Goshen, NY
On July 15, 2025, after nearly two years of dedicated effort, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office officially launched its new EMS Fly-Car Program. This program represents a significant advancement in public safety and emergency medical response for our community. The development of the Fly Car Program aims to close critical gaps in EMS response, particularly in areas where it can take over 10 minutes for medical help to arrive. Their vehicle is fully equipped with the required medical supplies and equipment to perform life saving interventions, including a Stryker LUCAS 3 Chest Compression System.
In the coming weeks, residents may notice our fly-car operating in the Town of Mount Hope and the surrounding area, where it will support the services of the Lenape Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Each deployment will include one or two trained Deputies, certified as New York State EMTs, who will be stationed in the fly-car. Their primary responsibility is to respond to medical calls in the assigned area, assisting and supplementing the local EMS agency. They will assess, treat, and stabilize patients until the ambulance arrives on the scene. These initial on-scene efforts are critical during medical emergencies. By beginning our evaluations and treatments for residents facing medical emergencies as quickly as possible, we can significantly enhance their chances for a positive outcome.
During the initial implementation of this pilot program, our members will continue to train and expand their knowledge and hands-on experience in emergency medical treatment. Last night, our fly-car unit members attended an in-person EMS training on helicopter safety and air methods, including a lecture on pediatric trauma and its differences from adult trauma emergencies, hosted and organized by the Hudson Valley Regional EMS Council. This marked the beginning of the continuous education of fly-car members through a partnership with Orange County EMS and Garnet Health Medical Center.
Sheriff Arteta emphasized the importance of this program by saying, “The launch of the EMS Fly-Car Program symbolizes our commitment to serve and protect our community. In a medical emergency, every second matters. Five minutes during a medical emergency can feel like an eternity for both the patient and those surrounding them. By placing trained Deputy EMTs closer to those in need, we are closing critical response gaps and giving our residents the best possible chance of survival. We have a mission to save lives, and I am truly proud of the dedicated men and women who have tirelessly turned this vision into reality.”
