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.

Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue (RISAR) CPR and First Aid Classes Available - Has Conflict With RIOC Been Settled?

Image of Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue Team from Main Street WIRE (PDF File)

Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue sends the following message to Roosevelt Island residents:

... Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue (RISAR) holds monthly classes in CRP and Basic First Aid. Discounts are available for RI Residents and RI Organizations. More information can be obtained by contacting 212-752-4003. The price of the classes are fully tax deductable.

The May 17 2008 Main Street WIRE (PDF File) reported on a conflict between RISAR and RIOC. According to the WIRE:

A determined Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue organization (RISAR) is enthusiastic about providing emergency medical support to Roosevelt Island residents.

The administration at Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) and the Public Safety Department (PSD) see RISAR’s enthusiasm, which it says it welcomes, as a bit misdirected – to the point of breaking the law to be competitive.

The organization of residents that’s RISAR – and the New York State public-benefit corporation – that’s RIOC – have been at odds over just what RISAR may and may not do on Roosevelt Island....

Commenting on this earlier post describing the permanent stationing of an ambulance on Roosevelt Island, Assistant Chief RISAR writes:

If you read the FDNY site, it states that "It will respond to calls on Roosevelt Island as well as in Queens, when necessary"

This ambulance was just re-deployed from another location. It is not that FDNY assigned or placed into service a "new" ambulance.

As of the time of this posting, there has been NO AMBULANCE stationed on the Island for the last 5 hours, as it has been on another assignment.

This is why Roosevelt Island Search and Rescue (RISAR) is attempting to provide a First Responce Medical Service to the Island, as well as obtaining an Ambulance Operating Certificate so there will ALWAYS be an ambulance dedicated to the RI Community.

I don't know if RISAR has obtained all necessary approvals and permits yet or if the conflict between RIOC and RISAR has been resolved yet. Hope so.