Last updated: August 12, 2026
The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps (“FHVAC,” “we,” “us”) operates the FHVAC dispatch application, a private tool used by our authorized members to coordinate emergency medical response. The app requires a FHVAC-issued login; it is not intended for the general public. This policy explains what the app collects and why. It also covers the information members of the public submit through this website — see Public website: records requests and donations below.
Information we collect
- Account information — your name, email, phone number, role/title, and certifications, as set up by FHVAC administrators.
- Location — while you are on an active tour/shift, the app collects your device’s GPS location (including in the background) to share your unit’s position with dispatch and other crews. Location is not collected when you are off-tour.
- Push notification token — a device token so we can send you dispatch alerts.
- Operational data you enter — incidents, response status, times, and notes you record while using the app.
How we use it
Solely to operate emergency dispatch: assigning and tracking units, showing crew locations to dispatch, sending incident notifications, and maintaining response records. We do not sell your data or use it for advertising.
How it’s shared
Data is visible to authorized FHVAC personnel according to their role. We use service providers to run the app — Supabase (database/auth), Vercel (hosting), Google Firebase and Apple Push Notification service (notifications), and Mapbox (maps) — who process data only to provide those services. We may disclose information where required by law.
Location permissions
The app asks for location permission and, for live unit tracking, “always/background” access. You can change or revoke this anytime in your device settings; doing so disables location sharing with dispatch.
Data retention
Operational and account records are retained as long as needed for FHVAC operations and any applicable legal/regulatory requirements, then deleted or anonymized.
Account deletion
You can request deletion of your account and associated personal data from within the app (Profile → Request account deletion) or by emailing dispatch@fhvac.org. Some response records may be retained where required for recordkeeping, in de-identified form where possible.
Public website: records requests and donations
Two forms on this website collect information from the public, and they are handled separately from the member app:
- Records requests — the details and identity documents you upload are used solely to verify your identity and your authority to receive the patient care report, and to fulfill the request. They are accessible only to the FHVAC personnel who process records requests, and are retained as required for medical recordkeeping.
- Donations — payments are processed by Square. Your card details go directly to Square and are never stored on FHVAC systems; we keep only the donation record (name, contact information, and amount) needed for acknowledgement and nonprofit recordkeeping.
We do not sell or share this information with third parties for marketing.
Children
The app is for FHVAC members and is not directed to children under 13.
Contact
Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps
P.O. Box 750617, Forest Hills, NY 11375-0617
dispatch@fhvac.org