Yes, everyone is encouraged to join. We offer training that will allow you to ride on our ambulances and render emergency medical care to our fellow community members.
FAQ
Though the requirements vary depending on your position in the corps, our minimum requirement to maintain an Active Member status is 24 hours riding time during the month. But there is considerable flexibility in scheduling, since work and family obligations can vary greatly. All members who ride on our ambulances — EMTs, drivers, trainees and Youth Corps — must maintain a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
No, we offer free uniforms and training. We reimburse members for boots and pants. The reimbursement amount is adequate to cover the costs associated with these items. We supply uniform shirts, both white button-down and polos, as well as sweaters, outdoor jackets and hats. All active members are also given a two-way radio.
We have many administrative and clerical positions, essential to the corps’ operations, which do not require active riding. We also have members who only serve as drivers. They must maintain CPR certification, and go through our driver training and evaluation process, which includes a New York State Fire Prevention and Control Certified Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course.
You can find an application and instructions on this website under the Join Us tab. Our Membership Committee will be in touch with you to discuss the application process with you, and to arrange an interview. After that interview, your name will be presented at our next general membership meeting, which is held on the second Thursday of every month. The membership will vote on your admission to the corps.
If you are admitted, you will be placed on probationary status for a period of 90 days. During those 90 days you will be expected to earn your CPR certification and schedule a shift to ride. In addition, your aptitude for volunteer EMS work will be evaluated by the crews with whom you ride. Once the probationary period is over, the full membership will to vote to admit or not admit you as a regular member, based on your level of responsibility and the aptitude you demonstrated during your probationary period. Once probation is over, and you are accepted as a member, you can begin driver training, if you wish. You may also train for and achieve New York State Emergency Medical Technician certification, at no cost to you, as long as you maintain your active member status. As a certified EMT, you will undergo another probationary period during which your skills and professionalism are observed during ambulance calls by an experienced EMT. Once you are approved and cleared by our Training Officer, you may ride as a crew chief.
There is a free CME (Continuing Medical Education) program at NCAC, at other corps and hospitals in Rockland County, and beyond. Your skills will be continually tested and increased, and you will be kept up with protocol changes and advances in emergency medicine. Nyack Ambulance has been at the forefront of protocol advances for BLS (Basic Life Support) ambulances in the Rockland County and New York State, and our EMTs are trained to the level required for these advanced skills.
Many of our members have gone on to professional careers in medicine as paramedics, medical technicians, nurses, physician’s assistants and doctors.