Fire, EMS Unions: Closing St. Vincent’s Would Strain FDNY

STEVE CASSIDY: Fears ‘negative ripple effect.’ Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service responders are already getting ready for a tough budget fight, as Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed spending plan imposes major cuts on the FDNY, including the elimination of 20 fire companies and eliminating the fifth Firefighter for the 60 engine companies that have them. But union presidents point to another matter that could exacerbate problems: the possible closing of St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village.

The financially troubled medical center may cease to be, meaning the only trauma center on the west side of downtown Manhattan would vanish; communities such as the West Village, Chelsea and Soho would have to rely on Beth Israel on the east side or New York University Downtown Hospital.

A Month Reprieve From Paterson

Continuum Health Partners was interested in taking over the hospital and closing the emergency room, but abandoned that plan Feb. 4. Governor Paterson last week announced emergency funding to keep the hospital alive through the month.

“The closing of St. Vincent’s Hospital will have a significantly negative ripple effect on FDNY response times to both fire and medical emergencies,” Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy said in a statement. “As the community and the 911 system loses these emergency room beds, response and travel times to emergencies will increase and availability of FDNY engine companies for fire, medical and other emergencies will diminish, along with availability of ambulances, putting added strain on an already overtaxed system.”

Patrick J. Bahnken, who as president of Local 2507 of District Council 37 represents Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians, said, “It’s going to back up local hospitals by giving them a higher patient base.”

He pointed to the closing of two private hospitals in Queens last year, which he said caused delays in ambulance service.

“It had a significant impact on the EMS system,” he said. “Our members in the past have dealt with things like this before. I’m sure my members will be able to rise to the occasion once again.”