Eastern Long Island Hospital Re-Dedicates Emergency Dock

Eastern Long Island Hospital has an emergency dock, which was built in 2003 with funds raised by local citizens. John Costello, Sal Prato, and Troy Gustavson were driving forces behind the building of the dock, which is now being rededicated in memory of Sal Prato on Thursday, June 30 at 1 p.m.

Sal Prato, of Greenport, was a local businessman, a community minded volunteer, avid boater and a member of the Auxiliary Coast Guard who lost his battle to cancer in November  2009. 

Thanks to Sal’s efforts, the community raised in more than $82,000 for the installation of an emergency dock, which allows access to Eastern Long Island Hospital by boat. 

The emergency dock is clearly marked with signage and lighting.  In addition to the fixed dock, there is a floating dock, ramp and power lift.  When a boat docks, an alarm at the gate sounds and alerts personnel to the potential emergency.  

 A phone on the dock connects to emergency staff.  If the patient does not require transportation assistance, the patient will be directed to proceed to the emergency department registration desk for medical screening.   When assistance is needed, hospital personnel can be called to the dock to transport the patient to the emergency department.  In cases of cardiac arrest, multiple trauma or when multiple victims arrive at the emergency dock, Emergency Medical Services  must be called to assist and safely transport the patient(s) to the emergency department.