Water, Water, Everywhere!!!
WaterAlert is a cool (& free) feature of
the United States Geological Survey that automatically sends text or
e-mail messages to any individual desiring real-time advisement of
water levels of any stream in the US that has a USGS serviced water
level gauge. User definable thresholds enable the service to send
messages only when stream flow exceeds user outlined limits.
Instructions are self explanatory and the website is http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert . Updates above flood stage are usually
sent hourly. This feature was used in the last flood on March
11th and worked seamlessly with hourly updates on water levels for
Emergency response personnel. This is a great tool for those living in
flood prone areas that require evacuation in high water scenarios, and
emergency responders/ managers alike. A valid e-mail address is needed
for activation.
Notification for ESOPUS CREEK AT ALLABEN NY-
LINK
Notification
for ESOPUS CREEK AT COLDBROOK NY-
LINK
Notification
for WOODLAND VALLEY CREEK ABOVE MOUTH AT
PHOENICIA NY-
LINK
Notification
for STONY CLOVE CREEK BLW OX CLOVE AT CHICHESTER
NY-
LINK
Notification
for BIRCH CREEK AT BIG INDIAN NY-
LINK
HAPPY 2011 FROM SHANDAKEN AMBULANCE!
Setting the bar higher has seemingly become
commonplace for the
Ambulance Squad as 2010 was more incredible than ever. It was a busy
year for
the Ambulance Service as we saw a 10% increase in call volume with 499
calls
answered and over 40% receiving an Ambulance under the Gold Standard of
eight
minutes and fifty nine seconds. This standard is set by the Commission on Accreditation
of Ambulance Services. Again to
reiterate, for a rural agency with 119.8 square miles of coverage area
this
accomplishment is not a minuscule one.
On
top of the Ambulance’s
usual participation in local parades, major events such as the Festival
of the
Voice, Pine Hill Arms Triathlon, and Ulster County Fair, and
participation in
Community outreach and CPR classes, the Ambulance was no stranger to
the podium
this year as well. Following the wake of 2009’s Ulster County Ambulance
Association’s award for EMS Agency of the Year, two individuals from
the Squad
were awarded for excellence in their field. Paramedic Mark Bedell was
recognized as AEMT of the year, and your own Ambulance Captain was
awarded the
EMS Leadership award on the County level. Mark Bedell’s recommendation
from his
peers not only received attention on the County level, however also at
the six
County regional level, and ultimately the State level as Mark received
the New
York State Paramedic of the Year award for 2010 at the Vital Signs EMS
Conference in NYC. Also of note EMT, Ambulance Co- Captain, and
resident
dinosaur Dennis Frano celebrated his 20th consecutive year
of
Service with the Town of Shandaken
Ambulance Service.
Thanks to the
careful management of taxpayer
funds by Squad Officers the Ambulance Service was able to perform
essential
services and do so under the allotted budget of $310,735.00 by
$8,100.00
(2.6%). In addition 2010 revenue exceeded projections by 13%.When
compared to
2009’s projected revenue of $140,000.00 the actual increase in revenue
over the
past 2 years has been 30%, a percentage that far exceeds any revenue
line
increase received by the Town over the same time period. This was done
while
keeping reimbursement far below comparable Ambulance Services’ rates.
The
unappropriated funds from the 2010 budget, as well as the excess
revenue funds
will be deposited into the unexpended fund balance to further the
savings to
the taxpayer in the coming year.
Attached is a graph
depicting the call
breakdown by month, as well as a pie chart outlining our times from
dispatch to
bed side. On behalf of the Town of Shandaken Ambulance
I would like to thank the Town Board, and most of all the Town of Shandaken residents that
supported our efforts in 2010. As always it is the promise of the Town
of Shandaken Ambulance Service
that we shall exercise diligence in our commitment to care for the
citizens and
visitors we provide our services to in the year 2011 and beyond. Stay
safe out
there!
LIEUTENANT MARK BEDELL AWARDED NEW YORK STATE ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT
PROVIDER OF THE YEAR 2010!
The Town of Shandaken Ambulance Service is
pleased to announce that Lieutenant Mark Bedell has been awarded the
New York
State Advanced Emergency
Medical Technician of the Year award following the reccomendation by
the Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, Ulster
County EMS Association, and his peers. The award will be
presented at the New
York State EMS Vital Signs Conference to be held in New York City in
August.
Paramedic Bedell's dedication to the EMS Community, Shandaken Ambulance
Service, the citizens we protect, and beyond exemplify the
qualities of an individual truly dedicated to his craft. His longevity
in the
EMS industry defy all statistical odds, and his dedication far
supersedes even
the most gung - ho of EMS professionals. It
is without doubt that Paramedic Bedell will continue to serve the
citizens of
the Town of Shandaken
with the outstanding care, compassion, and enthusiasm that he has
for the past 30 years throughout the State EMS community.
Lieutenant
Bedell and Captain Muellerleile at the June Town Board Meeting
Lieutenant
Bedell recieves the County AEMT of the year award
SHANDAKEN PARAMEDICS RECOGNIZED AT LOCAL, REGIONAL LEVEL
The
Town of Shandaken Ambulance Service is pleased to announce that two of
their Paramedics were nominated by their peers and awarded for their
contributions to the EMS community and citizens they protect at the
2010 Ulster County EMS awards dinner on May 21, 2010 at the Benedictine
Auditorium. Captain Richard Muellerleile received the County EMS
Leadership Award and Lieutenant Mark Bedell recieved the County AND
Regional EMS award for Advanced Emergency Medical Technician of the
Year. Lieutenant Bedell is now in the running for the coveted New York
State Advanced Emergency
Medical Technician of the Year award that will be presented at the New
York State EMS Vital Signs Conference to be held in New York City in
August.
The
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician of the Year award is awarded to
an individual that makes significant contribution to the community as
an Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate (EMT-I), EMT-Critical Care
Technician (EMT-CC), or
Paramedic (EMT-P).
The EMS Leadership award is also a yearly
award that is given to an EMS agency leader whose dedication,
responsibility, professional behavior, ingenuity, special skill, or
insight in the EMS environment have made positive impact. Longevity,
innovation/dedication, responsibility, executive and management skills
in establishing, maintaining, promoting or expanding EMS organizations,
agencies, committees at the community and/or state level are also
factors considered for selection.
The Town of Shandaken thanked the award
receipients at the June 7th Town Board Meeting and presented both with
plaques for their distinguished
service to the Community. Congratulations
to our award recipients and best of luck to Lieutenant Bedell in his
moving forward to be considered for the NYS award!
STATE OF
EMERGENCY DECLARED FOR THE TOWN OF SHANDAKEN
Town of Shandaken Supervisor's office
declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Shandaken effective 7PM
on February 25th, 2010 lasting for five days following the wake of a
snowstorm that predominately hit the Husdon Valley starting early
Thursday Morning dumping over 30 inches of snow onto our region.
A
warming shelter has been established at the Belleayre Mountain
Longhouse Lodge and authorities there may be contacted via phone at
(845) 254-5600 extension 308 for arrangements for those without heat or
power.
As
always in an emergency do not hesitate to dial 911. NYSEG and various
utility crews, some from out of state, are feverishly attempting to
restore services to the many residents without power and Town, County,
and State highway crews are working around the clock to remove the
copious amounts of snow.
Please be cognisant of downed trees, limbs, and wires while out and
about in adverse conditions as these things pose a significant safety
risk. Do not EVER attempt to move a wire obstructing your way, and
always consider downed wires live. Furthermore nonessential travel is
discouraged if not prohibited during a State of Emergency so exercise
common sense while going out and about.
Updates will be provided as they are relayed.
Stay safe out there!
