FAQ
-
Who Does the Whitestone
Volunteer
Ambulance
Corps serve?
-
WVAC serves the
residents, merchants in the town of Whitestone, New York City.
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What should I do if someone I know has a medical emergency?
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If someone has a medical emergency anywhere in Whitestone, dial
718-767-1000 and provide the following information
- (1) your name (2) exact location of the emergency (3) nature of emergency,
i.e. person fell, not breathing, unconscious (4) call back number.
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How does WVAC get funded?
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WVAC is funded through donations from the community.
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Is everyone at WVAC really a volunteer?
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WVAC is comprised entirely of volunteers. Emergency Medical
Technicians,drivers and dispatchers receive no monetary compensation for their work.
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What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
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Emergency Medical Technicians receive approximately 150 hours
of classroom and hands on training to provide basic life support including oxygen therapy,
bleeding control and fracture management, and prehospital defibrillation. Paramedics receive at least one
year of classroom and hands on training to provide advanced life support including both 3 and 12 lead EKG's,
advanced airway control with intubation and medication administration.
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What type of care will be provided if there is a medical emergency
at my home or business?
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If you have a medical emergency, WVAC will respond and will evaluate
the patient to determine whether the patient requires advanced or basic care. If the patient requires advanced
care, the NYFD is notified. WVAC will wait for the paramedics as per NYC protocols but must leave with the patient
should the paramedics not arrive within 5 minutes. The EMT-D's will administer such procedures as fracture management,
bleeding control, and oxygen therapy.
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Why should I learn CPR and first aid and where can I get this
training?
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You should learn CPR and first aid because
you could save someone's life! CPR is a skill that
almost anyone can master, and statistics have shown that the sooner CPR is
initiated by a bystander, the greater the chances are for that patient's
survival. First aid provides medical care and comfort to the sick and injured.
You will learn bleeding control, fracture management, and other skills which
will help you to recognize and handle an emergency appropriately. Training
can be obtained through the American Red Cross, American Heart Association
or your local hospital. In the near future WVAC will be offering CPR training
for the public at out headquarters. WVAC periodically offers CPR courses.
For more information call 718-767-1000.
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What kind of training do WVAC members have?
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Upon joining WVAC, members will be trained in ambulance driving
techniques and may obtain additional training during their probationary period.Dispatchers must obtain their
dispatch certification prior to any duty watch . Members are also required to complete an Emergency
Medical Technician defibrillation course during their first year of membership. The present membership is
comprised of EMT-D's, Certified First Responders and members trained in CPR, however, the member in charge
of your treatment will be certified to at least the EMT-D level.
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Is WVAC staffed 24 hours per day?
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Yes, WVAC is staffed 24 hours a day by members who work in 12
hour shifts. A "night duty" crew is assigned to stand-by at WVAC headquarters from 06:00 PM to 6:00 AM for
overnight responses.
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What should I do if I am driving in my car and I see an ambulance
or other emergency vehicle approaching with lights and sirens?
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If you observe an ambulance or other emergency vehicle approaching
with lights and sirens, attempt to pull over to the right and stop.
DO NOT try to out run the emergency vehicle.
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How can I arrange for a tour of WVAC?
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Tours of WVAC can be arranged by contacting an officer
at 718-767-1000or
E-Mail.
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How can I arrange to have WVAC speak to my school, community
or civic group?
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A member of WVAC will be happy to speak at your school, community or
civic
group, or other meeting. Speaking arrangements can be arranged by contacting
us at 718-767-1000 or
E-Mail.
