Ogdensburg may lack daytime EMT services
OGDENSBURG — Issues regarding daytime emergency services were brought to the attention of the Ogdensburg Borough Council on Monday, Jan. 11.
The council, which was led by Council President George Hutnick in the absence of Mayor Steve Ciasullo, discussed the purchase of a new finance server and Winter Fest plans.
First Aid Squad President and Captain Alan Arduini said the borough does not have dedicated emergency-service coverage during the day. Ogdensburg was depending on Sparta, which backed out of its Franklin and Hardyston contract as of Jan. 1 and will not be in the general area.
As a result, the ambulance call wait time could be between half an hour and 45 minutes.
Arduini said he will try to contact St. Clare's Hospital, however, in the past, Ogdensburg did not have enough calls to warrant a contract. Ogdensburg averages five calls between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. per month, on week days.
Officials discussed the need for more Ogdensburg First Aid Squad volunteers and asked about volunteer firemen or cadets. Currently, there are 12 members, with five who go on calls.
Arduini said volunteer firemen and cadets are not involved at this time.
He also explained that the EMT Course consists of 210 class hours, approximately five months; and two EMTs are needed for each call.
To volunteer for the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad, contact Arduini at: (973) 827-3800.
Hutnick also said Ogdensburg may need to look at the overall technology infrastructure, especially because Mandara Associates will no longer provide IT services effective Feb. 1. They say Ogdensburg is too small.
Hutnick and Councilman David Astor said they will work on finding a possible IT services replacement.
Tying into the new server, the Council hopes to have a budget meeting Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.
In addition, Councilwoman Rachel Slater reported that the Winter Fest will be Saturday, Jan. 30, from 6-8 p.m., at Heater's Pond.