The Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (or RVAC) has an all volunteer-driven membership that actively participates in ambulance and administrative operations, which includes Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Drivers, Dispatchers, and headquarters maintenance personnel. Our personnel do not make money or have personal expenses covered by RVAC. Our ambulance is certified by the New York State Department of Health to operate at a Basic Life Support level. Many of RVAC's members currently work in the emergency service field, including (emergency and non-emergency medical services, firefighting, and law enforcement) while others have full-time professions outside of EMS (accountants, construction workers, teachers, etc). We also have medical students who want to gain prehospital experience that volunteer with us! Despite occupational differences, members have joined Ridgewood VAC for one reason, to serve the community.
MUTUAL AID
RVAC maintains mutual aid agreements with surrounding volunteer ambulance companies, such as Glendale Volunteer Ambulance, Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance, and Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance. In the event of a mass casualty incident, severe weather conditions, or acts of terrorism, the Ridgewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps will be activated by the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York City (NYC REMSCO) to assist 9-1-1 agencies, such as F.D.N.Y. in providing care to neighboring communities. RVAC actively participates in community events, such as the Fresh Pond Festival, Myrtle Avenue Street Fair, and the Grand Avenue Street Fair, where members will provide emergency medical services as well as have an information/education booth where locals can find out information about the organization.
OUR MEMBERS
Most members at RVAC are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) through New York State, which requires over 160 hours of classroom and hands-on training. As required by New York State, there is always at least one EMT on the ambulance when it responds to a call. Although many of our members hold higher levels of certification, such as Advanced EMTs or Paramedics, state guidelines prohibit members from providing care outside the scope of practice of an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B). Every member maintains an active Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification card and participates in Continuing Medical Education (CME) classes and events.
Event Services
RVAC attends local events and provides training and medical services for those in need. If you have an event you would like us to attend, or staff with emergency medical technicians please get in touch with us to flesh out the details. As we are a volunteer organization, we request a donation for the services that we provide.