We take many things for granted in Hoboken — the views, great food, and convenience of a walkable community, to name a few, but what many residents might not realize we are so lucky to have is the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC) which provides free (yes, completely free) ambulance rides to residents. We chatted with the local organization and are sharing how everything goes down. Read on to learn more about the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps and how to support the cause.
About Hoboken EMS
For quite some time, Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC) was the last volunteer ambulance organization in Hudson County — although Hoboken EMS is no longer fully volunteer, it remains volunteer-based, operational from 7PM through 7AM during the week and 24 hours on weekends. HVAC was established in 1971, and since that time, it has provided several life-saving medical services for Hoboken. What is so special about the Corps (besides the amazing work they do), is that all of the medical services provided are completely free (you are only responsible for any hospital bills). Outside of Hoboken, these medical services can be quite expensive: a typical ambulance ride can cost $800 or more.
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We met with Tom Molta, the President of HVAC, to shine the spotlight on this notable organization. During our chat, we learned that not only does HVAC provide ambulance services for the Hoboken community, but it also provides an active shooter task force, a fire safety division, and a field communication unit among other services HAVC wouldn’t be able to provide these wonderful services if it weren’t for the 200 dedicated volunteers and donations of support from the community.
The Heroes + Sheroes of HVAC
There are currently 14 paid EMTs working with Hoboken EMS, and volunteers travel from all over the Garden State to help Hoboken residents. Outside of volunteering, they have full-time jobs in a variety of occupational fields ranging from college students to lawyers. Most volunteers are between ages 20-30, but all ages are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers dedicate a minimum of four shifts a month and each shift is typically four to five hours. Tom describes the volunteers as a family, where you can meet people from all walks of life and make lifetime friends.
How to Volunteer
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) volunteers are urgently needed to meet the daily demands of the city. HVAC typically receives 5,500 calls annually (a lot of calls for a one-square-mile city). As first responders, EMTs see it all — they deliver babies, assist the homeless, provide medical care for industrial accidents, put out fires and so much more.
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Five EMT volunteers (ideally) are needed for each shift with a minimum of two volunteers for each ambulance. If you want to be an EMT, apply by completing three application steps:
- Complete an online application.
- Interview with HVAC (CPR and EMT certification is required). Don’t worry if you are not CPR or EMT certified, you can receive a free voucher for both classes. For additional CPR and EMT class information click here.
- Once approval is granted, you will go through an orientation class before signing up for your first shift.
And if being an EMT is not your cup of tea, there are other non-EMT volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can assist with fundraising events, paperwork, or donate (every dollar counts).
How to Donate
Donations are the main source of funding for HVAC and neighbors can help HVAC to achieve its fundraising goal. You can donate online today, and the donation will help HVAC save lives by providing high-quality medical care to Hoboken residents at zero cost.
A big thank you to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps for all they do for the community of Hoboken on a daily basis. <3
