Schuyler County and Cayuga Health are proud to report that the new Schuyler Emergency Medical Service (SEMS), operated by Cayuga Health Transport (CHT), recently augmented first responders in helping residents in the snow-inundated Buffalo, NY, area.
Emergency Medical Technicians Thomas Benedict and Jason Overhiser staffed a Schuyler EMS Basic Life Support ambulance for three nights last week, operating out of a Buffalo fire station. In all, they transported nearly 50 sick and injured patients to area medical facilities.
“EMS is about helping people. Schuyler County should be proud that this new collaboration was able to help our neighbors in Erie County,” says Fonda Chronis, Schuyler County Administrator. “We look forward to the increased level of ambulance service in Schuyler County as well now that this contract is in full effect.”
“We are a community driven healthcare system and supporting our neighboring communities, like Erie County, during times of crisis is our obligation,” stated Dr. Martin Stallone, Chief Executive Officer of Cayuga Health. “While our Schuyler County EMS team was there to provide aid during the recent storm, our hearts and prayers also go out to Damar Hamlin and his family today. We are united together as members of the Upstate NY community, and we are deeply saddened by the many misfortunes that have happened there over the past few weeks. We hold Buffalo in our thoughts and prayers.”
Schuyler EMS launched full operations for Schuyler County’s residents on January 2, 2023. This community service is made possible by a contract between Cayuga Health and Schuyler County, through which Cayuga Health Transport provides ambulance services in the name of Schuyler EMS.
Schuyler EMS ambulances are dispatched through the county 911 system from stations in Watkins Glen, Odessa, and Tyrone.
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About Cayuga Health
Cayuga Health (CH) has two hospitals, Cayuga Medical Center, and Schuyler Hospital, as well as a multi-specialty group, Cayuga Medical Associates, and a network of over 400 providers with Cayuga Health Partners. Combined employment, including affiliated organizations, is over 2,500 employees serving multiple counties throughout Central New York and the Finger Lakes Region. Visit www.cayugahealth.org for more information.