Chautauqua County, N.Y., launched an emergency fly car system, which has responded to 365 calls for assistance since its operation began in August, according to The Observer.
Fly cars are vehicles that respond to emergencies, but are not designed to transport a patient. For patients who require transport to a hospital, an ambulance is necessary.
The system was created to provide a quick response system to 911 calls while supporting volunteer fire service and ALSTAR EMS, the county's medical transportation provider. Vehicles are equipped with medications and emergency room equipment, said John Griffith, director of the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services.
The system places three cars in strategically planned locations throughout the county and an additional vehicle driven by senior paramedics who can also respond to 911 calls.
When 911 dispatchers receive a call, it is distinguished as either standard, advanced or priority. The fly car system can respond to both standard and advanced calls, said Mike Volpe, Chautauqua County Emergency Medical Services senior paramedic.
Chautauqua County is one of a small number of New York counties to have a fly car system, said Kevin Peebles, emergency medical services project coordinator for Chautauqua County.
"This morning, three of the cars were out in three different areas of the county at the same time," Mr. Peebles said Friday. "We want people to realize this is a big success and it is affecting people's lives every day."
The program could expand in the future, said John Griffith, Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services director. The first step would be to make the program available 24/7. The program currently runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Mr. Griffith said.