An important lesson from the East Meadow Fire Department on COVID-19

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As your East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department continues to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic, we want to ensure you that we are still actively responding to your calls for help. During this time, however, we are in need for the continued support of our residents now, more than ever before.  

In order to avoid large gatherings of people, our firehouses have been closed to the general public until further notice. For non-emergencies, please call us at (516) 542-0578 and follow the prompts to be directed to the appropriate office or individual. When possible, we ask that you avoid calling the Dispatcher at extension ‘0’, unless your call is for an emergency.

The ability of our members to be able to respond to emergencies is of utmost importance. To help maintain our operational readiness, the East Meadow Fire Department has enforced a “Social Distancing” policy for our membership and has migrated to virtual meetings and trainings, for the time being. We have instituted strict hygiene guidelines as well as required appropriate levels of personal protective equipment for our responders, particularly our Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel. Please do not be alarmed if they answer your call for assistance wearing masks. This is strictly precautionary and meant for yours and their protection. 

At the time of this article, written on Tuesday, March 24,  there were 26 confirmed cases of Covid-19 here in East Meadow, yet our members stand ready to answer your calls for assistance. In fact, this past weekend we responded to several emergencies including: house fires, propane and natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide alarms, and of course, EMS calls.   

The East Meadow Fire Department and other EMS Agencies in Nassau County, are ready and able to respond to your EMS calls, in the event of any type of medical emergency. Below is some information that will help keep you informed.

  • If you are experiencing “flu-like” symptoms, it is recommended that you contact your personal or family Physician for guidance, and the best planned course of action to take. In some cases, unless you are in severe distress, it may be recommended that you self-quarantine at home, along with any other family members you have been in close contact with.
  • If you are in need of non-emergent medical attention, are presenting “flu-like” symptoms, and have means to travel other than by ambulance, we urge you to do so, if appropriate. You should notify the hospital or doctor’s office of your pending arrival, so they may adequately prepare. Arriving by ambulance alone will not give you priority over more critical patients in the emergency department.
  •  Regardless of whether you suspect you are infected with the Coronavirus, if you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or believe you are in need of an ambulance, call 911 or the East Meadow Fire Department’s emergency number; (516) 542-0576.
    • We ask for your patience as you may be asked questions by the Dispatcher about your symptoms for the preparation and safety of all emergency responders.
  • If you should request an ambulance, our professional EMS responders will provide you with the level of care you require, regardless of your symptoms. They may take additional infectious disease precautions (wearing masks, gloves, or gown) to ensure your safety and their’s, but rest assured, you will receive the highest level of care.
  • The hospital to which you will be transported is dictated by New York State and Nassau County protocols and is restricted to the closest appropriate hospital. For our residents in East Meadow, that will be Nassau University Medical Center in nearly all cases. During this time, hospital resources are being stretched to their maximum capacity and transportation to specific hospitals is strictly based on medical appropriateness, and not personal preference.

As you know, the information we receive changes day-to-day. Please stay tuned to news reports, for updates and procedural changes, and take all pre-cautionary measures, as instructed.

To help contain the spread of this virus and to assist in keeping your families, friends, neighbors, and first responders safe, the following are some steps you can take:

  • Limit your exposure to others and stay home whenever possible.
  • Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others and avoid groups or crowded areas.
  • Do not shake hands.
  • Wear gloves when you need to touch public railings, and door handles.
  • Wash your hands frequently for no less than 20 seconds.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose.

During this time, remember to enjoy your families and backyards, go for a walk, and most of all; please remain calm as the medical professionals of this great nation get this issue under control.

Wishing all of our residents a safe and healthy spring, as we beat this enemy and return to normalcy, sooner rather than later.

Corona Virus Information:

Corona Virus Testing Information:

  • Locations in Jericho (ProHealth Care), Stony Brook, and Jones Beach.

You must have an appointment to be tested.

  • For information on how to make an appointment at the drive-through testing site at Jones Beach or in Stony Brook, call the New York State Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
  • To make an appointment in Jericho, visit: com
  • Expect phone delays in making these appointments.