At 6:37pm Nanuet FD was alerted to respond to the tractor trailer parking lot adjacent to Exit 14 of the NYS Thruway southbound to set up a landing zone for StatFlight. Upon signing in service, Assistant Chief Mike Mattera (8-2) was advised that the landing zone would be moved directly onto the NYS Thruway northbound. Local EMS, Paramedics, PD and State Troopers were in the process of treating 2 victims who had been struck by a NJ Transit train traveling nortbound from Nanuet to Spring Valley.
Because of the proximity of the NJ Transit tressel bridge to the NYS Thruway, the thruway northbound provided best access. 8-EQ and 8-1250 provided traffic control of the southbound lanes while Clarkstown PD and the New York State Police closed the northbound lanes. In the midst of moderate to heavy rain and steady wind, StatFlight's Air1 helicopter landed directly in the closed northbound lanes.
Nanuet FD members led by Lieutenant Arthur Juni assisted EMS in carrying the patients down an embankment to the waiting ambulance and helicopter. StatFlight Air 1 was airborne minutes later and Nanuet FD was clear of the thruway shortly thereafter.
Units:
8-2, 8-EQ, 8-1250, 8-1750
Mutual Aid:
Nanuet EMS, Clarkstown PD, Rockland Paramedics, NYS Police, MTA Police.
StatFlight Air1 lifts off from NYS Thruway. 5/9/08
StatFlight helicopter awaiting patient on NYS Thruway. 5/9/08
Blue gloved firefighters return equipment after assisting with patient transport. 5/9/08
