Session Description

North Shore-LIJ has an ambulance fleet of over 100 vehicles that drive over 2.5 million miles per year, consuming over $1.8 million worth of fuel annually. These ambulances, when deployed, are required to run 24-hours a day, idling in order to maintain all of the onboard systems including controlling the climate for both medicinal purposes and patient comfort. In keeping with their sustainability and social responsibility mission, which is focused on improving the health and well-being of its community and society at large, North Shore- LIJ Health System has taken steps in regards to alternate transportation via alternative fuel source emergency vehicles. This session will focus on the benefits and challenges of converting diesel ambulances to CNG, including a step by step case study by the person who created the first two CNG ambulances in the country.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about opportunities to utilize alternative fuel vehicles.
• Discuss the benefits and challenges of converting a diesel ambulance to a compressed natural gas ambulance.
• Discuss other energy and emission saving transportation initiatives.

Presenters

Paul Power, Assistant Director of Operations, North Shore-LIJ Health System

Center for Emergency Medical Services Paul M. Power, EMT-P, is an Assistant Director of Center for Emergency Medical Services of the North Shore-LIJ Health System, where he oversees the coordination of EMS services in Manhattan and all of capital purchases relating to the EMS operation including a fleet of over 120 vehicles including 100 ambulances. A consummate emergency services professional, Paul brings nearly three decades of experience in both the emergency medical and rescue services arenas. Paul began his supervisory career with the Center for EMS as an operations officer in the interfacility transport division where he was responsible for clinical oversight as well field supervision of the department's EMT's and paramedics. Under his direction, partnerships and cooperative arrangements that are now central to the transportation of patients throughout the health system were forged and nurtured. Paul also leads the EMS Sustainability Committee and is also a part of Lenox Hill Hospital's newly formed green team. Paul designed and purchased the first two successful compressed natural gas ambulances in the country.