Hundreds Of Motorcycles, Ambulances & FDNY Emergency Vehicles Crossing Queensboro Bridge This Afternoon Frighten Roosevelt Island Residents With Thoughts Of The Worst, What Was Going On - It Was Run For Richie 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

Roosevelt Island residents were startled and feared the worst this September Sunday prior to the 18th year anniversary of 9/11 World Trade Center attacks by what appeared to be hundreds of motorcycles, ambulances and Fire Department emergency vehicles with non stop blasting of sirens crossing the Queensboro Bridge. A Roosevelt Island resident texted:

Bridge full of ambulances - know what's going on?

And from theTwitterverse

@Rooseveltisland First ambulances, fire trucks, and then tow trucks, and then trucks with men in helmets? Is this a 9/11 parade (I hope)? So many alarms and sirens blasting from Roosevelt Island POV.

— Clarice B. (@ib095) September 8, 2019

It was nonstop sirens going past the animal hospital a few minutes ago

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) September 8, 2019

I’m trapped on the bridge and have no idea what this is or when we might be able to move. Any info @NYPDnews?

— Lauren McCarthy (@laurenamccarth) September 8, 2019

I asked the NYPD 19th precinct:

I see it too. Ambulances and fire trucks on Queensboro Bridge. Don’t know?@NYPD19Pct https://t.co/Gh9zVIxEID

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) September 8, 2019

The NYPD 19th precinct replied:

It’s the yearly 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride, escorted by NYPD Highway Officers.

— NYPD 19th Precinct (@NYPD19Pct) September 8, 2019

They should have notified us ahead of time. I was terrified with all the alarms and emergency vehicles headed into Manhattan and spent the last 45 minutes trying to make sure I did not need to prepare to evacuate.

— Clarice B. (@ib095) September 8, 2019

@NYPDChiefofDept @NYCMayor so ridiculous to not have police presence at the START of the #queensborobridge for a planned event like the 9/11 motorcycle ride today. No indication that the bridge was shut down. Instead let vehicles sit trapped on the overpass for over an hour

— Kelly O'Sullivan (@K_B_OSullivan) September 8, 2019

The NYC Emergency Management Department tweeted notice of the event yesterday:

9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride: Intermittent road closures between the Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens and World Trade Center in both directions from 1:00PM to 3:30PM on 9/8. Consider alt routes. Multilingual & ASL Link: https://t.co/serPaDO2qg.

— NYCEM - Notify NYC (@NotifyNYC) September 7, 2019

Here's more on the Run for Richie 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride

The fourth annual Forest Hills Ambulance Corps 'Run for Richie 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride' returns next month to honor the memory of Richard “Richie” Allen Pearlman, the youngest first responder lost on 9/11.https://t.co/xum378hY2a#NeverForget

— NYC EMS Watch (@NYCEMSwatch) August 20, 2019

9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride in Manhattan.#NeverForget pic.twitter.com/Svne7T6IOM

— Pete Rose (@PeteRose1) September 8, 2019

Hundreds of motorcycles thunder up the West Side Highway and pass #GroundZero in the 9/11 Memorial Ride to W.T.C. #cnnireport #ny1pic #abc7ny #nbc4ny #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/YPEwL3XoEg

— Ben Von Klemperer (@VKtrue) September 8, 2019

9/11 memorial motorcycle ride on the LIE, amazing. pic.twitter.com/dvxuf2pj5m

— Leni (@lenigolightly) September 8, 2019

Start of the 9-11 Memorial motorcycle bike ride. Never Forget!! pic.twitter.com/uWb7l66qeI

— LIBSareCANCER (@generic22998299) September 8, 2019

We along with our friends from @vollyheartSI are participating in @FHVAC annual 9/11 Memorial "Run for Richie" Motorcycle Ride in Forest Hills, Queens. We will never forget. #NorthShoreRescueSquad #nsrssiny #nsrs #95boy #95B#vollyems #volunteerems #silive #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/04a6amPDhi

— North Shore Rescue Squad (@nsrssiny) September 8, 2019

Annual 2 Week Intermittent Roosevelt Island Bridge Traffic Closings For UN General Assembly Session Starts Today - RI Residents Worried Coast Guard Puts Community At Increased Risk For Emergency Vehicle Response Delays In Favor Of Recreational Boaters

During @UN General Assembly 9/18-9/30 the @uscoastguard will close the West Channel of the East River & marine traffic will divert to East Channel. As needed #RooseveltIslandBridge will close to all traffic for up to 15min at a time btn 7AM-7PM to permit marine traffic to pass. pic.twitter.com/pb8qST7wZj

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) September 10, 2018

It's that time of year again for Roosevelt Island.

Image Of United Nations From Roosevelt Island FDR Four Freedoms Park

Mid September is the the opening of the United Nations General Assembly Session and 2018 is no different than previous years in terms of its impact on Roosevelt Island residents. The opening of the UN General Assembly means the diversion of all East River boat traffic to the Roosevelt Island East Channel Queens side for security precautions due to our proximity to the United Nations resulting in the intermittent closings of the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

 Roosevelt Island Bridge Raised To Let Sailboat Pass During 2010 UN Week Causing Ambulance To Wait

According to the NYC Department of Transportation:

While the United Nations General Assembly is in session, from Tuesday, September 18, through Sunday, September 30, the U.S. Coast Guard will close the West Channel of the East River, which is the main navigational channel, and divert all marine traffic to the East Channel, between Roosevelt Island and Queens. The NYC Department of Transportation will close the Roosevelt Island Bridge, as needed, for up to 15 minutes at a time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to permit marine traffic to pass.

During these closures, the bridge will be closed to all vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A variable message sign will be installed to inform the public. Emergency service providers have been informed of the special operational schedule.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) adds:

During the UN General Assembly Sept. 18-30, expect more bridge opening activity as all East River water traffic is redirected through the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Please be advised that each opening will take no longer than eight to 10 minutes to complete. 

Every year at this time, the increased Roosevelt Island Bridge traffic closings raises the risk to the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents who may need emergency services such as FDNY, NYPD and ambulances. As Roosevelt Island resident Raye Schwartz wrote last year:

Somebody needs to let the Coast Guard and Dept. of Homeland Security know that at the least they should limit access to pleasure boats during this period, so that we are not put in danger for fire and ambulances to get through while the bridge is inaccessible - sometimes for ½ hr. at a time while sailboats and pleasure boats go up and down the river....

In response to these annual public safety concerns a RIOC spokesperson replied last year:

... Due to the rerouting of recreational boat traffic to the East Channel of the East River during the UN General Assembly, the NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges will be required to raise the Roosevelt Island Bridge to allow the passing of these recreational boats during this event. According to the DOT Division of bridges, each opening should take anywhere from 8-12 minutes to complete.

For the past year, Public Safety Chief McManus and RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal have been meeting with and lobbying, various City, State, and Federal entities to prohibit recreational boat traffic during this two week period.

In spite of our efforts and others who helped, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who pled our case to the Commandant of the US Coast Guard, recreational boat traffic is still being redirected to the East Channel. We will continue our efforts to have this protocol changed.

During the last year, RIOC has been working with the NYC Office of Emergency Management and key representatives from FDNY, NYPD, NYC DOT Division of Bridges, NYC DEP, Health and Hospitals Corporation and Con Ed, to explore alternative emergency response options concerning the bridge during both the UN General Assembly and other situations where the bridge may get stuck or fail for any reason. By pre-staging emergency response vehicles and equipment, we are better prepared to respond to medical emergencies on Roosevelt Island. Furthermore, Con Ed has already pre-staged emergency gas and electric equipment on the Island in the event a gas or electric emergency were to take place and Con Ed trucks were unable to reach the Island due to a bridge malfunction.

During the UN General Assembly, and under the newly created Interagency Roosevelt Island Bridge Lift Protocol, the aforementioned City Agencies are responsible for the following:

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Organize pre-event interagency conference call with Public Safety Agencies

FDNY
Pre-Stage one Engine Company, one Ladder Company, and one BLS (Basic Life Support) Ambulance on Roosevelt Island. Alert Battalion 45 and Battalion 49 companies of Bridge Lifts.

NYPD
Assign resources as appropriate on Roosevelt Island

NYC DOT
Stage bridge oiler crew near bridge structure
Stage bridge electric crew near bridge structure

NYCDEP
Pre-staged water maintenance equipment available at an on-island DEP Facility

Consolidated Edison
Emergency gas and electric equipment pre-staged on Roosevelt Island Gas and electric emergency personnel will deploy to Roosevelt Island via Tramway or Subway as necessary

Health and Hospitals Corporation
Standard resource deployment

RIOC and its Public Safety Department thank all of these agencies for working together to develop these first steps toward a stronger emergency plan.

A new year and recreational boats are still allowed to put the health and safety of Roosevelt Island residents at risk during UN General Assembly Week.

What will it take for the Coast Guard to prohibit recreational boaters from going under the Roosevelt Island Bridge - someone's death or serious injury due to a delay in emergency response?

Gridlock Sam Schwartz To Consult On Roosevelt Island Helix Repairs Traffic Problems Among Items In RIOC President's Report To Board Directors - Also, Tram Platform Repairs, Tram Elevator Update, Bike Ramp, Youth Center & Thanks Former Directors For Service

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reported to the April 18 Board of Directors meeting on the following:

• Thanked former RIOC Directors Margie Smith and Fay Christian for their service,
• Update on Youth Center programming, rules, spring Soccer program and building renovation,
• Tram station platform repairs will begin again once the weather gets warmer with a service interruption of approximately 2 -3 weeks,
• Tram Elevator project will start soon, hopefully beginning in May,
• Helix ramp is in a lot worse shape than thought. Bringing in Gridlock Sam Schwartz to consult on improving traffic problems caused by ramp repair,
• Roosevelt Island Bridge Bike Ramp Design bidder will be brought for approval at next Board meeting.

Also, Ms Rosenthal thanked Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus for arranging to have a NYPD car and FDNY ambulance stationed on Roosevelt Island during the Helix ramp construction repairs. Chief McManus added that it was Deputy Chief Kevin Brown who made the arrangements.

RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Community Report On Roosevelt Island Infrastructure, Westview Privatization, Rivercross Ground Lease, Sportspark Renovation, Tram Station Elevators, Ambulance Service, Youth Center, Beacon Child Center, Helix Repair, Motorgate Striping, Radar Speed Signs & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal reports to the community:

The position of Public Information Officer (PIO) was recently created by the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) to increase communication between us and our residents, to create a basis for a natural exchange of information and ideas. RIOC understands the absence of relevant up-to-date information creates a sense of disempowerment, mistrust and frustration. We are working to change that. We’re learning the more accurate information about our work that we share with the island community, the more we will work together for the common good.

I hope you will try to get to know RIOC’s newest officer Alonza Robertson (alonza.robertson@rioc.ny.gov).

I’m often e-mailed, phoned and stopped on Main Street by residents, community leaders and business owners asking about the who, what, when, why or how RIOC is going to do something they believe we should. Often my answers seemingly disarm preconceived notions that RIOC is an indifferent political oligarchy. This President’s Message column is a means of me providing you information before the questions even are asked.

Let’s increase this dialogue so RIOC can continue improving our service to you.

NYS Budget $25 Million

With the passage of the State of New York’s FY 2018 State Budget two weeks ago, RIOC will receive a $25 million payment to supplement its existing capital infrastructure improvement program.

The payment is the tangible result of a unique 2013 land-swap agreement - regarding a 2.62-acre parcel to help facilitate the Cornell-Tech campus development - between the State and RIOC. The money, according to the budget law, “is to be used in support of the comprehensive, multi-year capital program for capital improvements on Roosevelt Island.”

RIOC plans to add the funds to its existing five-year $40-million major improvements schedule, an aggressive plan that works to immediately address aging island infrastructure and public facilities that have had neither improvements nor significant repairs since their original construction 40 years ago.

Some of those capital improvement items include: the 59th Street tram station elevator construction, island-wide seawall railing replacements, Southpoint Park seawall construction, repairs to the AVAC sanitation system, Sportspark and youth center renovations, Motorgate parking garage repairs, Blackwell and Al Lewis playgrounds renovations, and Octagon and Firefighters field improvements.

Motorgate

I recently received some questions from the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) about existing parking space and traffic striping issues in the Motorgate parking garage.

Although it has yet to be announced, RIOC has finalized a Request for Proposals to repair concrete spalls and expansion joints, re-waterproof all surfaces, and redo striping at the southern end of the garage facility.

Our Capital Planning and Projects team has reviewed the scope of work with the Motorgate engineering consultant. We expect to issue that RFP by April 30.

Upon the bid approval, by the RIOC Board of Directors, of the winning contractor, the work will commence on floors 3, 4, and 8, which is Phase 1 of the total project. The repairs will be conducted in two phases, as to not overly disrupt the garage’s ongoing operation. Each phase is estimated to cost about $5 million; the work duration for each phase will be shared once the contract has been awarded.
RIOC’s plan also includes new signage.

In the meantime, we’ve recently replaced and installed 13 new closed-circuit TV surveillance cameras at the garage to bolster our efforts, in addition to regular PSD patrols, to keep you and your parked vehicles secure.

Sportspark Renovation

RIRA also recently asked us to review their report and ideas for the Sportspark renovation project. While we have more plans to solicit community input on this project, we first should update you on the plan’s current state.

The first Sportspark RFP, set to be released by mid-June, is for design services and biddable documents only; not for physical renovation (that will be addressed in a subsequent RFP). Once we have a firm in place, then we will engage you, and the RIRA committee (and utilize our Cornell community study on possible programs) to receive your input and ideas on the renovation.

Members of our staff have reviewed the information RIRA provided, of which a majority involves facility concerns that we are aware of and agree should be addressed with the design.

We recognize RIRA is excited about the project and so are we. We look forward to working together. I will share additional updates as the project moves along.

Did you happen to notice the new outdoor basketball backboards and hoops installed this week at Capobianco Field, Blackwell Field and Sportspark?

HELIX Repair Update

The first lane demolition of the Helix is about 70 percent complete. Now uncovered we’ve found that the top of the structural slab is in much worse condition in some areas than we anticipated. That deterioration was caused by insufficient maintenance and inspection in addition to much heavier truck loads traveling the road than what the Helix was originally designed for.

We have also hired an additional traffic engineer to review our existing traffic control plan during the Helix construction and to present their findings and/or recommendations to the RIOC Board and community.

24/7 Ambulance and NYPD Patrol Vehicle

You should also note that RIOC Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus has successfully lobbied the New York City Police Department and NYC Office of Emergency Management to station an NYPD patrol vehicle and FDNY ambulance on the Island 24 hours-a-day during the HELIX construction period meant to allay concerns about potential emergency response times due to Helix construction traffic.

When additional emergency response vehicles are dispatched to the Island, PSD is safely expediting their entry and exit by freezing all Helix traffic, in both directions, to accommodate those vehicles.

We also appreciate several island businesses – Gristedes, Coler Memorial Hospital, Cornell Tech and the Department of Environmental Protection – for their cooperation working with PSD in safely coordinating deliveries coming from oversize tractor trailers until after 3:30 p.m. every day.

Manhattan Tram Elevators

The permits for the Manhattan Tram Plaza elevator project were awarded earlier this month and construction work will begin soon. As I mentioned in my last column, two new aesthetically-improved glass elevators – that are more efficient and ADA accessible - are being built to replace the existing elevators.

The project – which we will execute with minimal impact on the Tram’s operation - is expected to last a year.

Radar Speed Signs

Radar speed signs, also known as driver feedback signs, are designed to slow down speeding drivers by alerting them of their, speed. They are being used across the country and in the past week, you might have noticed that two have been installed here on Roosevelt Island; one near Coler Memorial Hospital and the other near the Cornell Tech loop. The signs are mobile and can be moved to different locations throughout the Island as needed.

We remind everyone that the Island-wide speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Please slow down; speeding is hazardous to yourself, other motorists and pedestrians. Island speed limits will be monitored and enforced by the Public Safety Department.

Southtown 8 & 9, Rivercross Arbitration Settlement and Westview Ground Lease

RIOC’s Real Estate Development Advisory Committee met on Tuesday, April 3 to discuss all three of this agenda items. I know many of you anxiously await the details of the settlement and lease agreements of which I am not at liberty to currently discuss. I do encourage you to attend our next full RIOC board meeting Wednesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the Cultural Center Theatre.

Though its required environmental impact study is not yet complete, I thought I should share some additional details about the Southpark 8 and 9 residential towers, located immediately north of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge along Main Street on the island.

Building 8 will consist of a 21-story residential tower, 227-feet-tall with 341 affordable units.

Building 9 will consist of a 28-story, about 287-feet tall mixed-use building with 300 market-rate units and 7,000 square feet of commercial office space.

Building 8 is expected to be completed and operational by March 2020, while Building 9 is expected to be completed and operational by March 2022.

Youth Center Update

We’re making more changes at the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.

Our objective, since assuming management of the center’s operations March 5, is to develop the center, and its programming, into something that parents, students and staff could all enjoy.

Two weeks ago, RIOC posted new guidelines, which we intend to enforce, to keep the facility safe, supervised, alcohol and drug-free. Parents and older teens will no longer be able to roam the facility unsupervised; “sign-in” and “sign-out” and appropriate behavior policies have been drafted and will be enforced. I’ve linked the complete set of new rules to this letter and email. Please review these with your children, and explain that these changes should be viewed as improvements.

I am happy to announce that Erica Spencer-El, a long-time RIOC community relations manager has been promoted to Director of Community Affairs and the youth center will be one of her new management assignments, in addition to oversight of Community Relations and Island-wide events. More details on additional staff and programming additions, the scheduled renovation of the center and RIOC’s efforts to create a youth soccer program will be forthcoming.

Additionally, RIOC is proud to announce that we’ve waived all field usage fees to allow for the Child Center Beacon at 217 in partnership with the Roosevelt Island Center for Community Development and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities to relaunch the Roosevelt Island Little League for ages 5 – 13 at no cost to participants. I encourage you to join and enjoy your child playing in the league’s 10-game season. Learn more and sign up here.

As we also announced previously, we are making island residents and organizations’ field and room requests priority when booking space for our outdoor fields and indoor facilities, according to availability. Capobianca Field will remain open year-round with no permit required. The 440 square-foot Lighthouse and 320 square-foot Blackwell rooms in the Cultural Center are also available free of charge with only a certificate of liability required to make a reservation. Please visit our website, rioc.ny.gov, to see availability for all our recreation and community spaces.

Beacon/Child Center

In response to several parents’ concerns about the Child Center Beacon program here on the Island, we recently invited the program’s senior vice president and the City of New York’s associate commissioner for Youth and Community Development (which funds the Beacon program) to meet with a small group of Roosevelt Island parents.

It was a positive meeting and our parents vented their frustrations about the new Beacon program. We discussed the timeline of the Beacon’s expanded programming including potential summer camps, improved parent/program staff communications, and staffing ratios, among other things. Another informational meeting will be scheduled to discuss their improvements by the end of this month.

Sign-up for the latest Roosevelt news advisories, upcoming meetings and facility availabilities by visiting our new website, rioc.ny.gov. And, remember I want to hear from you; email our PIO, alonza.robertson@RIOC.ny.gov, with your questions or concerns!

Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island Campus Construction Worker Injured In Fall From Scaffolding Today - Taken To Hospital For Assesement

A Roosevelt Island tipster reports this morning:

Bunch of fire trucks and ambulances

at Cornell site.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Director Jack McManus what happened today at the Cornell Tech Roosevelt Island campus construction site. Chief McManus replied:

A construction worker fell 12-15 feet from a scaffold. He was conscious, alert, and taken to Elmhurst General for assessment.

Take a look at a live web cam of the Roosevelt Island Cornell Tech campus construction.

Concerned Roosevelt Island Residents Attend Town Hall Meeting Last Night Focusing On NYC 911 Emergency Response Time Delays

Concerned Roosevelt Island residents gathered at the Good Shepherd Community Center last evening for a Town Hall meeting focusing on the too frequent NYC 911 emergency response time delays to Roosevelt Island.

The Town Hall was hosted by Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos and NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

Here's what happened.

Council Member Kallos began the Town Hall and introduced NYPD Inspector Rich Napalitano, Commanding Officer of the NYC 911 Emergency System.



Inspector Napolitano described the 911 call system and confirmed that all 96 Roosevelt Island addresses have been added to the 911 system so that as soon as a Roosevelt Island address is given to a 911 Operator, Roosevelt Island will appear on the Operator's screen. Inspector Napolitano added that the 911 Operators have received refresher training regarding Roosevelt Island.



Following, Inspector Napolitano's presentation, the Town Hall was opened up for questions from residents.

Ambulance 4 Hours Late To Aid Roosevelt Island Tram Rider And Worker Injured Slipping On Ice At Tram Station Ramp This Morning

At about 7:30 this morning, a woman was injured slipping on the ice coated Roosevelt Island Tram station ramp. A Tram worker came to the injured woman's assistance and also slipped on the ramp causing an injury to her back.

Both injured people were instructed to stay on the ground because of their potential injuries. They remained lying on the Tram Station ramp, in the rain, covered by a tarp until an ambulance arrived at approximately 11:30 to take them to the hospital.

It was a very dangerous and accident filled day causing delays in EMS response.

Dangerous. RT @NYCityAlerts: EMS is backlogged over 500+ calls due to icing cond. @NYCFireWire
— Zach Tumin (@ZachTumin) January 18, 2015

Also, reported earlier today on a traffic accident at the Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix caused by icy road conditions.

Image of Roosevelt Island Bridge Helix Traffic Accident This Morning

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Director Jack McManus reports on today's icy Roosevelt Island road conditions:

There was a 6 car pile-up on the RI bridge with no injuries and minor damage to several vehicles.

Two women suffered slip and fall injuries on the Tram ramp. One was a Tram employee and the second was a visiting nurse who fell while attempting to help the female Tram employee up. Both women were removed by ambulance to Cornell-Weil Medical Center for evaluation and follow-up.

A Public Safety Officer was injured when he slipped and fell after exiting his vehicle while responding to the initial accident on the bridge.

The Grounds Department and the Sanitation Department have been addressing the icy roads with sand and salt.

In anticipation of potential problems this evening, we are checking the ramp and the bridge on the half hour, and maintaining a dialogue with the Department of Sanitation who has committed to assist us if the need arises.

There is a discrepancy whether the Tram worker was injured attempting to help the Tram Rider or vice versa.

A Roosevelt Island resident said about today's icy conditions:

Walking on Main St. pretty dangerous as well, wear shoes with some traction or else you'll be a human hydroplane. I saw it happen this morning, poor guy.

Roosevelt Island Race To Save Lives 5K Charity Run, Walk & Carnival On Sunday June 8 - Raising Funds For United Hatzalah Ambucycle Emergency Medical Response Efforts

 Image Of United Hatzalah's Eli Beer And the Ambucycle From You Tube

Roosevelt Island will be the location for United Hatzalah of Israel's Race To Save Lives 5K Charity Run, Walk, and Carnival on Sunday morning June 8 from 9 - 11 AM. According to the Race To Save Lives:

WORLD-RENOWNED EMS ORGANIZATION HOLDS 2ND ANNUAL U.S. CHARITY 5K ON ROOSEVELT ISLAND

SUNDAY MORNING RACE EXPECTED TO DRAW 1,000-PLUS AND RAISE OVER $1 MILLION TO HELP SAVE LIVES AROUND THE WORLD

The Race to Save Lives is a charity 5K to raise money for United Hatzalah of Israel, Israel’s world-renowned and largest non-profit, volunteer emergency medical response organization. Hatzalah volunteers use GPS smart phone technology and “ambucycles,” or supped-up motor scooters to race to emergency events. The group’s average response time is under three minutes. Traditional ambulance squads take six-and-ten minutes. U.H. stabilizes victims and awaits support. They work free-of-charge. All money raised will buy equipment, and more ambucycles. The race is the second, annual U.S. 5K. Hatzalah is working to bring its revolutionary life-saving model to the U.S. Sign up at www.racetosavelives.com. Learn more about Hatzalah at www.israelrescue.org.

Close to 1,000 runners are expected. Eli Beer, United Hatzalah of Israel’s founder, will be on site. Beer founded U.H. in 2000 after a stint as a Jerusalem EMT. He started it after seeing too many die, or suffer irrevocable injuries, because his ambulance got stuck in traffic took too long to arrive.

More on Unitd Hatzalah's motorcycle emergency response efforts from this TED MED Talk by founder Eli Beer.



Last year's United Hatzalah Race To Save Lives on Roosevelt Island drew more than 350 people and raised more than $350,000.

Here's more information on the Race To Save Lives and click here to register.

Joint Medical Emergency Notifications For NY Fire Department and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Established Following Request By Elected Officials - Hopefully No More 20 Minute Waiting Time For Emergency Medical Responses

 Image Of FDNY Ambulance on Roosevelt Island

A previous post reported on the efforts of Roosevelt Island elected officials to establish a joint medical emergency notification system for the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department and the NYC Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS). These efforts began after this incident in which an ambulance took more than 20 minutes to reach a one year old baby at the Octagon who was having a seizure.  (Fortunately, the baby is now OK but had stopped breathing and was turning blue).

During last Saturday's Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival, I spoke with Assembly Member Micah Kellner who informed me that a joint medical emergency notification system was put in place between the Public Safety Department and (EMS). Yesterday, Mr. Kellner's office sent over this press release with additional details.

New York State Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner (D-Upper East Side, Yorkville, and Roosevelt Island) and the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), announced today that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will partner with Roosevelt Island’s Public Safety Department to share information regarding medical emergency calls originating from the Island.

In response to a letter organized by Assembly Member Kellner, and signed by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Senator Jose Serrano, and Council Member Jessica Lappin, the FDNY will issue automatic notifications to the Public Safety Department when they receive a call through 911 for emergency medical assistance on Roosevelt Island. Effective immediately, the FDNY will call Public Safety directly while the emergency notification system is automated.

Up until this recent change, when Public Safety was called directly about a medical emergency on the Island they informed 911. However the reverse did not apply; Public Safety was not informed when there was a call to 911 for medical assistance. This inequality left residents in limbo during an extremely vulnerable and often frantic time.

“Emergency services shouldn't depend on what phone number you call,” said Assembly Member Micah Z. Kellner. “I am glad that the FDNY has recognized the valuable partner Public Safety can be in providing emergency services on Roosevelt Island.”

Public Safety is comprised of 38 officers, each of whom has been granted New York State Peace Officer Status, as well as New York City Special Patrolman Status. Each officer is certified in CPR, Automated External Deliberator (AED) use, and First Aid with the American Heart Association. Public Safety also has a single officer who is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Although Roosevelt Island is part of the Borough of Manhattan, its only ground access point is the Roosevelt Island Bridge that connects the Island with Astoria, Queens. This presents unique challenges, particularly with respect to Emergency Services. Response times to Roosevelt Island have been a persistent concern for Island residents.

“Improving interagency communication is central to providing the best possible response for those in need,” Assembly Member Kellner continued. “I applaud their quick action on this common sense request to ensure that all New Yorkers receive the fastest available response in an emergency.”

“It is welcome news that the City’s 911 emergency system will now issue automatic notifications to Roosevelt Island’s Public Safety Department whenever a call for emergency medical assistance is made on the Island,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. “I salute Assemblyman Kellner for taking the lead on this important issue and helping to ensure that Roosevelt Islanders’ health and safety is served in the most effective and comprehensive manner possible.”

“All New Yorkers deserve a prompt response and quality care when faced with an emergency. This change in procedure will help ensure the safety of Roosevelt Islanders and will ultimately save lives,” said State Senator Jose Serrano. “It is critical that all government agencies communicate effectively and work together to provide the highest quality of service for the people who count on them, and I commend the FDNY for swiftly addressing this issue.”

“The city needs to improve its emergency response time to Roosevelt Island. But until that happens, this measure will ensure that Island residents receive a timely response when they need it most,” Council Member Jessica Lappin said. “I’m glad that Assembly Member Kellner took the lead on this issue and I’m proud to have joined him in helping forge this important interagency collaboration.”

Below is the full letter.
Kellner RI EMS Announcement

Excellent news!!!

Joint Medical Emergency Notifications For NY Fire Department and Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Requested By RI Elected Officials - No More 20 Minute Emergency Response Time

 Image Of FDNY Ambulance on Roosevelt Island

A Roosevelt Island resident reported on this incident in a post last January:

... A friend of mine, who lives at the Octagon, has a one year old daughter who had a seizure ... around midnight (she is ok now but she was blue, not breathing, unconscious).  It took an ambulance 20 minutes to get there. Before that the firemen came but I guess they are not sufficiently trained to deal with such things and were basically useless. It turns out the ambulance that eventually transported them to NY Presbyterian came all the way from Long Island (not Long Island City!) and it took the driver some time to figure out how to get to NY Presbyterian hospital...

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department was not notified of this emergency at the Octagon. In order to prevent a similar situation from occurring during a future Roosevelt island emergency, Assembly Member Micah Kellner together with other Roosevelt Island elected officials Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, State Senator Jose Serrano, City Council Member Jessica Lappin and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer sent the following letter to NY Fire Department Commissioner Salvatore Cassano the following letter:

We are writing to request that the Emergency Medical Service Division of New York City’s Fire Department establish a joint notification system with Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation’s Public Safety Department (Public Safety).

Roosevelt Island is a unique community located between Manhattan and Queens. The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) was created in 1984 to manage infrastructure, services and development on the Island. Among its many functions, RIOC provides an on-site, neighborhood patrol force, known as Public Safety, which is responsible for the safety of Island residents. Public Safety is comprised of 38 officers, each of whom has been granted New York State Peace Officer Status, in accordance with Section 2 of New York State’s Criminal Procedure Law, as well as New York City Special Patrolman Status in accordance with Title 14 Chapter 1 Section 106 of the New York City Administrative Code. Each officer is certified in CPR, Automated External Deliberator (AED) use, and First Aid with the American Heart Association. Public Safety also has a single officer who is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.

Although Roosevelt Island is part of the Borough of Manhattan, its only ground access point is the Roosevelt Island Bridge that connects the Island with Astoria, Queens. This creates unique challenges, particularly with respect to Emergency Services. Response times to Roosevelt Island have been a persistent concern for Island residents.

Since Public Safety is located on the Island and is thoroughly familiar with each building and location, we believe it would be beneficial for them to be notified when there is a medical incident on the Island. Currently, when Public Safety is called directly about a medical emergency on the island they inform 911. However the reverse does not apply; Public Safety is not informed when there is a call to 911 for medical assistance. Notifying Public Safety would allow them to quickly respond to the scene, evaluate the situation, and possibly perform life saving CPR before an ambulance arrives on the scene. To this end, we propose that the FDNY evaluate the following options:

1. Public Safety could be included in the Mutual Aid Response System (MARS).
2. All addresses on Roosevelt Island could be given Premise History Indicators that include a note about the availability of Public Safety for assistance
3. The dispatch system could be programmed in order to prompt communication specialists to notify Public Safety directly.

We believe whatever system the FDNY chooses to implement to notify Public Safety of emergency medical calls will ultimately better serve the residents of Roosevelt Island. Public Safety is ready and willing to help, and we hope that the FDNY will take advantage of their resources and expertise....

Below is the full text of the letter.
RI Ambluances Dual Response Letter

Ambulance Takes 20 Minutes To Arrive For Roosevelt Island Child Not Breathing - Dispatched From Long Island - Then Has Difficulty Finding Hospital

 Roosevelt Island Ambulance Image From nyc.gov

How long should it take an ambulance to respond to a Roosevelt Island medical emergency? According to the NY Post, the average response time for a New York City ambulance responding to a life threatening medical emergency last year was 5 minutes and 15 seconds. A recent incident occurred on Roosevelt Island involving a child not breathing and turning blue in which it took an ambulance 20 minutes to arrive. A Roosevelt Island resident sends in this message describing what happened:

A friend of mine, who lives at the Octagon, has a one year old daughter who had a seizure ... around midnight (she is ok now but she was blue, not breathing, unconscious).  It took an ambulance 20 minutes to get there. Before that the firemen came but I guess they are not sufficiently trained to deal with such things and were basically useless. It turns out the ambulance that eventually transported them to NY Presbyterian came all the way from Long Island (not Long Island City!) and it took the driver some time to figure out how to get to NY Presbyterian hospital. I did a little investigating this morning and found out that RI had a dedicated ambulance (since 2008) but doesn't any more (according to public safety). why?

I asked Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra if the ambulance assigned by the FDNY for Roosevelt Island is still stationed on Roosevelt Island. Mr. Guerra replied:

The Ambulance is still stationed on Roosevelt Island. When it's not around, it's because it is doing a transport to the hospital from here or it needed to go over the bridge for a call close by.

Ambulance For Roosevelt Island Patient Waiting On Raised Roosevelt Island Bridge During UN Week As Sailboat Passes Underneath

Roosevelt Island Bridge Being Raised Yesterday For Sailboat To Pass

Due to the United Nations General Assembly being in session, once again security precautions require East River boat traffic to use the East Channel when approaching Roosevelt Island. This forces the Roosevelt Island Bridge to be raised so that tall boats can pass underneath. When the Bridge gets raised, traffic is backed up and cannot enter or leave Roosevelt Island until the Bridge returns to it's normal position.

In most cases this is just a small inconvenience, but for emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire, and police vehicles servicing Roosevelt Island, it can be a real safety issue. This is an annual problem for Roosevelt Island during UN General Assembly week and was reported on last year as well:

A Roosevelt Island resident sent a message expressing concern that the health and safety needs of Roosevelt Islanders are being neglected by the raising of the Roosevelt Island Bridge for non - essential boat traffic during the UN General Assembly Meeting currently being held. She was fearful that emergency vehicles such as ambulances and FDNY trucks would be delayed traveling to and from Roosevelt Island resulting in a tragedy due to the Roosevelt Island Bridge not being accessible during these openings....

Here's what happened early last evening.

At approximately 5:30 -40 PM, I noticed that the Roosevelt Island Bridge was in the Up position as a sailboat went underneath as shown in the picture at top and below.

Sailboat Passing Raised Roosevelt Island Bridge Yesterday Evening

There was an FDNY ambulance waiting on the Queens side of the Bridge waiting to cross while the Bridge was in the Up position. I do not know how long the ambulance was waiting.

When the bridge came back down the Ambulance raced across the bridge with sirens on, made a left at the bottom

Ambulance Going South On Main Street

and stopped at 546 Main Street.


I saw a Public Safety Officer in front of the building and asked him if he knew how long the Ambulance was delayed because of the the Bridge being in the open position. The officer did not know and I did not see the Ambulance personnel to ask them.

Later that evening I sent an email to Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. (RIOC) VP of Operations Fernando Martinez and Public Safety Director Keith Guerra describing what I saw and asked:

... Do you know how long, if at all, the Ambulance was delayed because of the RI Bridge Opening and if this had any effect on the resident who called the Ambulance? If you don't know, how can we find out?

As you know, Roosevelt Island residents have been concerned that emergency vehicles might be delayed because of the Bridge Opening during the UN General Assembly Week.

Mr. Guerra responded:

I was able to ascertain that the person who called the ambulance had been experiencing chest congestion. They were unaffected by any delay the ambulance may have experienced because of the bridge. Follow-up revealed that the person was ok before, during and after transport.

I replied:

Thanks for the follow up. I am glad that the person is OK.

But do we know how long the Ambulance was delayed because of the Bridge being raised?

A longer than normal response time by the Ambulance because of the Bridge being raised could have ended much differently.

Mr. Guerra:

I agree. I do not have that information. Sorry.

Here's another perspective, that from Sailblogs, a recreational boater:

... The weather was incredible today! We had a bit of stress coming in because NYC police had closed off the section of river near the UN building. We were redirected to the other side of Roosevelt Island. Unfortunately, this side had a draw bridge that hadn't gotten the word yet. There were 4 boats circling around in some pretty strong current at Hell Gate waiting for either permission to go to the other side of the island or for the bridge to raise. Luckily, the bridge came up before anything bad happened...

Sailboat Waiting For Raising Of Roosevelt Island Bridge Image From Sailblogs

Roosevelt Island Gets On Site Dedicated Ambulance Service and They Help A Resident Right Away

Roosevelt Island ambulance image from New York City Fire Department

At this evenings meeting of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council, there was a discussion regarding the possibility of Roosevelt Island getting our own on site ambulance service. There was confusion regarding whether this was a temporary basing of the ambulance or if it was a permanent stationing. Upon returning home, I learned that an ambulance is now permanently stationed on site at Roosevelt Island and that it already has been of service to a resident.

NY 1 reports that:

With new buildings going up and new stores opening their doors, Roosevelt Island has a lot to offer. But it couldn't offer residents their own ambulance, until now.

"We see a growing population and a growing demand for EMS, so we made a decision to place an ambulance out here to ensure we can have appropriate responses to those medical emergencies that occur here on the island," said Emergency Medical Services Chief John Peruggia ....

According to the New York City Fire Department:

Within hours of going into service, the unit, staffed by EMTs Jacqueline Summerford and Mike Triolo, received a call for someone who was having difficulty breathing. They were able to arrive on the scene and treat the patient within four minutes.

“To get to any emergency faster is always important to us,” said EMT Triolo.

EMT Summerford, added, “The faster we can get to any emergency, the better it is for everyone.”

Great job by the EMT's and thanks.