Greece Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc.

Senator Al D'Amato
Congressional Record: 101st Congress
January 3, 1989

Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, in every community there is a group of people taken for granted. If, God forbid, a loved one is in physical danger, we assume that medical assistance will arrive. Unfortunately, we don't always appreciate this help, our local ambulance corps, unless we need it. I rise today to honor one corps in particular--the Greece Volunteer Ambulance Service [GVA] of Greece, NY--on its 30-year anniversary.

The GVA, a certified ambulance corps, is completely staffed by volunteers, and has greatly contributed to the Greece community for 30 years. Just recently, in fact, it reached its 1-million mile mark of transport service. Other community services it provides include a 24-hour American Red Cross emergency first aid station, blood pressure checks, CPR and first aid classes, and first aid support for community events.

The GVA volunteers are certified New York State emergency medical technicians and advanced New York State emergency medical technicians. Of course, education is a must--technicians spend up to 2 1/2 years training in either basic life support [BLS] or advanced life support [ALS]. Continuing education is also essential--every 3 years they must be recertified.

Originally incorporated with 12 charter members, the GVA's membership has grown to 150 members. First located at the old treatment plant on Dewey Avenue, it then moved to its present position at a four-bay base on Long Pond Road.

For all of their selfless and generous support to the Greece community, I salute the GVA volunteers and supporters. Their work and accomplishments do not go unnoticed. I am proud to have such a fine organization in my home State of New York.