Livsey notes shortage of ambulance personnel
Supervisor Bob Livsey took a few minutes at Monday’s Town Board meeting to make a plea for community residents to join the Town of Highlands Ambulance Corps.
“We are very, very short on personnel,” the supervisor said. “People who have volunteered are finding themselves doing more shifts and work than they signed up for.”
The THAC operates with both volunteers and paid EMTs.
Livsey’s remarks came after noting that there are five EMTs on the Orange County list that they will reach out to about open paid positions with the THAC. The town has four paid EMT slots.
THAC President Jeff Gathers reiterated the supervisor’s statement on Tuesday, noting that they currently have 20-25 active volunteers, out of 38 total volunteers.
“What we really need are people who have availability in the daytime,” Gathers said.
He said the THAC asks for 12 hours a week of time from its volunteers. While anyone over 18 can volunteer, one must be 21 to be trained as a driver. Those younger can be trained as an attendant, riding in the back of the ambulance with an EMT.
The THAC will train anyone who is interested in volunteering — they’ll assist in getting necessary first aid and CPR certifications, teach a driver how to drive the ambulance, and assist those who want to go the direction of becoming an EMT.
“The first step is to walk in the door and fill out an application,” Gathers said. To get specific details, he said potential volunteers can call him at 845-406-2485 or the THAC at 446-3101. Information is also available on the THAC’s website (www.thvac.org) and Facebook page (Town of Highlands Ambulance).
