FOCUS ON THE GREAT NECK PENINSULA: CELEBRATING EMS WEEK
When normal drivers see flashing lights and sirens on Middle Neck Road they anxiously pullover. If you’re a first Responder, on the other hand, rushing to an emergency, fire or medicalcall, it involves a rush of adrenaline, and is a call to action. To all the selfless EMS providersout there: “Thank you for all you do, and Happy EMS Week!”National EMS Week is an annual observance held every May to recognize the work ofEmergency Medical Services (“EMS”) professionals — including Emergency MedicalTechnicians (“EMT”), paramedics, dispatchers, flight medics, emergency nurses,firefighters, and others involved in prehospital emergency care. In 2026, EMS Week isobserved from May 17–23, including at our local Great Neck fire departments, Vigilant FireCo, Manhasset Lakeville, Hatzolah and Alert Fire Co. (a non- EMS provider).In 1974, President Gerald Ford first authorized an EMS Week to highlight the growingimportance of emergency medical care in the United States, collaboration among EMSagencies, hospitals, 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, fire departments, public healthagencies, and communities to improve patient care and survival outcomes.EMS is now recognized for its role in saving lives from sudden cardiac arrest and trauma; ingetting people to the hospitals best equipped to treat heart attacks and strokes; and insetting the stage for a positive care experience – not just through medical skill, but byshowing caring and compassion to patients in scary, distressing situations.In communities like Great Neck, EMS Week also highlights the longstanding culture ofvolunteerism. Many residents historically joined ambulance corps or fire departments asteenagers or young adults. There is a camaraderie that forms at the firehouse, plenty ofsocial opportunities off- shift and between calls. The result is lifelong bonds of friendship,through the experience of being in the trenches, assisting with a neighbor (or stranger’s)medical emergency, and living to tell.EMS Week is especially important within the profession to recognize the high stress andtrauma exposure of EMS workers, including long shifts, burnout and mental healthchallenges. As a result, EMS Week has become both a celebration and an advocacyopportunity for better funding, staffing, equipment, and mental health support. Communitydiscussions online often reflect both pride in the profession and frustration that appreciationsometimes feels symbolic rather than substantive.Says Zachary Goldfarb, Vice President of Vigilant Fire Co: “Typical EMS Week activitiesinclude open houses at ambulance corps and fire departments, CPR and Stop-the-Bleedtraining, blood drives, and community demonstrations.”
There are several historic volunteer fire and EMS organizations serving the Great Neckpeninsula. They all provide mutual aid support across Nassau County, and welcome yourinterest should you be considering joining EMS.Alert Fire CompanyFounded in December 1901, Alert Engine Hook Ladder Hose is headquartered at555 Middle Neck Road in the Village of Great Neck, with an annex station onSteamboat Road in Kings Point. Industrialists J. Pierpont Morgan and Walter P.Chrysler were famous members. The company still actively recruits juniorfirefighters as young as 12 years old, continuing a longstanding tradition ofmultigenerational service in Great Neck. (Note: Read about GN Alert, JohnMotchkavitz, in our last column).Vigilant Fire CompanyVigilant Engine & Hook & Ladder Co., Inc. headquartered at 83 Cutter Mill Road,developed into both a fire suppression and advanced EMS provider for the northernpart of Great Neck. The company has provided EMS service on the peninsula formore than 80 years. Since 2003, cadets of the United States Merchant MarineAcademy ‘s Emergency Medical Service Squad have assisted Vigilant’s EMSoperations, creating a longstanding partnership between the academy and thecommunity. “It is important that we recognize the hard work and dedication of theEMS membership “ said Scott McDonald, Chief of Department.Vigilant EMS Captain Daniella Salim is a fine example of a selfless communityvolunteer. “I joined at 18 years old, and my love for medicine grew every day after that.Almost 8 years later, I am now employed as a hospital nurse. I am awed by thededication, teamwork, and hard work that goes into EMS every single day.” EMSproviders are there for their fellow neighbors, during some of the most difficult timesin their lives. “I am incredibly proud to be part of such a strong and compassionatecommunity here in Great Neck.”Hatzolah EMSHatzolah of Queens & Great Neck is a volunteer Jewish EMS organization thatserves the Great Neck peninsula. The organization emphasizes culturalfamiliarity, understanding of Orthodox Jewish religious practices however theytreat anyone who calls, regardless of religion or background.
“Not all superheroes wear capes”This year’s EMS Week theme is to “Improve Outcomes, Together.” To that end, Great Neck’sEMS providers invite you to help them save lives by learning to Stop the Bleed, to performCPR, and to volunteer your time and service to support any one of the vitalvolunteer response agencies in the community. Check out the websites of our local GreatNeck fire departments- Vigilant Fire Co, Manhasset Lakeville, Hatzolah and Alert Fire Co. –or stop by to learn more.Allow this column to serve as a reminder that they, and we, need you. Yes, you, dearReader. So, please stop scrolling, and consider becoming one of the “helpers” as Mr.Rogers appropriately called them. You may find that doing good and helping others in thecommunity feels good.True, as a EMS Volunteer you may – occasionally- have to respond to a call halfway throughdinner, or jump out of the house for a false alarm. Don’t worry, you can always reheat yourdinner three hours later. Heck, maybe even have it for breakfast.Janet Nina Esagoff launched Destination: Great Neck Ltd., a 501(c)(3) in 2021, dedicated tofortifying and celebrating the Great Neck peninsula. Follow @greatneckbiz on Instagram,Facebook, and other media platforms. She is also the founder of Esagoff Law Group PC, at100 Middle Neck Road. Prior to the practice of law, she designed special occasion fashionsat Party Girl, 3A Bond Street (1997–2005).
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Source: LI Press
