Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Southeast Quadrant?
The Southeast Quadrant is an ALS organization owned by a consortium of ambulance services including East Rochester, Perinton, Penfield, and Pittsford, and provides advanced life support EMS to these towns.
Who should I contact with questions regarding SEQ?
Follow this link to the "contact us" page, and e-mail, call, or write to the appropriate individual. If you are not sure who to contact, contact the chief paramedic.
How do I call SEQ in an emergency?
The general public does not call SEQ directly. SEQ's services are requested by your local ambulance service. The decision to utilize ALS for a specific situation is based upon the type of emergency using specific protocols.
I do not live in Perinton, Pittsford, East Rochester, or Penfield; but I still received emergency care from an SEQ unit. Why?
SEQ provides mutual aid ALS services to surrounding districts when their primary ALS providers are unavailable. Our mutual aid areas include surrounding towns in Monroe County and western Wayne and Ontario County.
If SEQ is unavailable for an emergency, what happens?
From time to time an SEQ ALS unit may not be available for an emergency call, due to excessive calls already in progress or staffing concerns. When this happens, an off-duty SEQ technician may be called in from home, or the requesting agency may utilize mutual aid from another agency. Each member agency maintains backup coverage agreements with other ALS providers in the area.
Where is SEQ located?
Our primary offices are located at 388 Mason Road, Fairport, NY 14450. We maintain emergency response vehicles and/or equipment at our member agencys' facilities.
What is the organizational structure of SEQ?
The SouthEast Quadrant MCCU started as an organization in 1974 as a cooperative effort between 4 Basic Life Support Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The organization was incorporated and became operational in 1976. The organization is setup with a Board of Directors with 8 members. Each BLS corps sends two representatives. The ALS chief represents the operations staff to the board. The employees/membership of the organization are composed of paramedics, critical care technicians and students enrolled in an advanced life support class. The ALS Chief is a full-time position who is hired by the Board of Directors.
How is SEQ funded?
SEQ relies on collected revenues from responses. SEQ is a non-profit agency and our entire budget consists only of costs to equip and operate the service. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, we also welcome donations from corporations and private individuals, which are tax-deductible.
What is the cost of services to the patient?
The actual cost depends on the level of service provided. The majority of charges are covered by the patient's insurance carrier. No patient is ever denied services based upon ability to pay. Please contact 1-800-716-8015 for current billing information.
Is SEQ hiring?
Pay-per-call positions are recruited on an ongoing basis. Part-time and full-time hourly positions are filled as they become available. In general, preference is given to those already working pay-per-call positions when filling part-time and full-time hourly openings. More information on employment is available here.
How do I join SEQ?
Active membership in SEQ is open to individuals possessing current NYS EMT-Paramedic certification. The SEQ is no longer accepting EMT-CC certification for new members unless they are presently enrolled in a paramedic training program. The SEQ offers student sponsorship and membership for EMT-P training to a limited number of individuals each year. Due to frequent abuse of this benefit, strict restrictions have been enacted regarding payment for paramedic training. In general, financing of paramedic training is no longer offered to persons not already established as cleared members in good standing with one of our member agencies. Cleared, established EMTs of member agencies may qualify for payment of training according to regulations established by the SEQ Board. Contact the ALS chief for information. Applications for all categories of membership may be obtained from Perinton Ambulance, 1400 Turk Hill Road.
How do I become a paramedic?
The first step is to become a basic EMT through your local ambulance service. At least 2-3 years of experience as a basic EMT are recommended before starting paramedic training. The training program itself is offered by several colleges and hospitals in the western NY area. Programs are available at Monroe Community College in the city of Rochester, and at Finger Lakes Community College near Canandaigua.
How long is the training program?
The NYS certification program is currently an 18 month program including both classroom time and hospital and field clinical sessions. Following completion of the state certifying program, a field internship is required which generally takes 3-6 months.
I am a collector of patches or other EMS memorabilia. Can you send me your organization's patch or other articles with its insignia?
Regrettably, with the increased threat of domestic terrorism and the possibility of persons attempting to disguise themselves as public safety personnel, SEQ does not provide patches or other similar items to outside individuals or organizations. Requests for such items will be ignored.