In addition, a reported alert from the Naval Counter Intelligence Service (NCIS) states that suspected terrorists may be looking to steal fire department and EMS vehicles to be used as possible car bombs against military installations across the country.

Thus, the AAA urges its members to use caution and make sure that your ambulance units are locked at all times. The units should be locked both while on scene or at operations, unless the units are attended by other verified emergency personnel.

Corrected E-mail Address for Hunter Ambulance

If you would like to send e-mail condolences to Hunter Ambulance regarding the loss of employee Mark Schwartz, whose funeral was yesterday, they should be sent to Daniel Liebowitz at Hunter Ambulance, 28 Sheridan Blvd., Inwood, NY 11096; his correct e-mail address is: dliebowitz@hunterambulance.com. The e-mail address reported last Friday was incorrect.

Condolences to FDNY

In response to requests from some AAA members, if you would like to send condolences to the Fire Department of New York regarding the loss of more then 300 firefighters, EMTs and paramedics in New York City, your condolences can be sent to FDNY Commissioner Thomas Van Essen at letters@fdny.nyc.gov.

More AAA Members Involved

More than 50 AAA members have provided equipment and employees at the three MCI sites in NYC, VA and PA.

Following are additional AAA member locations that have informed the AAA office that they have responded with units and employees to the MCI sites in New York City (NYC), at the Pentagon (Arlington, VA) or in southwestern Pennsylvania (PA), or are on standby to respond. The American Ambulance Association appreciates your tremendous assistance for our country during this tragic time.

New York: a North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System EMS, Queens, NY (NYC)

New Jersey: a Hillsborough EMS, Neshanic, NJ (NYC)

Michigan a Huron Valley Ambulance, Ann Arbor, MI (Two members each are on the regional HHS DMAT [disaster medical assistance team] and DMORT [disaster forensic team] and are on standby to respond.)

Pennsylvania: a Jefferson Health Ambulance - Great Valley Health, Paoli, PA (PA)

West Virginia a Jan-Care Ambulance Service, Beckley, WV (NYC)

Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield

According to the American Hospital Association News, Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield's corporate headquarters were in the destroyed World Trade Center. They have accounted for 1,875 of 1,914 employees in the building. Empire is the Part A Intermediary for the States of New York, Delaware and Connecticut; and the Part B Carrier for 16 New York counties. All of their data is located at a remote location. Electronic claims are continuing to be processed. Paper claims mailed after September 6, 2001 should be resubmitted.

Be Cautious on Contributions to Relief Funds

Several AAA members have asked about a recommended relief fund for the EMT and paramedics lost in the NYC World Trade Center collapse. There are several reputable survivor relief funds being established by national organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, as well as by specific trade and professional associations and national companies, and many local survivor relief funds. However, reports have started to circulate that some unscrupulous people already are setting up bogus online relief funds to obtain survivors relief fund contributions for fraudulent purposes. Please check out carefully any survivor relief funds before you make any contributions. At this time, the AAA has not recommended a survivor relief fund.

Additional HHS Assistance