The Syosset Volunteer Fire Department recently added three new ambulances to its fleet, and they started responding to alarms in mid-December. SFD not only fights fires to save lives and protect property, but it also provides emergency medical services to the community. The volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel say the new vehicles are a great addition to the Fire Department.

Second Assistant Chief Robert Kaplan said, "We are upgrading our fleet, replacing all three current ambulances that are over four years old and standardizing all three ambulances. So no matter what unit a member is on, all the equipment will be in the exact same location which will expedite patient care."

The 2007 Medtec Ford E-450 Type III ambulances come with life- saving pieces of equipment that are easily accessible. Each of the ambulances will be equipped with an Auto Pulse device, a cardiac support pump that is used for victims of sudden cardiac arrest. It is the only device of its kind that can move more blood, more consistently than is possible with human hands during chest compressions. It allows rescuers to provide compressions while performing other duties, or while transporting a victim down the stairs or in the back of a moving ambulance.

"Emergency medical calls account for over 25 percent of calls received by the Syosset Fire Department," said Second Assistant Chief Robert Kaplan, also an EMT for over 19 years. "I am pleased that the Board of Fire Commissioners was able to provide our dedicated volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel with the latest technology and equipment for use in their life-saving work in our community."

The Syosset Fire Department responds to approximately 400 EMS calls a year and 1,400 fire alarms.