The Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps is recruiting new EMTs, trainees, youth volunteers, drivers, and others.
PVAC provides ambulance services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Volunteers have walked in and out of the ambulance trucks for decades. Presently, volunteers continue to be the foundation of the organization.
Kaitlyn Zezze, the second lieutenant and an EMT at the Corps, said that they recruit volunteers “interested in varying levels of service.” PVAC uses different methods of outreach, including flyers, stickers on the pizza boxes at Sal’s, and community events.
Those who are interested in volunteering submit an online application. The application is then reviewed by the membership committee, and an interview is scheduled thereafter to ensure a good fit for the organization. Approval is determined by a voting process in which the candidate is “voted in” as a volunteer.
Nancy Zezze, who is Kaitlyn’s mother and an EMT and corresponding secretary at the organization, said volunteers must be able to serve 24 hours a month, as well as attend training and meetings. The hours are flexible, although volunteers must plan for extra time in case a call comes in at the end of a shift.
Volunteers may be responsible for different tasks.
Among the many things PVAC members do: they must inspect equipment in the trucks, and go to different community events such as Pleasantville Day, the Memorial Day parade, and the Ragamuffin parade.
The Ambulance Corps also holds programs with the senior citizens of the area at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall or the Mount Pleasant Library. As part of their outreach, PVAC educates seniors on how to keep their information, such as medication lists and emergency contact numbers, current.
PVAC is also trying to roll out a computer-based application for senior citizens to put their information online.
The Ambulance Corps has three trucks available for dispatch. However, they also work with the fire department by dispatching a fourth fire rehab truck when necessary.
“We’re on the 1075 plan for Westchester County,” Kelli Wind, First Lieutenant and EMT for the Corps said, explaining that the plan outlines that if the fire department gets a call about a structure fire, PVAC gets dispatched at the same time.
While there can be some rewarding moments in saving lives, according to Wind, “EMS is something that you have to want to do.”
Inside the ambulance truck, there are is basic life support equipment available. Typically there are two to three people in a truck including a driver, EMT, and trainee. (Sabrina Sanchez/Pleasantville Press)
“You have to be willing to deal with that tough call or a violent, emotionally disturbed person. It’s not just ‘get in the ambulance and take a quick ride to the hospital.’”
“We want people that are willing to work as a team,” said Kaitlyn Zezze. “Everybody has their politics, but when you’re working on an ambulance you have to put those aside and realize that the patient is the priority. So, we’re looking for people that are willing to be team players, to be cooperative, to be respectful.” Nancy Zezze said volunteers also have to keep information about their work confidential to respect people’s privacy.
According to the current volunteers, the most pressing need for PVAC is EMTs, particularly for the long-term.
While PVAC staff teach EMT classes, it is a qualification that must be renewed every three years.
Volunteers can be responsible for checking the equipment inside the truck and ensuring everything is in order. The newer trucks can be said to be more spacious. (Sabrina Sanchez/Pleasantville Press)
However, despite the extensive process and qualifications necessary, the PVAC staff believes the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks in the long run.
“There is something to be said when you have an effect on somebody that you wouldn’t normally have if you did something else. You know, the old lady that holds your hand and says ‘thank you,’ you know, ‘you’re an angel,’” Kaitlyn Zezze said.
“For my mom and I, specifically, my grandparents utilized the ambulance corps quite often towards the end of their lives.”
“We decided to give back in their honor for all the Ambulance Corps did for us.”
Kelli Wind said for her, the satisfaction comes in a different way. Instead, it’s about finding common ground with others, finding comfort in other volunteers, and connecting with her mom, Gail Wind, who is also a volunteer and has fulfilled every role including captain.
“My mom has been a member here for 30 years so I was 8 when she started here.”
“It could be what you take out of it but that can be friendships. Before Kaitlyn joined, I knew of her family, but I didn’t really know her and her and I are best friends [now].”
Pace Alum and current volunteer Ryan Fennell said he believes it’s about building character.
“Being out and doing calls really does kind of build people’s character up. I think most people here are pretty good mentors for new members.”
“It helps you bring that confidence up. And then when you can handle situations like a CPR call other things in life don’t seem quite as serious,” comparing a life-death situation to giving a presentation in class, for instance.
Ultimately, the staff shared the sentiment that the rewards of volunteering outweigh the drawbacks.
“It makes you a stronger person without a doubt,” Nancy Zezze said. “I find that you’re more willing to jump into a situation with a stranger to help them out, never expecting anything, just the sheer joy of knowing that you helped somebody and that you made a difference.”