Two alumni were recently recognized for their work as part of an all-volunteer, student-run and -operated ALS ambulance service serving SUNY Binghamton and the surrounding upstate New York region.
Lindenhurst alumni Melissa Larson (LHS Class of 2010) and Jennifer Larson (LHS Class of 2008) are current students at SUNY Binghamton and members of the 2011-12 Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service Squad, which was recently honored honored by the Susquehanna Regional EMS Council, Incorporated.
The Council awarded the honor of Broome County's 2011 Agency of the Year to the Squad. The annual award recognizes excellence in emergency medical service.
The Squad also responded to the major flooding brought to Broome County back in early September 2011. The Susquehanna River, which flows right through the heart of Binghamton, overflowed her banks. The student-run Squad jumped into action.
According to a report in JEMS, the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, last-resort flood walls were built to 25 feet and the river was expected to rise a record two feet above that on September 7. As a result, a flood emergency was imminent.
The report said that the HF Squad provided 24-hour care for 11 days at the SUNY Binghamton's Events Center Shelter while covering the usual campus calls.
(To read the full report click here.)
Harpur's Ferry, which was established in 1973, provides basic and advanced life support services to students, faculty and staff on and off the Binghamton University campus.
The organization has approximately 100 full-time Binghamton University student volunteers who work at the Squad part-time anywhere between six and 24 hours per week during the academic year. They also volunteer at other EMS agencies.
Each volunteer is required to participate in a minimum of one 72-hour advanced first aid class, and a 140-hour EMT course.
