Q&A
FDNY's approach to ambulance siren usage
1:34:29
·
164 sec
Chiefs Michael Fields and Evan Suchecki explain FDNY's approach to ambulance siren usage:
- FDNY does not regulate siren usage for private ambulance companies operating in the city
- Safety of FDNY members and the public is the top priority in siren usage decisions
- Sirens are necessary for emergency response, regardless of the time of day
- FDNY uses custom, lower-powered sirens than what is commercially available
- The city's noise level necessitates audible sirens for safety
Additional details: - EMTs and paramedics use judgment in determining when siren use is appropriate - FDNY's fleet services are constantly looking for better technology to reduce noise while maintaining safety - The department acknowledges the concerns about noise pollution but emphasizes the necessity of sirens for emergency response
Michael Fields
1:34:29
We we are not in inclusive and respects the sirens.
1:34:33
So FDNY runs the amount of ambulances that are told you about we have other private companies that also work within the city, right, dealing with nursing home transports and other things.
1:34:46
And we do not regulate their uses of sale sirens or how which sirens they choose to pick.
1:34:52
So you may have constituents that have seen another ambulance company and assuming that it's ours, and it may not be.
Mercedes Narcisse
1:35:00
But in the middle of 9, usually, the one that do, like, home care and stuff like that did not functioning most of the time at 3 o'clock in the morning as much.
Michael Fields
1:35:10
Not as much, but they are definitely functioning.
1:35:12
I agree.
1:35:13
But we we I think from a point of operations, I can't tell somebody not to transport an emergent mode to an emergency.
1:35:22
Because at the end of the day, two things that I am beyond responsible for, and I take serious, the safety of my members is my top priority and the safety of public.
1:35:33
And knowing that somebody can could have gotten to an accident because we said it was the difference between 11:59 PM and 12 o'clock that they didn't have one at siren.
1:35:43
I don't think I wanna bear that responsibility.
1:35:46
We say that you shall utilize dual caution at all times.
1:35:50
Respond with your lights and sirens to go to that location.
1:35:53
This city is extremely louder than the studies that they do in Europe and so forth.
1:35:58
Right?
1:35:59
This is a loud city.
1:36:00
We need to make sure that people can hear us coming and make sure that we're able to stop and, you know, readjust to those respective emergencies.
1:36:08
So I do understand everybody's, you know, complaints in respect to no noise, belief, pollution, but we have one of the best fleet services, and they are constantly on the front lines looking for better technology so that you don't have to hit the sirens as much, but they are definitely necessary.
Mercedes Narcisse
1:36:25
Thank you.
1:36:25
You wanna answer that one then?
1:36:28
Because those big trucks making a lot of noise.
1:36:30
People say they cannot sleep.
1:36:31
I'm not kidding you.
1:36:32
Me, I don't have that problem, but I know a lot of people have problem because I sleep deep.
Evan Suchecki
1:36:38
I think chief Fields, you know, really addressed it as far as safety component than the operational use.
1:36:43
But, you know, it is relevant to point out that we do purchase a custom siren for the FDNY that is a lower powered siren than is commercially available.
1:36:51
So, you know, we are doing our best without impacting safety because that's the safety of the members.
1:36:56
And the safety of the, you know, citizens of New York.
1:36:59
As far as the operational use, that is something that dictates.
1:37:02
And there's also, you know, the EMT of paramedic responding to an emergency.
1:37:06
So that's, you know, a judgment call as far as when the siren is appropriate as well.
Mercedes Narcisse
1:37:12
Thank you.
1:37:13
Thank you, chair.
