The Gift of Life
The Hudson Valley is in a blood emergency crisis. It is operating on barely a two-day supply…which is not enough to cover the region’s emergency blood needs. As in the past, the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps is sponsoring community blood drives administered by Hudson Valley Blood Services.
Requirements to Donate Blood
- Be in good health
- Not have donated within the last 56 days
- Be between age 17 and 75
- Present one form of identification
- Weigh at least 110 lbs.
- Know your Social Security Number
- Next Scheduled Blood Drives
Blood donors are very special people. They donated 167 pints in the last 2 Blood Drives. They know what their donation could mean to a patient. So, be a donor – bring a friend. Only you can give the”Gift of Life”.
Fund Drive
Each year, we respond to over 1000 emergency calls. Our members volunteer over 21,000 hours of their time. We operate and maintain three New York State certified ambulances which are manned by New York State certified Emergency Medical Technicians, all certified in the use of defibrillators. All members are volunteers, none of whom receive monetary compensation.
Our EMTs are continually trained on new techniques, procedures and protocols that enable them to ensure proficiency in the field of Emergency Service.
In addition to the cost of operating and maintaining three ambulances, we also expend significant funds to maintain our location on Loretta Street. As homeowners, you all know how much utility and home maintenance costs have risen over the years.
Finally, we must replenish and update the very large volume of medical supplies needed to provide the level of Emergency Medical Service that you have come to expect.
Twice a year, in June & December, we mail fund raising letters to the residents of the portion of Yorktown that we serve…asking for financial support. So we ask that when you receive these mailings, be as generous as you can. Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue to provide you with the very best Emergency Medical Service.
Loan Closet
We maintain a closet of sick room equipment, specifically…
- Canes
- Walkers
- Crutches
- Wheel chairs
These are available free of charge to any community residents who have need for such equipment.
Just call us at 245-YVAC (245-9822). At the automated response system, dial 0 to be connected to someone at the Corps. He/she will be glad to check on the availability of whatever you need.
In the event the Duty Crew is out responding to an emergency, no one may be available to answer your call. If so, please call back later.
Youth Group
The Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Youth Group serves as an auxiliary to the Corps. These 14-18 year old students are trained in CPR, First Aid, with some as New York State Certified First Responders
Members of the Youth Group, under the supervision of experienced Emergency Medical Technicians and/or Paramedics, perform Standby’s for various activities such as the Grange Fair, Fireman’s Carnival, Walk-a-thons, and Sporting events. The Youth Group is equipped with oxygen, trauma bags, suction devices, two backboards, and two radios. Training exercises are usually conducted at YVAC Headquarters every 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings.
When Youth Group members reach age 16, they become eligible to ride on the ambulance alongside the regular duty crews. This experience can be of significant benefit when these youths reach 18 and move ahead to become Emergency Medical Technicians.