Union representatives, EMS workers and first responders joined Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley to make demands for better working conditions and cooperative management on the steps of City Hall before a council hearing on the City's disaster plan for the storm.
Failed policies and poor planning put first responders at risk and made response to Hurricane Sandy dangerous and difficult.
That’s what a group led by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, Chair of the Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committee had to say about the handling, or lack there of, of the City’s emergency services platform before, during and since Hurricane Sandy.
A group assembled on the steps of City Hall Wednesday morning group joining the councilwoman on the steps of City Hall Wednesday morning shortly before a City Council Oversight Hearing scheduled to examine the City’s disaster management plan for the storm.
Joining Councilwoman Crowley were EMS members, Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics and Fire Inspectors Local 2507 President Israel Miranda and Uniformed EMS Officers Union Local 3621 President Vincent Variale .
The lack of a clear chain of command and numerous conflicting orders, among other serious concerns, were cited as the primary reasons first responders were prevented from the peak performance of their duties during and after the storm hit.
A major point of contention was the violation of guidelines set by the Department of Homeland Security that clearly state the span of control is one supervisor for every five members.
“Even after an independent arbitrator ruled the FDNY is violating these guidelines, EMS supervisors oversee an unmanageable twenty or more members,” said Council Member Crowley, who continued on to praise the efforts of emergency service workers despite the unfavorable working conditions.
But the concerns do not begin or end with insufficient supervisory personnel. EMS reported that as fire companies in flood-prone areas were being relocated, EMS companies requesting relocation faced repeated denials from administration.
The list of hazards continues with some responders having to be rescued themselves because of orders not to leave their already compromised posts. Ambulances were either flooded out of service or flat out destroyed.
“We are saddened by any lives that were lost during the storm,” said Vincent Variale, president of the Uniformed EMS Officers. “If not for the commitment and dedication of the front line members of the EMS Command many more lives may have been lost.”
Other factors contributing to the decline of the situation was understaffing, compounded by no call to increase staffing before or after the storm hit. In some cases responders who attempted to report for duty and were instructed to stay home.
Still it is the non-adherence to the national guidelines which govern the optimum number of individuals that a supervisor should be responsible for that seems to be at the center of the most serious problems, both to the responders and to those in need of rescue.
Critics of the city’s plan say by decreasing the supervisory span of control there would have been much less dangerous confusion, improved organization, and resulted in a much better plan surrounding Hurricane Sandy.
Council Member Crowley also called for increased promotional exams for EMS personnel. AS of now, any promotion beyond the rank of lieutenant is appointed. Offering exams for higher level positions would ensure department leaders were qualified and able to perform their duties without facing retribution from their own supervisors.
By Patricia Adams
