FDNY Fire Commissioner Salvatore J. Cassano unveiled new vehicles, rescue boats and equipment purchased by the FDNY following Hurricane Sandy at the FDNY Training Academy on Randall’s Island.
Immediately following the storm, the Department spent more than $6 million in strategic investments in equipment and training, including:
• Six high-axle, 2.5-ton vehicles that can function in 53-inch deep waters. These covered flatbed trucks cost $175,000 each and are meant for use in delivering FDNY personnel and equipment to severely impacted areas, as well as for evacuating civilian populations. More than 200 members of FDNY Special Operations Command, of all ranks, will ultimately be trained to drive these vehicles.
• One 13-foot long Swift Water Rescue Pod filled with water rescue equipment for FDNY members including: 800 pairs of waders, 800 Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), instant inflatable rafts, rope packs, small Hurst tools (for forcible entry into closed doors and vehicles) and lights. This equipment will be divided among the borough commands for distribution to field units. Additionally, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Pod was purchased, containing equipment for addressing complex medical incidents, including backboards, baskets and various other supplies.
• Over 40 additional boats designed and intended for operating in flooded city streets, including Rescue Connector Boats with pumps capable of moving more than 550 gallons of water per minute.
• Two EMS Station Relocation Trailers (SRT) which contain everything needed to operate a temporary EMS Station. These SRT are strategically located at stations in Brooklyn and the Bronx. In addition to the equipment purchased, FDNY members received specialized training, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sponsored Wide Area Search Classes, which trained 80 members of all ranks in conducting organized search and rescue efforts.
Additional water rescue training will continue throughout the year and is planned for 2014, as well as advanced courses in structural collapse response. During Hurricane Sandy, FDNY fought more than 94 serious structural fires, responded to 5,681 medical emergencies and rescued more than 500 New York City residents.
