Ensuring 911 Works for Roosevelt Island Residents

In response to a letter I wrote last month, I am proud to announce that the New York City Fire Department's (FDNY) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will partner with Roosevelt Island's Public Safety Department to share information regarding medical emergency calls originating from the Island.

The FDNY will now 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.

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.

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

Emergency services should not depend on what phone number you call. When medical emergencies occur even a few seconds can mean life or death. As a result of this partnership, Island residents can call 911 knowing they will be getting the fastest response available.