Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps kicked off National EMS Week with an open house at its headquarters yesterday, in an event that featured CPR and car seat safety instruction, ambulance tours, child ID registration, a Chinese auction, concert ticket giveaways from radio station 96.1, face-painting, games and activities for kids and free hot dogs and soft drinks.
The event drew a sizable crowd to the ambulance headquarters facility on Osborn Avenue, where members of the corps stood by the meet visitors, give tours and answer questions.
Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides emergency medical services to the Riverhead Ambulance District, a 78-square-mile district that encompasses much of the township. Wading River Fire Department Rescue provides emergency medical services in the Wading River Fire District. Jamesport Fire District has a rescue squad that works with Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance to provide emergency medical services in the Jamesport Fire District.
Founded in 1978, RVAC’s 85 members today answer about 5,000 calls each year for emergency medical assistance and care. Its members’ certifications range from driver/helper to paramedic.
National EMS Week was first authorized in 1974 by President Gerald Ford to celebrate EMS professionals and the important work they do in local communities. The week honors the dedication of the people who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services on the front line of medical care.
EMS Week is presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians in partnership with the National Associations of Emergency Medical Technicians, which work to ensure that “the important contributions of EMS professionals in safeguarding the health, safety and well-being of their communities are fully celebrated and recognized,” according to the EMS Week website published by the organizations.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti with courtesy photos from Rod Richardson
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