Flycar, New Equipment Will Make 'Big Difference,' For Garrison Ambulance

GARRISON, N.Y. - The Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corps recently received some new equipment through community donations, and ambulance corp Chief Derek Tudor, Jr. says the new additions have the potential to make a big difference for patients in emergency situations.

From L: EMT Rich Sassi, QAQI Coordinator Jeff Ashdown and Allan Simmons demonstrate the corps' new Lucas Device, which provides mechanical compression.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

From L: EMT Rich Sassi, QAQI Coordinator Jeff Ashdown and Allan Simmons demonstrate the corps' new CPAP device, which provides continuous positive airway pressure.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Skip Pearlman

02/25/2017 3:30 p.m.

The new equipment, purchased through donations from the Garrison community and Continental Village, include a CPAP device - which provides continuous positive airway pressure, helping with severe breathing difficulty or fluid in the lungs; a second Lucas CPR device - which provides mechanical compression, saving people from having to perform CPR; a check-and-inject epinephrine device - which replaces an Epi-pen; the ambulances now have Narcan - used to reverse opioid overdoses; and a new fly car - a 2017 Ford Explorer with all of the equipment to reach a patient first if an ambulance is unavailable.

Tudor said the improvements translate into better patient care.

"It's all about quality patient care," Tudor told Daily Voice. "It makes our job easier. Every piece of equipment helps us do our job better - and gives a patient a better chance for recovery.

"It all makes a big difference," Tudor added. "And hopefully we'll be looking into portable EKG units in the near future."

For more info on the Garrison Volunteer Ambulance Corps (a combination of volunteers and paid staff) call 845-424-4401 or check out their Facebook page.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.