Interested in joining? Check out the volunteer tab!

CELEBRATE OUR

40th ANNIVERSARY

7pm Saturday,

November 5, 2011

Elite Palace

Woodside, Queens

40th Anniversary Corporate Sponsors

Event Details|

40th Anniversary Event
FHVAC Family
FHVAC Family
Cutting of the cake
Award given by Mark and Ron
Personalized DVDs made for the
Responding after hurricane
BBQ TIME!
Photo Shoot
october 2009
FH3
Group photo with Bon Jovi

Mark Your Calendar FHVAC 40th Anniversary Flyer.pdf

Feed

QUICK LINKS

Facebook PageTwitter PageMembership Applications

Members Login Page

NEWS

FHVAC in the Media

INFORMATION FHVAC medics help save newborns lifeMay 19, 2011---FHVAC marks EMS weekMay 5, 2011---Survivors and families reflect on 9/11 tragedyMay 5, 2011---FHVAC teaches CPR to 34 neighborhood parentsJanuary 23, 2011---FHVAC Members attend Pulse Check TrainingDecember 2010---Rally To Keep Volunteer EMS ServicesBy Brooklyn EagleFebruary 24, 2010---Changes for volunteer ambulance corpsBy Michèle De MeglioFebruary 23, 2010---FDNY Hands Volunteers Pink Slips By DOMENICK RAFTERIn a controversial decision, the FDNY has booted all of the citys volunteer ambulance corps from its 911 emergency response system.February 4, 2010---Justice delayed and denied: Feds must give 9/11 hero's survivor her dueEditorialFebruary 3, 2010---FHVAC Members Featured in Bon Jovi's New Music VideoReleased February 2, 2010Superman Tonight - Bon Jovi---Mother Fights for Recognition of Sons 9/11 SacrificeBy MICHAEL S. SCHMIDTPublished: February 1, 2010Dorie Pearlman says her 18-year-old son was among the first responders who died, and she wants the Justice Department to recognize him as such---FDNY Has Booted The City's Volunteer Ambulance Companies From Its Emergency 911 SystemOriginally published by GINGER ADAMS OTISJanuary 20, 2010---Mother fighting for sons 9-1-1 benefitsBy TONIA N. CIMINOThursday, October 22, 2009 5:38 PM EDTDorie Pearlman lost her son, Richard Allen Pearlman, 18, in the attacks on the World Trade Center eight years ago, and for now she has lost his benefits too.---FHVAC HQ Dedicated To Past-PresidentTimes NewsweeklySeptember 24, 2009

ABOUT US

Want to know more?

INFORMATION
HISTORY
VEHICLES
OFFICERS

INFORMATION

Since 1971 the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. has proudly served the residents, workers, and commuters within the cities of Forest Hills and Rego Park. The organization was formed in 1971 when EMS coverage was limited. The primary coverage area was expanded to Rego Park in 1997.

Today, we are dispatched, along with every other ambulance in New York City, by the FDNY Mutual Aid Response System. Every crew that we dispatch to you consists of at least one New York State Emergency Medical Technician. To date, we have two New York State Certified Ambulances and a First Response Truck.

We appreciate your support in our effort to serve our community with 'round-the-clock ambulance service.

HISTORY History of The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps In 1971, a Forest Hills man died while waiting over 2 hours for an ambulance to arrive. This event triggered a group of Forest Hills residents who were concerned by the long response times of New York City municipal ambulances, to organize a volunteer ambulance corps to better serve their community. The first headquarters of the FHVAC was located at 102-23 Metropolitan Avenue. It was in the storefront of the local Democratic Club. Anne Barbasso, was appointed as FHVACs first president. Annes sister, Jackie, designed the green and white circle patch which still remains as the official logo and patch of the FHVAC. In 1972, the first year of service, the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps (or FHVAC) responded to 43 calls for assistance. By 1973, the number had climbed to 275, 408 in 1974, 528 in 1975, and 724 in 1976. In addition to providing free emergency care and transportation, the FHVAC also provided non-emergency medical transports to and from hospitals and health facilities, taught first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the community, and loaned wheelchairs, walkers, and other medical supplies to those who needed them. Over the years the ambulance corps has covered many community events, including the United States Open at the West Side Tennis Club (prior to its moving to Flushing Meadows), and concerts featuring such well known entertainers as Linda Ronstadt, Olivia Newton John, and the Eurhythmics. Today the FHVAC continues to cover community events including the New York City Marathon, the Five Borough Bike Tour, the annual Night Out Against Crime, and local street fairs and special events. On September 17, 1989 the FHVAC broke ground on its current location at 92-29 Metropolitan Avenue, with the help of FHVAC President Judy Elliot and her husband, Dave, who was the corps attorney at the time. FHVAC continued to grow, and expanded its service into Rego Park. From time to time, the FHVAC experienced decreases in membership and fund raising revenues, which resulted in a decision to participate in third party billing of patients insurance companies and has since been largely responsible for keeping FHVAC financially secure. On September 11, 2001, the FHVAC responded to the terrorist attack upon the World Trade Center along with many other courageous first responders. The crew on duty that morning, Joseph Reardon and Anthony Logozzo, were among the first volunteer ambulance corps to arrive at the World Trade Center. Sadly, the collapse of the Twin Towers resulted in the death of 2,819 people, including one of our own members, Richard Allen Pearlman who selflessly responded on his own. Our ambulance FH1 was destroyed in the tragedy. That day members commandeered a city bus, and traveled to the site of the attacks with extra medical equipment and supplies. One month later, a memorial service was held for Richard at the Howard Beach Judea Center on October 28, 2001, which was attended by numerous members of the FHVAC and other volunteer ambulance corps. On December 16, 2001, the FHVAC dedicated two new ambulances in memory of Richard Pearlman, whose remains were found at Ground Zero on March 28, 2002. In 2009 a wall was also dedicated to his name. The FHVAC will always remember Richie, and we rededicated ourselves to serve the community in his memory, and the memory of all those who perished that tragic day. In September 2009 our headquarters on Metropolitan Avenue was dedicated to our past FHVAC President, Captain, and Treasurer Judy Elliot. The building was named The Judy Elliot Building, in her memory.
No Frame

VEHICLES

Our Vehicles Over the Years

Pictures of our vehicles ranging from our 1972 Chevy to our 2009 Ford. Currently our fleet consists of a 2003 Ford E350 Type II ambulance, a 2009 Ford E350 Type III ambulance, and a 2003 Chevy Suburban First Response vehicle.

OFFICERS

Elected to serve our members and the community

Officers are elected at the May meeting by the general membership and serve a term begining on July 1st and ending on June 30th, each year.

Officers 2010-2011

OFFICE

President

Vice-President

Captain

First Lieutenant

SecondLieutenant

Corresponding Secretary

Recording Secretary

Financial V.P.

Treasurer

Parliamentarian

Safety Officer

Training Chairman

Sergeant at Arms

OFFICER

Alan Wolfe

Mark J Schwartz

Dave Konig

Stephanie Godizzaro

Kevin Chiaramonte

Rafael Aranbayev

Kevin Chiaramonte

Dorie Pearlman

Mike Rizzo

Glen Schneider

Ron Cohen

Tom Dematas

Mike Bonilla

EMAIL ADDRESS

awolfe -AT- fhvac.org

mschwartz -AT- fhvac.org

dkonig -AT- fhvac.org

sgodizzaro -AT- fhvac.org

kchiaramonte -AT- fhvac.org

raranbayev -AT- fhvac.org

kchiaramonte -AT- fhvac.org

dpearlman -AT- fhvac.org

mrizzo -AT- fhvac.org

gschneider -AT- fhvac.org

rcohen -AT- fhvac.org

tdematas -AT- fhvac.org

mbonilla -AT- fhvac.org

Board of Advisors

Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz * FHVAC Medical Director

Rabbi Y.S. Ginzberg * FHVAC Clergy

Bryce Friedman, Esq.

Mark Weidler

Moshe Klein

Dr. Glenn Mann

Dr. Theo Mitsinikos

Patricia Bolanos

Lynn Shulman

GALLERY

FHVAC Gallery

Photos

Photos

Some interesting photographs brought to you by the FHVAC Photo Unit

If you have any images that you think would be a good addition to this page, please email them to info -AT- fhvac.org

New Grill Debut

GCP_Union - MVA Pin

GCP_Union - MVA Pin

GCP_Union - MVA Pin

GCP_Union - MVA Pin

Captain Prepares for Duty

New FH3 Awaits Crew

63_Yellowstone - ETOH

FH3 Unloading at Forest Hills

Mark Waits for a Call

Awards Night - June 2009

MVA Supervised by Captain

Load and Go!

Truck 1's First Night Out

Jumper Down at Parker Towers

Bon Jovi's Video Concept

Superman Tonight Video

EMS Dinner May 2009

FH3 82 at Forest Hills Hospital

Tactical Water Rescue Craft

PJ Grabbing More Attention

Ira

View from Aviation

Dave Elliot and Alan Wolfe

High Angle Rescue

FH3 assists in FDNY 911

EMS Week 2009

Autograph Signing

Julie Selling Tickets

Ron's Head Tilt Chin Lift

Change of Tour Means Trouble

Memorial Day Parade 2009

VACs Separated at Birth

Jose Can't Wait to Save Lives

Brian and Kenny Strike a Pose

Trying to Build an Ambulance

Our Friends at 7 Eleven

Visiting the Brothers of Fletcher County North Carolina

Keeping the Chilli Warn

FHVAC Headquarters

Chief Peruggia

Steps of City Hall

Testimony of President Wolfe

Dan Halloran questions the Chief

Competition

Hamburger Helper

2010 Memorial Day Parade

Ambulance and Truck Dedication

Forest Hills Signs

Obstacle Course

Holiday Diner

You must be THIS tall to ride

Critical Response Team

Three Wise Men

Street Fair Detail

Pulse Check 2010

Asia-Smurf

Gothamists

Doodling

Ford Tuff

Snow Day!

Making snow dumplings

112 Snow Response

Community CPR Class

Community CPR Class

Cub Scout Day

Tree vs Junker

Basement Treehouse

Still Stuck

9.11 Memorial

9.11 Memorial

9.11 Memorial

9.11 Memorial

Vidoes

Outstanding Classic Country French

architecture, new constr w-superb quality thru-out in heart of HP. Walk to HP Village. Amenities include great flrpln, millwork, cabinetry, stonework, beamed ceilings, 2 wbfps & elevator. Outdr loggia w-wbfp & ss steel grill. Great rm, Gourmet kitchen, Library, Master w-vaulted ceilings, cvrd sitting balcony, climate controlled wine cellar, butlers pantry & 3-car garage.

VOLUNTEER

Hello!

Start Here!

New Applicant Checklist.pdf

Social Security Addendum Fillable.pdf

How can I help Forest Hills and Rego Park?

Membership Application 2010_fillable.pdf

Acknowledgement Receipt of FHVAC Documents Fillable.pdf

Medical Form 2007 Fillable.pdf

DMV Consent Form.pdf

Hep B Consent or Declination.pdf

(my community)

Complete the above forms, print, and stop by our headquarters.
Making a differenceThank you for showing an interest in The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The following application will start you on your way to helping us help the community of Forest Hills and Rego Park.You must be at least 14 years of age to join our Youth Corps Membership. -or-You must be at least 18 years of age to join our General Membership.OperationsEMT / CFR: NYS Certified Emergency Medical Technicians and Certified First Responders work on our ambulances and response vehicle and provide emergency medical care to the sick and injured. All EMTs and CFRs can be assigned as an Attendant. EMTs can train to become a FHVAC Crew Chief. A Crew Chief is the EMT in charge of the ambulance crew. He / she is responsible for all crew activities.Driver: Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid NYS driver license. All drivers must have at a minimum certification in American Heart Association CPR. All drivers must complete the FHVAC Driver Training which includes certification in C.E.V.O. All potential drivers must consent to a DMV driver license check prior to operating a vehicle.Dispatcher: All new members must complete Dispatcher Training prior to becoming eligible to work on an ambulance. Dispatcher Training allows each new member to become familiar with FHVAC policy and procedures. Dispatchers are responsible for maintaining communications between the crews in the field and the headquarters. Dispatchers are responsible for assigning crews to emergency calls via two way radio. Dispatchers are also responsible for making notifications to appropriate agencies during emergencies. All dispatchers are required to hold valid American Heart Association CPR.AdministrationClerical Staff: Volunteers are needed to assist officers with the administrative tasks necessary to operate. Such tasks include maintaining personnel files, answering phone, contacting members, fund raising, publicity and recruitment.Maintenance: Volunteers with special skills are needed to help maintain the vehicle fleet and the physical plant of the headquarters building. Other Assistance: If you posses a special skill or talent that you feel will be helpful please contact us.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBelow is a list of commonly asked qustions. If these answers don't satisfy you, please send us an email.Q) As a volunteer how many hours per month would I have to complete to remain a member?A) You can volunteer as many hours as you want. We require 8 hours per month over 2 days at 4 hours per day.Q) What are the shift times?A) We are open 24/7 but that does not mean there is always a crew available. You must check the schedule or ask other members. You can always call ahead of time to make sure someone is at the Ambulance Corps. Q) How long is the recruitment process? What is entailed?A) First fill out and print the forms above. When you have everything completed, stop by the Ambulance Corps. and drop off your finished application. You will be contacted by a member of the membership committee to setup an interview. (Interviews are conducted almost every two weeks.) You will go through 2 interviews and if you're accepted you will be scheduled for training as a dispatcher. After passing the dispatcher test you will be placed on probation for about 6 months while the membership committee evaluates whether or not you will be fully accepted as a member of our organization. Q) Would I have to be available at short notice?A) NoQ) Is there just one base in Queens?A) There are several different volunteer ambulance corps in Queens. Each is setup for a specific community. We cover Forest Hills and Rego Park.Q) If I was to work, during the time I am working would A) I be covered with insurance? YesQ) Is it essential to have a New York drivers license?A) No. Only those wishing to be drivers need a license.Q) Do you prefer me to bring the application in in person or should I email it?A) In person.

<< scroll for more >>

For more information, you may email us at info -AT- fhvac.org

CONTACT

FOREST HILLS VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE CORPS

Help us help you...

Emergency: 718-793-7747

Information: 718-793-2055

info_fhvac.org

Send Correspondence To:

PO Box 750617

Forest Hills, NY 11375-0617

© Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. A 501(c)(3) Organization. 2010 All rights reserved. Tel.: (718) 793-2055 E-mail: info -AT- fhvac.org
Page 0_copy1