Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps Uses Monetary Gift to Buy New Ambulance
For nearly 50 years, the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (YVAC) has provided emergency medical services toYorktownresidents. Run strictly on volunteer services and donations, the corps was recently bestowed a generous donation – a godsend for its budget.
The YVAC was given $195,000 by a local philanthropic organization, The Gilbert Beaver Conference Farm Inc., to purchase a brand new ambulance unit. The ambulance corps updates its vehicles every 10 years. This need is set aside for in its budget, but the recent monetary contribution allowed the corps to replace one of its vehicles and save its reserve funds for its next new ambulance in 2015.
The corps has come a long way since its first call in June 1963, when it ran its business out of a garage/shed on theYorktownHigh Schoolcampus and began responding to calls in Cadillacs. Now located onLoretta StreetinYorktownHeights, the number of emergency calls it receives increases every year. YVAC Chief Rich Cariello said the corps answered 1,328 such calls in 2011, and that number is expected to grow this year.
The new ambulance still needs to be stocked with equipment of its own; the units come virtually empty, but this one is outfitted for an automatic stretcher lift. Cariello says back injuries are the most common issue among emergency medical technicians (EMTs), so the new technology the unit offers will make their jobs safer and more efficient.
“This will help us tremendously.” said Kathleen McKrink, adviser and Youth Group Coordinator to the YVAC, and member since 2003. McKrink said she was thrilled to learn about the new unit. Having been involved with the program since she was a teenager, she said, she is very invested in the organization.
“It helped me so much in nursing school,” said McKrink. “They really invest in their volunteers, making sure we are trained and ready to handle anything.
“We try to mentor as much as we can,” said Second Lt. Ivan A. Cantu. He added that Judy Ciacci, an 11-year veteran of the corps and a first lieutenant certified by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “is always up on the latest re-certifications and instruction.”
“We all have the common goal of helping people and giving back to the community.” said Cariello.
The YVAC is always looking for new members, and starts training volunteers as young as 14 in its Youth Group. To apply to the volunteer service, go to www.yvac.net/application.asp, or fill out an application at its headquarters on Lorretta Street.
By Kristen Mutarelli
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
