FDNY EMS Opens New Station in Former St. Vincent's Hospital Area

[x635 4,066]

From an FDNY Press Release

November 15, 2011

FDNY Opens New FDNY EMS Station in Manhattan

FDNY members cut the ribbon, officially opening EMS Station 7 in Manhattan.

Tucked under the High Line is a new EMS station that will help keep Manhattan residents safe.

FDNY members cut a ceremonial ribbon opening EMS Station 7 on Nov. 15, which will serve the communities of Manhattan's west side.

"Our goal is to continue our commitment to this dynamic neighborhood," said Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano.

Chief of Department Edward Kilduff added, "This was truly a team effort and everyone who took part should be proud."

Following the closure of St Vincent's Hospital in April 2010, the FDNY immediately increased the number of units and tours in the area to replace those hospital units lost.

FDNY worked with the Mayor's Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services to quickly establish this temporary EMS facility in the Midtown West area of Manhattan to improve FDNY EMS response.

Members serving out of EMS Station 7.

"You are going to provide a vital service to this community," Chief of EMS Abdo Nahmod said.

EMS Station 7 is a 3,656 square foot facility located under the Highline Park. This new station will house nine units, and will staff 21 ambulance tours each day. The station contains supply areas for advanced and basic life support, a vehicle supply room, oxygen storage area, and a decontamination bay.

"This neighborhood has been so gracious," said Capt. James Foley, the commanding officer of Station 7. "We know we'll have a long, happy relationship with everyone in the area."

[meat441 43]

Why is this a TEMPORARY EMS station?

[ny10570 745]

Because the site is not suitable for a permanent structure. As soon as location is acquired they will be building one. From identifying a location to opening a station its currently taking about 5 years. Longer if they have to use eminent domain. The station isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[meat441 43]

Thank you.

[x635 4,066]

Are there even funds to build EMS stations right now?

Also, is an FDNY EMS Station just a shift change and support services point, or are there areas for staff to eat, chill out, shower, etc?

And on an unrelated note, are FDNY*EMS Members being paid a living wage now, and considered in the civil service world the same as firefighters?

I know FDNY EMS is busy, but still.

[ny10570 745]

Due to the packed conditions at most stations and a projected growing share of the EMS pie the dept is currently building 1 station in Greenpoint Brooklyn and preparing to break ground on another in the Bronx soon. Including station 7 there are 3 locations currently using temporary facilities, but those becoming permanent will have little impact on crowding.

The facilities are now all being designed with locker rooms, showers, and kitchen area. While were still stuck on our street corners the stations are more than just a garage we turn out of.

Pay still sucks. Long story short pd and fire work more hours than we do. We attempted to address the gap with an alternative work schedule, but were unsuccessful. Fixing the hour disparity goes a long way towards bringing medic pay in line with pd and fire. Not quite there yet, but it's a start.

Edited November 21, 2011 by ny10570

[eng258 9]

Went to the station a month ago, module building under the old high line which is now a city park.

[Guest fdnyladder10]

Is this new ems station the station that fields the unit that sits at the times square ems waiting point.??

Cheers

JT

[ny10570 745]

This is the home station of the times square ALS unit.