FHVAC
of Forest Hills and Rego Park
Forest Hills Volunteer
Ambulance Corps
Emergency: 718-793-7747
Information: 718-793-2055
92-29 Metropolitan Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Thank You
Toby Ann Stavisky
$100,000 Grant
Serving your community since 1971
Photo shoot
Director
Group photo with Bon Jovi
Members Login Page
FHVAC in the Media
Weiner wants funds for 9/11 mom
By Anna Gustafson
February 24, 2010
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Rally To Keep Volunteer EMS Services
By Brooklyn Eagle
Changes for volunteer ambulance corps
By Michèle De Meglio
February 23, 2010
FDNY Hands Volunteers Pink Slips
By DOMENICK RAFTER
In 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 due
Editorial
February 3, 2010
FHVAC Members Featured in Bon Jovi's New Music Video
Released February 2, 2010
Superman Tonight - Bon Jovi
Mother Fights for Recognition of Sons 9/11 Sacrifice
By MICHAEL S. SCHMIDT
Published: February 1, 2010
Dorie 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 System
Originally published by GINGER ADAMS OTIS
January 20, 2010
Mother fighting for sons 9-1-1 benefits
By TONIA N. CIMINO
Thursday, October 22, 2009 5:38 PM EDT
Dorie 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-President
Times Newsweekly
September 24, 2009
Ambulance and Truck Dedication
Date: TBA
CME Refresher is now open to all FHVAC EMTs
See documents in dispatch office for details.
Want to know more?
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 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.
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.
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 2009-2010
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 Jesse Schwartz
Daniel Exler
Stephanie Godizzaro
Glen Schneider
Kevin Chiaramonte
Dave Konig
Dorie Pearlman
Mike Rizzo
Ron Cohen
Tom Dematas
Mike Bonilla
EMAIL ADDRESS
awolfe -AT- fhvac.org
mschwartz -AT- fhvac.org
dexler -AT- fhvac.org
sgodizzaro -AT- fhvac.org
gschneider -AT- fhvac.org
kchiaramonte -AT- fhvac.org
dkonig -AT- fhvac.org
dpearlman -AT- fhvac.org
mrizzo -AT- fhvac.org
rcohen -AT- fhvac.org
tdematas -AT- fhvac.org
mbonilla -AT- fhvac.org
Board of Advisors
Dr. Robert Aquino *Chairman
Dr. Jeffrey Horwitz * FHVAC Medical Director
Rabbi Y.S. Ginzberg * FHVAC Clergy
Bryce Friedman, Esq.
Mark Weidler
Dr. Glenn Mann
Dr. Theo Mitsinikos
Patricia Bolanos
Lynn Shulman
Moshe Klein
FHVAC Gallery
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 media -AT- fhvac.org
Three Forest Hills VAC members, Paul, Aviv, and Mark (Right to Left), were chosen to be part of Bon Jovi's latest music video, Superman Tonight.
Many photographs were used to create this high dynamic range image
At city hall in NYC. Volunteer ambulance corps fight to get back into the FDNY 911 system. 2/23/2010
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.
Hello.
How can I help Forest Hills and Rego Park?
(my community)
Making a difference
Thank 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.
Operations
EMT / 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.
Administration
Clerical 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.
Start Here!
Membership Application
Social Security Addendum
Medical Form
Acknowledgement of Receipt
New Applicant Checklist
Complete the above forms, print, and stop by our headquarters.
For more information, you may email us at info -AT- fhvac.org
FOREST HILLS VOLUNTEER
AMBULANCE CORPS
Help us help you...
info_fhvac.org
Send Correspondence To:
PO Box 750617
Forest Hills, NY 11375-0617
Executive Board
Elected to serve our members
© 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