Frequently Asked Questions

For the community

Is FHVAC really free?

Yes. Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps provides emergency medical care at no cost to patients — you will never receive a bill from us. If you have medical insurance, we may bill your insurer to help cover the cost of care, but you will never pay out of pocket, and no one is ever denied care because of an inability to pay.

How do I get an FHVAC ambulance in an emergency?

In a medical emergency, call FHVAC directly at (718) 793-7747. Our volunteers self-dispatch and respond to emergencies right here in the neighborhood, around the clock.

What neighborhoods do you cover?

FHVAC serves Forest Hills, Rego Park, Middle Village, Glendale, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Corona, Kew Gardens, and Richmond Hill. When our units are already on a call, neighboring corps respond through mutual-aid agreements.

Are you part of FDNY or the fire or police department?

No. FHVAC is an independent, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit ambulance corps — separate from FDNY, the fire department, and the police. We have proudly served the community since 1971.

What is the self-dispatch model?

FHVAC operates on a self-dispatch model: our volunteers respond directly to emergencies in our coverage area rather than waiting to be assigned by an outside agency, which helps us reach our neighbors quickly.

How do I request a copy of my patient records?

Patients — or a legally authorized representative — can request records through our Request My Records page. Patient copies are $0.75 per page.

Volunteering

Do I need to be an EMT to join?

No. Many of our members start with no medical background. FHVAC provides and assists with free EMT training, and you will learn alongside experienced volunteers.

Who can join?

You must be 18 or older (16 with parental consent), able to commit to a regular shift, and pass a background check; members should live in or near Forest Hills. Teens ages 14–17 can join our Youth Corps.

How much of a time commitment is it?

FHVAC members commit to a minimum of two shifts per month, at least four hours each. You do not have to sit at the station the whole time — you respond when calls come in, and the rest of the shift is your own.

Are there ways to help without riding on the ambulance?

Yes. Alongside our riding members, we welcome volunteers with skills in administration, fundraising, IT, and event planning.

How do I apply?

Email membership@fhvac.org or call (718) 793-2055. For the Youth Corps, contact YouthCorpsMembershipCommittee@fhvac.org.