chemical gear and respirators is practiced. Lastly, members are taught how to properly administer military style antidote kits for specific chemical poisonings. The kits are designed to combat the effects of nerve agents.

"We all pray that it never happens, but it's our obligation to be prepared…or as prepared as we can be if it does" comments Assistant Chief Greg Miniutti. "The reality today is that we don't know where the danger will come from, or in what form it will come. We only know it will come".

Chemical and biologic hazards are recognized by security experts as probable tactics for use by terrorists. These present new challenges for EMS agencies. The new practice of setting secondary devices and releases to decimate responders places the volunteers in an even more precarious position. "We know that those who undertake such madness at the civilian population are equally interested in providing additional terror by disrupting the rescue efforts" states Miniutti. "Our responders must be able to recognize such dangers and protect themselves".

The department sent two advanced life support ambulances with volunteer crews to the World Trade Center Tragedy on September 11th in addition to providing coverage for the ambulance district. Chief Cavalieri confidentially states:" We were ready then to help our neighbors, and we'll be ready to go again if needed"

Pictured: Volunteer EMT Meredith Milana dressed in full level C protective gear and respirator at a recent training evolution.

For additional information contact:

Gregory C. Miniutti
631-499-9342
CVACGREG@AOL.COM