Emergency Requests shall be placed via Land Line through the Suffolk Fire Rescue Communications Supervisor. (631) 852-4815
Major Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV)
It's the type of vehicle first responder’s hope they will rarely have to activate, but having the new Medical Ambulance Bus or "Major Emergency Response Vehicle" (MERV) on hand for large scale emergencies is a tremendous benefit to the area.
The vehicle is designed to provide mass casualty incident response and transport, medical evacuations, on site triage, firefighter and EMS rehabilitation and medical support for long term emergency incidents. This resource is the first outside the City of New York within the state, and a collaborative effort by regional Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). "This bus will be a huge resource across the region when it comes to providing emergency services," said Commissioner Williams. "It can be activated during large scale fires, evacuations, bus, train or ferry accidents, and, weather related emergencies when there is a need to treat people at the scene or transport them to hospitals."
The 42 foot unit comes equipped with stretchers to accommodate 24 patients and medical personnel for transport, patient monitoring equipment, metered oxygen, electrical capacity to supply power for necessary medical equipment, rehab supplies, and all in a climate controlled area.
The cost for the unit was $380,000 and purchased through a federal grant provided by the Department of Homeland Security. "These funds have been put to great use," said County Executive Steven Bellone. "We are just a few weeks away from the start of Hurricane Season which provides a constant reminder that we have to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting our region."
The Medical Ambulance Bus is housed out of the County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service and will be available for activation starting June 1st or sooner. "This could not have been made possible without the hard work and efforts of numerous agencies," Robert Delagi Director EMS and Public Health Emergency Preparedness. "The service will be available not only throughout Suffolk County but the entire state, making this another prime example of shared services as a cost efficient strategy."
The first MAB was received by the Fire Department City of New York. Several other vehicles are expected to be placed within New York State in the coming months.
First Responder In Service Training and Agency Call Out Procedures
To arrange for agency training or questions about this unit please contact joel.vetter@suffolkcountyny.gov or (631) 852-4856