The Village of New Berlin recently added a new command vehicle to to aid EMS service. (Photo by Jessica Benson.)

NEW BERLIN – With the help of the Town of Columbus, the Village of New Berlin recently added a command vehicle to their EMS service.

New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon explained that it was determined by the new EMS captain and Administrator Bryan Whitaker that the EMS team needed a command vehicle. Funds were made available by the Town of Columbus to purchase a used GMC Yukon that will be utilized by the captain or his designee.

“The vehicle diversifies our ability to respond to the needs of the community on calls that need an extra set of hands,” said Whitaker.

While Whitaker is often at the station with the EMS crew, he does not always go on calls with them. This vehicle will allow him to respond in the command vehicle when additional hands are needed or in the event of a mass casualty incident involving multiple patients. In addition, the command vehicle can help in fires by providing medical incident command. It can also be used for lift assist calls, when patients require assistance but transport is not necessary.

“The beauty of the command vehicle is that it allows us to coordinate across many layers in Chenango County. It strengthens interagency communication and helps paint of a picture of what’s needed,” Lennon said.