Good news, we are hosting a EMT course! If you are looking to become an EMT or know someone who does, this is a great opportunity. The course is open to all and will run from September 1 to the end of December, at which point students will have the opportunity to become NYS certified EMT basic providers. Instructors include Andrew Stern, Lois Deluca, and Erin Kelly. If you have any questions please reach out to the department. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you ready?
June 15, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Emergencies can happen at any time. It is vitally important to be as prepared as possible at all times. Simple steps to being prepared include, having an emergency supply kit, having a family emergency plan, and be informed about what emergencies or disasters are likely to occur where you live or work.
It is strongly recommended that you have an emergency supply kit stocked with enough supplies for 3 days. You may also want to consider, having more than one kit for your workplace, car or other location you spend time.
What should be in your Emergency Kit?
- Water – a minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for at least three days
- Food – nonperishable items for at least three days (can opener if needed)
- Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio
- Flashlights
- Batteries of various sizes
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask or other respiratory protection
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape in the event of a shelter-in-place emergency
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Basic tools such as a hammer, pliers, wrench, etc…
- Local and regional maps
- Cash or travelers checks
- Important family documents such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof portable container
- Matches and candles
- Fire extinguisher
- Various clothes to account for different weather conditions
- Sleeping bags and/or blankets – make sure rated for the temperatures and climate of your area
- Household bleach and a medicine dropper – diluted 9:1 (water: bleach) can be used as a disinfectant or in an emergency to treat water, use 15 drops to one gallon.
- If you have pets, make sure you have water and food for them
- If you have children, make sure you have diapers, formula, games or other activities
- Prescription medications and glasses; also over the counter remedies such as pain relievers and an antidiarrheal
- Feminine supplies and hygiene items
Every household has unique needs, so make sure you have the necessary supplies to get by in an emergency.
Talk about emergencies with all members of your household. Even if you have young children, discuss what to do in terms they will understand. Once you have a plan in place, make sure everyone in the household knows what it is, and practice it!
Check out some more links for ideas to become prepared:
In Memory of Meaghan Sammons
April 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Our hearts are still heavy with the loss of Meaghan. We would like to share some of the coverage of Meaghan’s life. Meaghan was a wonderful part of the Colonie EMS family, and she will be missed.
Sammons, Meaghan C. ALBANY Meaghan C. Sammons (Nichols), 39, passed away in her home on Saturday, March 28, 2015, with her loving family by her side. Meaghan was born on May 15, 1975, to Chuck and Donna Nichols. Meaghan was a graduate of Colonie Central High School, class of 1993. She continued her education at North Adams State, SCCC, and SUNY Albany. After college, she began her 18-year career at Girls Incorporated of the Greater Capital Region. Throughout the years she held many positions, most recent being director of programs. Meaghan is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her parents, Chuck and Donna; her sisters, Nicole (Roxanne) Nichols and Danielle (Richard) LaPierre; her nieces and nephew, Emma and Riley LaPierre, Kyle and Madelyn Farnell; her in-laws, Robert and Susan Sammons; her grandmother, Evelyn Crawford, and her two “kids” (dogs), Snoopy and Bella. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. In 2004 Meaghan joined the Midway Fire Department. This quickly grew as a passion of hers and led her to become chief of the department, and the first female chief in the Town of Colonie. She was also a member of Colonie EMS. Meaghan enjoyed playing with her nieces and nephew, softball, and slots at Saratoga. Meaghan will be remembered as a diehard Derek Jeter and Yankees fan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Meaghan’s name to Midway Fire Department, 1956 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205, or Girls Inc., 962 Albany St., Schenectady, NY 12307. Meaghan’s family would like to thank the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Dr. Nadine McCleary), the Community Hospice staff (Elizabeth Hanlon), especially her friends who helped with her care, Kathy Boomhower, Diana Suits and Theresa Moran. Calling hours will be held at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, on Friday, April 3, 2015, from 4-8 p.m., with a funeral service held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 10 a.m. Midway Fire Department requests its members to be in full dress uniform Friday, April 3, 2015, at 7 p.m., at the funeral home for a fire department memorial service. – See the guest book and obituary site here.Emergency Traffic
March 28, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Pop quiz! Do you remember what you are supposed to do when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching? If it has been a while since you took your driving exam, here are some sample questions from the DMV exam (the answers are in bold):
When do emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens have the right of way?
- In intersections.
- While driving on the right side of the road.
- In all circumstances.
- While on your side of a divided median.
When approached by an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren in operation, what should you do?
- Ensure that you stay at least 150 meters ahead of the emergency vehicle.
- Stop wherever you are.
- Turn up the volume on the stereo.
- Pull over to the curb and stop.
When approached by an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren in operation, under what circumstances is it OK not to stop?
- When on the opposite side of a divided highway median.
- There’s room for the emergency vehicle to pass you.
- When your emergency is more important than theirs.
- When you are able to stay ahead of the emergency vehicle.
How did you do? If you did not do as well as you thought, it is alright. Here is some advice written by our own paramedic Martinovich that should help clear up any questions you may have about what to do when driving and you see some bright lights in your rear view:
Imagine this, it is early evening and you are driving home from work and traffic is pretty heavy. You start to notice vehicles in front of you are pulling over, but you are not sure why. Not thinking anything of it you go around them and then all of a sudden you hear a loud noise and look in your mirrors to see an ambulance with its lights and sirens on. You quickly, and hopefully safely, react and move over.
This is not uncommon at all, and actually it happens on a daily basis. Sometimes you may not be able to hear the sirens, especially in newer vehicles. The sound proofing and technology of newer vehicles is so improved that it deadens the sounds of sirens and air horns. If you see people pulling over be sure to check your mirrors because they may be hearing something you are not.
Some people stop dead in the road, others move to the left, and some move to the right. So what is the right (and legal) thing to do?…..
Move to the Right and Stop For Lights and Sirens! 
What is an emergency vehicle? An emergency vehicle is defined as a police vehicle, ambulance or fire depart
ment vehicle, (i.e. engines, trucks or chief vehicles). These vehicles can be defined by their flashing lights. In New York State, emergency vehicles will have red, white or combination of red and white lights. Most of these vehicles also have reflective designs on them for identification.
What to do when approached? When approached by an emergency vehicle, whether from behind you or approaching you, slow down, pull to the right and stop. It is important for you to make the stop because if for some reason that emergency vehicle has to make an 
immediate move to the right, to avoid another car not obeying the traffic law, or a pedestrian or animal, you stopping your vehicle will allow them to have the room to appropriately proceed through traffic and not delay their response to the emergency. Just pulling to right and slowing down next to them could cause another accident if any of the above situations arise. Remain stopped on the shoulder of the road until the emergency vehicle has passed you. Be sure to check for additional emergency vehicles before returning into traffic.
Take time to review the NYS Traffic Law here.
This is not to be mistaken for the operation of your vehicle when approaching a parked, stopped or standing authorized emergency vehicle. Whenever you approach a police officer on the shoulder or a motor vehicle accident on the road you must use extreme caution and regard to avoid colliding into the vehicles or the personnel working on the side of the road. Slow down and move to the farthest lane from where the incident is taking place. The
vehicles will be well marked but sometimes the personnel on the road may not be. Stay aware as you make your way passed the incident! This is a new law that took effect in January 2011. There have been too many injuries and deaths of emergency services providers, police personnel and bystanders from being struck by vehicles not involved in the original incident.
Drive safely and stay alert!
Spring Training
March 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Train hard. Work hard.
It is Spring training season here at Colonie EMS. For two weeks semiannually, we take time to review our rescue skills and get operational updates from administration. This year we are excited to be adding a new skill to our rescue operations, trench rescue. In the near future, Colonie EMS will be added to the response team with Colonie Fire Company to trench rescues. Colonie Fire Company is the areas resource for trench rescue and we are very honored to be able to work with them. CEMS providers will be trained to the awareness level in order to provide support services to the technicians with CFC. In addition to this training, we are also practicing our confined space rescue skills
. 
Captain Kostyun, Incident command
Asst. Chief Bevilacqua
Stay tuned for more photos and updates…..
Colonie EMS is Hosting EMT Refresher
January 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Colonie EMS is proud to host various courses throughout the year, and in just a couple of weeks we will be sponsoring an EMT Challenge Refresher. If you are an EMT who has a certification that is about to expire, or if it already has and you would like to brush up on your skills and knowledge, this is the course for you!
Classes begin on Tuesday February 3 with classes until final written exam on May 21. Candidates must also take or show proof of completion NIMS ICS 100, NIMS IS 700 and IS-5 in order to complete the course. For more detailed information on the course please click Spring 2015 refresher course flyer to download the flyer and projected schedule.
This course is open to anyone who has previously been a NYS EMT, but is on a first-come first serve basis, so sign up now!!!
EMS Department Saves Dispatcher’s Wife
January 12, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Linda and Bob Davis
A happy ending for a close call before the Holidays. It is anyone in emergency services worst nightmare; hearing an ambulance dispatched to your own address for the most serious of calls, a cardiac arrest. Bob Davis is a member of our own family, and that was his experience while participating in a charity football game between local fire departments. A few weeks before Christmas, Bob’s wife, Linda, was home with their children when she went into cardiac arrest. Due to the quick action of their children who called 911 immediately, and CPR performed by a neighbor and fellow Fuller Road Fire Department member, Linda’s life was saved and she was home for Christmas.
We go out of our way to ensure that the best possible care is delivered as fast as possible to your family, and in this case our family. It is a system wide response that involves many departments and a great deal of training and most importantly, teamwork. In cases like this, resources involved include fire department first response units, the closest police officer with an AED, at least 2 ALS staffed units and an EMS Shift Commander. None of these units would get there without the work of dispatchers. Dispatchers like Bob, keep callers calm and get vital information to the responding units and most importantly give pre-arrival instructions such as CPR to people on scene. All of which contribute to the high success rates of prehospital sudden cardiac death reversals here in Colonie.
On a daily basis, agencies here in Colonie work together to save lives. Most recently, police officers are all trained to administer and carry Narcan, which reverses the deadly effects of opioid overdoses such as heroin. Around the same time as Linda’s cardiac arrest reversal, officer Greg Jensen was first on scene to a respiratory arrest and administered Narcan moments before EMS crews got there. In doing so, the patient began breathing again and survived. Police officers such as Greg are vital in the care provided here in Colonie. We are truly unique in the working relationship with have with our police and fire departments, and value it greatly.
New Resources Added to Help Residents Stay Informed During Emergencies.
December 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
We here at Colonie EMS encourage people to be prepared and we want to help in anyway possible. We have added several resources to help you be as ready as possible in the event of an emergency.
Colonie Police Department has joined a new communication system called Nixle. 
Nixle is free to join and updates important, valuable community information directly to residents or anyone who works or frequents the town. Information and messages regarding advisories, real time emergency information, as well as other relevant safety and community event information are shared instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Residents of the Village of Menands also have an emergency alert system called First Call.
The Albany County Sheriffs Office also organizes an Evacuation Functional Needs 911 Registry for residents who may require special considerations during an emergency. This is helps first responders plan ahead for resources that may be needed in the event of an emergency. It is completely voluntary and confidential. Simply click on the form link, fill out, and submit.
One of the greatest things about living in the Town of Colonie are the resources provided to its residents. The Senior Resources Center provides a wealth of support for our senior residents and we work very closely with them. Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, there is a great deal available through the center.
Please check our Community Training page for a list of links and resources that may be beneficial to you or someone you know.
EMS Department Gives Local Family a Very Merry Christmas!
December 28, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Colonie EMS personnel came together this holiday season to give Santa a hand and provide a very Merry Christmas for a local family with eight children. Although the list was lengthy, friends and members of the department came together to make sure that every single item asked for was received. The outpouring of generosity for this event is a true testament to the character and spirit of our members, and we could not be prouder of everyone! The family was deeply moved and greatly appreciated our efforts. This will surely be a new tradition here at Colonie EMS.
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