EMS In Albany Still a Story

This afternoon I came across a gentleman laying on a bench at the bus shelter at Hannaford Plaza on Central Ave.  I noticed he was not moving and so I pulled over and decided to gauge if he was OK.

I called him a few times and eventually he mumbled some words I was unable to understand.  I proceeded to ask him if he was Ok and he responded with “No”.  I then asked him if he wanted me to call 911 and he mumbled “yes”.  I asked once more and he said “yes”.  So, I called 911 at 12:59 pm.  I explained the situation and was told someone was on their way.  I was asked for my name and I gave it to the 911 operator.

I waited for someone to show up and no one did.  He attempted to move a few times but was unable to sit up.  One hour after my initial call I called 911 once again and was transferred to the police department.  The officer asked me to get his name and someone at the bus shelter recognized him.  Once I gave the officer his name, he recognized him.   EMS finally arrived at 2:15 pm followed by Mohawk Ambulance.  He was placed on a stretcher and taken away.  I attempted to engage the Lieutenant of West Hill Engine #7 a couple of times but was rude and appeared to be vexed by the situation.

I can’t explain how disgusted I am by their response.  After all the issues we have had with response times in this city, for this to still be an issue is appalling to me as an individual.  As Mayor it will not be tolerated.  Regardless of what happens in this race, the winner will need to make responsive government a priority.

Comments

[EJ Seney]

I must take a moment and address Mr. LeBrons statements. As I am the Lieutenant he alludes to in his story. I can not speak for the 911 center, however once given a call I have never in 19 years of being a firefighter ever seen anyone delay a response, this instance included. Twice you advised me that you had called 911 and twice I thanked you, this is the only interaction I recall having with you, and untill now I had no idea who you were. However you could, for all intents and purposes, have been the president of the United States and I would not be anymore permitted to discuss any patient with you. We are bonded under HIPPA laws, therefore forbidden from discussing ANY patient information with anyone but the patient. I am sorry if my thank you's appeared rude to you, however I am paid and must be task oriented,and professional, something I believe you as a taxpayer would expect and deserve. I would hope you never need to summon EMS for anyone you love, but if you should have to I would never share any information and be caring and task oriented as with any case. As far as my job being complete once the patient is on the stretcher, this is not true, as I am responsible for giving the ambulance crew "report" and documenting interventions and patient information that although only momentary in nature becomes a part of the patients medical records forever. Finally apon completion I am responsible for preparing for our next response,of which Engine 7 does over 3000 yearly. While I can see your concerns, I would hope this clears up any misunderstandings you or your readers may have based on your article. I chose to do this as my living because I love it, and I love to help the people of this city, a city I proudly reside in. I see every aspect of life in need and do my best for every one of them. As does everyone I work with, I dont follow your politics therefore am not privy to judge your abilities, I would ask the same of you.

[Nathan Lebron]

Lieutenant Seney, I appreciate you taking time to respond to this issue so the readers can better ascertain exactly what happened.

I have worked on HIPPA projects for private firms and government agencies. I am very well versed in the protections afforded by HIPPA and never did I inquire for information. I explained twice the circumstances that forced me to make the call. Every first responder finds such information valuable in conducting a proper assessment and diagnosis.

The bigger point is that I had to call twice. You are absolutely correct that we have no idea how 911 dispatchers handled the call. If the second call was actually the first time EMS personnel received the call then it stands to reason that we have a problem with 911. However, the public perception is that EMS and 911 are not two separate services and so a breakdown in one results in negative, an unfair, portrayal of the other.

The Mayor and Common Council should get to the bottom of exactly where the breakdown occurred. The citizens of Albany pay for emergency services and should expect an efficient response.

I grew up in NYC and finding someone drunk is not a new experience for me. But never have I come across one that asked for help and wanted someone to call 911. I hope that he is OK.

I have nothing but the utmost professional respect for EMS personnel. It is a profession filled with individuals who have a calling to help people. It is also a thankless profession which makes you and your staff uniquely special professionals.