The Putnam Valley Volunteer Ambulance Corps is meaningful to many people for many reasons. Here's one story about why a member joined.
Why I Joined the PVVAC
Several years ago, after I retired from college teaching, I was busier than ever. I taught part-time, worked out at a local gym, hiked in Fahnestock State Park with my black Lab, read lots of books, spent quality time with my wife and daughter, did the homeowner chores that I had been neglecting, and pursued various hobbies.
An acquaintance suggested that I consider joining the PVVAC. At the time, the idea appealed me, but I put it on the back burner. My life was already pretty full, and there was always plenty to do. Besides, what did I have to offer the Ambulance Corps? I was a retired professor of English, not a medic.
That November my wife and I took my teenaged daughter to Northern Westchester Hospital for routine ambulatory surgery. She was in the OR at 9:00 and out by 10:30. The surgeon said everything had gone well, and our daughter was back home in Putnam Valley by 2:00. That evening she began to complain of weakness and severe abdominal pain. The symptoms worsened, and by early morning it was clear that something very serious was occurring.
We called 911, and in minutes the PV ambulance was in our driveway. The crew was professional and compassionate, and they gave my daughter excellent emergency care. The medic realized that a life-threatening situation existed, and she started IV fluids. She and the EMT continued treatment as the ambulance sped to Northern Westchester Hospital.
The ER doctors suspected that during my daughter’s “routine” surgery, the surgeon had accidentally nicked an artery. She was bleeding internally and had lost over 25% of her total blood volume. Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. After five hours of emergency surgery, several transfusions, and a week in the hospital, my wife and I brought her home. Two months later, she had completely recovered.
This incident was the kick in the pants that I needed. On a cold grey day in December, I went to the Corps to get an application. I was welcomed by three volunteers who insisted on giving me a tour of their new building. I recognized two of them as being on the crew that had cared for my daughter on the 911 call.
I took the membership application home and filled it out (it was easy). After that, things happened very quickly. I was accepted as a probationary member, I was given a pager, and I began going out on ambulance calls. I attended monthly drills and monthly meetings. I learned CPR and First Aid. I found the quality of instruction excellent.
The members, aware of my “newbie” status, went out of their way to make me feel at home, and the probationary period quickly passed. Although I still have a lot to learn, I’m now proud to be a fully-fledged riding member of the PVVAC.
Members of the Corps range in age from the early teens (there’s a Youth Corps) to the mid-eighties. Men and women share all duties, and are qualified to drive the rigs, work as EMT’s, and serve as attendants. It’s refreshing to belong to an organization where absolute equality – regardless of age or sex - is an everyday reality.
What are some of the benefits of joining the Corps?
I’m giving something back to my community, and that’s a very good feeling.
I’m able to express my gratitude to the Corps for helping to save my daughter’s life.
I’m meeting good people and making new friends.
I’m learning important skills that might help me to save a life some day.
I’m doing something meaningful with my time.
I’m having fun.
My daughter joined the PVVAC Youth Corps (but I’ll save that story for her to tell).
