FDNY Sets New Lows in Fire Deaths, Ambulance Response Times
New York City officials celebrated both milestones achieved during 2012.
New York City's fire department reported there were 58 fire-related deaths recorded in 2012, the lowest number since records began being kept in 1916 and the seventh consecutive year with fewer than 100 fire deaths.
Another notable achievement in 2012 was the fastest average ambulance response times yet achieved by EMS -- 6 minutes, 30 seconds –- even though a record 1.3 million calls were handled. The call total represented a 3.4 percent increase in overall call volume.
"These numbers are a direct result of the dedication of the men and women who work for the FDNY," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said. "This city should be proud of the people who serve it."
There were 66 fire-related deaths recorded in 2011 and 62 recorded in 2010. According to FDNY, there has been a 43 percent decline in fire-related deaths since 2001. Also, in 46 of the 58 fatal fires during 2012, no working smoke detector was present.
The ambulance response record is calculated for the most life-threatening types of medical emergencies, known as Segment 1-3 calls, and includes reports of cardiac arrest, unconscious, and choking victims. More than 43,000 additional calls were received in 2012 versus 2011 -- including a new one-day record during Hurricane Sandy of 5,681 emergencies.