
In Memory of Meaghan Sammons

Emergency Traffic
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 department 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!
New Resources Added to Help Residents Stay Informed During Emergencies.
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!
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.
Michelle’s Story of Survival

“Hi, 13.8 miles, 3000+ feet of elevation to sit on top of the world (really Glacier National Park on the continental divide). I’ve had an awesome journey. 🙂 Thank you to everyone who made it possible!!” -Michelle
Five years ago today, on October 14, 2009, Michelle Haller was playing soccer in Colonie and suffered a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Thanks to immediate bystander CPR, and highly trained Colonie EMS professionals, they got her heart beating again. Michelle was transported to Albany Medical Center for a new procedure called Therapeutic Hypothermia, and walked out of the hospital a week later. Since she has helped teach CPR at local high school students, hiked the continental divide and created so many memories with her family.
Please take a moment to learn hands-only CPR online or let us teach your community group! www.ColonieEMS.org/cpr
Confined Space Rescue
Each year Colonie EMS crews conduct semi-annual training updates on technical rescue and medical training. This fall Assistant Chief Jack Bevilacqua, the designated training chief, coordinated an update for the department which acts as the primary confined space team for the Town of Colonie.
What is Confined Space Rescue?
Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue which typically involves extraction of a patient from narrow or constricted areas such as storage tanks, water treatment plants, sewer and mechanical areas.
These environments are typically oxygen depleted or contain dangerous gasses that may have incapacitated the patient to begin with. This requires crews to utilize Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or supplied air lines. It also requires full body harnesses and rope rescue systems setup for a vertical extraction.
Colonie EMS – Celebrating 25 Years
In August the EMS Department will celebrate its 25th anniversary. The department starting providing EMS services to the Town at 6am on August 28, 1989. This is the story of where we were and what we have become in 25 years
In 1986 the Town commissioned a study by Fitch & Associates to determine the best course of action to keep EMS in the Town of Colonie on the cutting edge. The Town had a very strong volunteer history in EMS, and in 1975 was among the first in the state to provide Advanced Life Support Paramedic level care.
A Task Force was formed to study the Fitch report and make its recommendation to the Town Board. In late 1988 the Task Force recommended the consolidation of the existing six independent volunteer squads into a Town EMS Department. The Town hired a Director and 12 career staff members to support daytime operations. The night and weekends were covered by volunteers responding to 4,500 calls a year. We have grown to almost 100 career staff members, now managing approximately 10,000 requests for service each year.
The EMS Department is much more than just an ambulance service. We bring high quality patient care to the patient’s side no matter where they may be trapped, in a confined space, contaminated with hazardous materials, auto accident, rope rescue, or in the water. In 1993 the Town was approached by the State Police to team up and provide helicopter EMS services to the Region. This unique partnership has broadened our experience and improved our abilities to serve our community.
In 2013 we were approached by the Police Department to integrate paramedics in the SWAT Team to bring treatment to the victims of active shooters.The Town of Colonie has always been ranked one of the best and safest places to live. This rating is primarily derived from crime statistics, but I think everyone knows we have some of the best emergency services in the area, if not the state.
Over the last 25 years some of the names and faces have changed but the mission is still the same, to provide the best patient care possible to the residents and visitors of the Town. It’s always been our motto to “Get there fast! Do a good job! Look good, and smile!” Keep up the good work!
Congratulations and Happy 25th Anniversary! I am proud to be your Chief and it’s been an honor serving with you!
Peter Berry, Chief Colonie Emergency Medical Services
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