Mayor Announces New Response Protocol for Sexual Assault Victims

 

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta formally announced on July 14 a new ambulance response protocol in which EMS members will give victims of sexual assault the option of being transported to one of 19 hospitals offering specialized care and counseling.

The new protocol was announced at a press conference at North Central Hospital in the Bronx where the Mayor was joined by Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano and Chief of EMS John Peruggia.

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Programs are operated 24-hours a day and include comprehensive medical management for the victims of sexual assault, as well as forensic examinations for evidence collection and expert testimony. These centers also offer specialized equipment to detect and document injury, dedicated examination and shower rooms, trained advocates, and full-time social workers for follow-up counseling services and emotional support.

In the year prior to the program implementation (June 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008) 48 percent of the sexual assault victims transported by the FDNY EMS Command went to SAFE Centers. The new protocol now will be offered by all ambulance service providers in the City’s 911 system to patients age 12 and older, who are stable and identify themselves as victims of sexual assault.

“The Fire Department in recent years has introduced a number of new ambulance response protocols aimed at improving our EMS system by transporting patients to designated hospitals that offer advanced services for specific types of medical emergencies,” said FDNY Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano. “This new program will ensure that sexual assault victims now receive enhanced new services and care at designated facilities, and we are proud to partner with the Mayor's office, participating hospitals and the advocacy groups who have worked so hard to make this new program a reality.”