Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: How do I call PVVAC in case of an emergency?

 Answer: Dial 9 1 1. A dispatcher at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services will take some basic information and alert us to the emergency. Be sure to tell the dispatcher: "Who you are?","Where you are?","The type of emergency?","How many people are involved?","The nature and extent of the illness or injuries?" Try to be as specific as possible, and don't hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.

Question: What happens after I call 911 for an emergency?

 Answer: Shortly after you speak to the dispatcher, there will either be assistance from Putnam County Sheriffs / New York State Troopers, or a member of PVVAC. When PVVAC arrives, the patient(s) will be evaluated by skilled and trained personnel who will initiate the appropriate level of pre-hospital care. If advanced life support is needed, a paramedic from Ambulnz will be dispatched to the location.

Question: Where will the patient be taken?

 Answer: The nearest medical facility is New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital Center, in Peekskill-Cortlandt, NY. New York State protocols dictate that the patient must be taken to the nearest appropriate medical facility if he or she is in a critical condition, as determined by the EMT / Paramedic on the scene. In some cases, patients may be taken to Putnam Hospital in Carmel, NY. Those suffering from major trauma or burns may be taken to the Trauma Center at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY.

Question: What can I do until PVVAC arrives?

 Answer: Do not panic! Remain calm and make sure that the patient is as comfortable as possible. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE PATIENT unless there is some immediate life threatening danger, such as the risk of fire, explosion or suffocation. Do not injure yourself or place yourself in a dangerous situation by trying to reach someone who has been injured but is not readily accessible. You can't be of any help if you too are a victim.

Speak to the person in even tones and assure the person that help is on the way. If the person is choking, in cardiac arrest, or not breathing, you may attempt the Heimlich Maneuver, CPR, or rescue breathing, if you know how to perform it.

Question: How do I prepare myself for an emergency?

 Answer: Take classes in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and use them when the need arises. Statistics show that when CPR is initiated by bystanders, the chances of survival of the patient increases dramatically. PVVAC offers courses in both First Aid and CPR. Call (845) 526-3119 and leave a message with your name, address, telephone number, and what classes you wish to take, and the Training Officer will contact you regarding the next available session. There is a nominal fee for these courses, and class size is limited to ensure personalized attention.

Question: How do I become a Member of PVVAC?

 Answer: By asking this question, you have taken the first and most important step. You can call the Corps Headquarters at (845) 526-3119 and leave a message with your name, address and phone number, and a member of the Membership Committee will contact you. Also check out our Membership Information page. Thank you for your interest and support.

Question: Where can I send a donation?

 Answer: The PutnamValley Volunteer Ambulance Corps. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which relies heavily on the generosity of its supporters. Your tax-deductible contribution can be sent to:
P.V.V.A.C.
P.O. Box 141
Putnam Valley, NY 10579

or make a donation with a credit card or PayPal account:

PVVAC thanks you for your support.