Cease & Desist Order Issued To Roosevelt Island Search And Rescue (RISAR) - Not Authorized To Conduct Any Operations Until Further Notice

Image of RISAR Logo From Volunteer NYC

RIOC President Steve Shane forwards the following notice concerning Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue:

Please see attached Cease & Desist Order to RISAR based on the findings of the NYSDOH and NYCREMSCO. RISAR is not authorized to conduct any operations on Roosevelt Island until further notice.

Below is the Cease & Desist Order from RIOC President Steve Shane to RISAR:

... We are in receipt of copies of notifications to you from:

(A) The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS Operations (“DOH”) dated October 30, 2009 wherein you were advised that EMS Agency ID#0871 (the “Agency Code”) has been deactivated , effective immediately and that RISAR is no longer authorized to use the ID number to represent itself as an EMS entity recognized by DOH or for any other purpose; and

(B) The Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City, Inc. (“REMSCO”) dated November 2, 2009 wherein you were advised that REMSCO is withdrawing its approval fro RISAR to continue its operations as a BLS First Response agency and that RISAR is advised to cease and desist identifying itself as operating with the approval of REMSCO until the received complaint is resolved to REMSCO’s satisfaction.

Accordingly, since under the terms and conditions of the authorization to operate on Roosevelt Island, specifically being, inter alia, the maintenance of approvals from REMSCO and DOH as indicated by the issuance and maintenance of a valid Agency Code, you are hereby directed to cease and desist from further operations on Roosevelt Island until such time as remedial action has been taken which would permit the reinstatement of your approvals by REMSCO and DOH.

If you have any questions, please call me or Chief Guerra.

I don't know if this is the cause of the Cease & Desist Order but according to the 10/23 -24 Roosevelt Island Daily Public Safety Report:

Criminal Impersonation/ multiple vehicle infractions- NYS dept of health responded to location due to numerous complaints about unauthorized vehicle. Upon stopping RISAR's vehicle. DOH requested PSD and NYPD on scene. Owner of vehicle was cited for numerous vehicle infractions and charged criminal impersonation. He was transported to the 114 pct. for Arrest Processing.

What is the function of RISAR? According to RISAR, among other efforts:

... RISAR will develop their own ESU / EMT Units and identify the duties of the team volunteers according to specific community needs. For example, ESU / EMT volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with patients, and provide care directly to those with less serious injuries and other health related issues.

RISAR volunteers may also serve a vital role by assisting their community with ongoing public health needs (e.g., immunizations, screenings, health and nutrition education, and volunteering in community health centers and local hospital Coler/Goldwater). Once established, how the local ESU / EMT is utilized will be decided by RISAR / RIPS and the community...

I sent an email to RISAR seeking their comment yesterday but as yet have received no response.
More on RISAR here.