Nanuet NY – A social media post showing a Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland County paramedic parked in a handicapped parking space while responding to a medical emergency at Costco in Nanuet has sparked public discussion and prompted internal reviews by two local emergency service organizations.
According to Hatzoloh EMS and reports published by Monsey Scoop, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon when a paramedic responded to a report of an unresponsive child inside the Costco store. The emergency vehicle was parked in a handicapped space with its emergency warning lights activated before the paramedic entered the building to provide medical care.
A video of the parked emergency vehicle was later shared on social media, where it generated extensive discussion. Some commenters questioned why the vehicle was parked in a designated handicapped space, while others noted that the vehicle’s emergency lights were activated and argued that the circumstances involved an active emergency response.
Monsey Scoop reported that the video did not include the context that the paramedic was responding to a medical emergency involving an unresponsive child. The publication also reported that some online comments became hostile, with several containing antisemitic remarks directed toward Hatzoloh EMS and members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1104, operators of authorized emergency vehicles engaged in an emergency operation are granted certain exemptions from traffic and parking regulations when responding to emergencies, provided they operate with appropriate regard for public safety. The law permits emergency vehicles to stop, stand, or park in locations that would otherwise be prohibited while actively responding to emergency calls.
Following the circulation of the video, attention turned to the individual who posted it online. The person is a volunteer with both the W.P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Spring Valley Fire Department.
On Sunday, both organizations announced that they had opened internal reviews of the matter.
In separate statements, W.P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Spring Valley Fire Department said they are taking the situation seriously and will conduct reviews in accordance with their bylaws, rules, regulations, and established procedures. Neither organization released additional details or commented on whether disciplinary action is being considered while the reviews are ongoing.
As of this writing, neither agency has announced the outcome of its investigation.
The incident has generated broader discussion within the community about the role of emergency responders and the importance of context when sharing videos of emergency scenes online. Emergency medical personnel often make rapid decisions about where to position their vehicles in order to reach patients as quickly as possible, particularly during calls involving life-threatening conditions.
No official information has been released regarding the medical condition of the child who prompted the emergency response, and authorities have not identified the patient.
The investigations by W.P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Spring Valley Fire Department remain active. Officials from both agencies have indicated they will follow their established internal procedures before determining whether any further action is warranted.
