New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association

Description

Representing New York's Community, Volunteer & Non-Profit EMS Sector

WHO WE ARE - The New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association is a statewide not‑for‑profit, 501(c)(3) membership organization, active since 1939. Our mission is to promote and assist the interests of the state’s community volunteer and nonprofit EMS/First Responder/First Aid sector. The association continues to keep pace with the challenges facing EMS, First Response and Rescue today. Membership is open to organizations and individuals. Our members include: independent volunteer ambulance companies, fire district and fire related ambulance services, college and school based services, first response medical squads, rescue squads and teams, tax based ambulance and rescue companies, combination services (volunteer/career) and organizations wishing to support the spirit of community/volunteer EMS/Medical first response service as well as individual CFRs, EMTs, AEMTs, rescue workers, instructors, specialists, nurses and firefighters affiliated with these services.

NORTH CENTRAL EMS COOPERATIVE - Squad (organizational) and EMS Service Sponsoring members also receive membership in the North Central EMS Cooperative, a nation-wide buying cooperative, best cost pricing discount program - a $75 value included free with your NYSVARA membership (NYSVARA is the NYS affiliate member of the cooperative).

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - The Association is an information resource for its members on legislation and regulations as well as other volunteer and nonprofit issues. In addition to an EMS video library, the Association has sample Standard Operating Procedures as well as volunteer and non‑profit information of file. In cases where the material may not be readily available, the Association can often provide a helpful referral.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN EMS - The Association provides a structure for youth involvement in community based and volunteer EMS. Direct contact can be provided with member squads that have years of practical experience managing successful EMS Youth Squads and Explorer Posts. In addition, local and statewide First Responder and EMT EMS drill challenges are held.

LOCAL ORGANIZATION - With regional agencies now more involved than ever in EMS, it is more important than ever for volunteer squads to organize locally or to support local units (i.e., Districts) of the Association. The local Districts provide an important forum for local community volunteer ambulance and rescue squads. Where a local district is not established any five- (5) member squads can establish one. An existing local volunteer‑ organization including five or more squads can also be incorporated into the Association. Each District elects a Director who serves on the State Association's Board of Directors.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SERVICE - The Association conducts regular outreach to state legislators and administrators on volunteer and not‑for‑profit EMS issues and concerns. We monitor bills introduced in the legislature, propose legislation and comment on regulations affecting volunteer and nonprofit emergency services. We work to keep members informed on important issues. Association representatives meet regularly with state legislators and administrators and are active in providing input and recommendations on issues that affect community volunteer emergency services. An association delegate holds a seat on the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council and the NYS Emergency Services Council. Liaison is also maintained with other statewide organizations like the Firemen's Association of New York (FASNY) and the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs as well as emergency service organizations in adjoining states.

CONFERENCE - Each year, we sponsor "PULSE CHECK", an educational and trade conference covering the latest in medical and rescue techniques, equipment, and management skills. There is statewide first responder, EMT, and ambulance drill challenges with recognition trophies awarded. Individual members of the association receive discounted registration rates for the conference. The conference also provides an opportunity to network with other EMS and rescue providers and have some fun at the same time.

THE BLANKET NEWSLETTER - Members receive a subscription to the Association’s quarterly newsletter. The newsletter features information on State EMS Council Activities, legislation, and Association, district and member squad activities. Also included are articles on nonprofit management, news, and trends in EMS, first response and rescue.

SPECIAL AWARDS - Each year at the Annual Meeting and Conference, the Association gives recognition for meritorious acts, leadership and service. Award titles are: Meritorious Award, Unit Citation Award, Leadership Award, Educator of Excellence, Rescue-EMS Person of Excellence, Civilian Star of Life, Youth Squad of Excellence, Licensed Emergency Medical Care Provider of Excellence, Youth Squad Member of Excellence, Registered Nurse of Excellence, EMS Communications Specialist of Excellence. Member organizations and individual association members are eligible. Click here for award criteria and nomination form.

SCHOLARSHIPS - Annually, within available funds, up to three $500 scholarships are awarded to qualifying individuals for further education in a medical related field (not for EMT, CFR, etc. state funded courses).

WEB SITE - The Association can be found on WEB at: www.nysvara.org. Member organizations are encouraged to establish a link to their squad.

WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT and MAINTENANCE - Grey Goose Graphics provides our member organizations discounted web development & maintenance services. At our request they have developed special package discounts as well as offer custom packages at a discounted rate. Grey Goose has managed our web site and provided exemplary customer service to NYSVARA since 2006. Click here for more information about this benefit. You can visit them on the web at:www.GreyGooseGraphics.com

OTHER MEMBER BENEFITS, REWARDS & DISCOUNTS - The Member Benefits Sub-Committee is regularly working on insurance (home & auto), merchandise and service discounts, for members. A list is available on our web site.
Most importantly by working together we collectively increase the voice of the community, volunteer and non-profit EMS/first responder sector. By becoming a member you help strengthen and increase the visibility of community, volunteer and non-profit EMS. The NYSVARA is the only statewide organization primarily focused on community/volunteer non-profit EMS, and medical first responder issues; where EMS providers/medical first responders enjoy a full voice in participation and governance of the organization.

NYSVARA squad members automatically become part of the North Central EMS Cooperative (NCEMSC) - Tired of paying full catalog prices? NYSVARA’s affiliation with the NCEMSC can help you! The NCEMSC assists members in providing cost-effective, quality service by negotiating discounted contracts for the following equipment and supplies: Ambulances * Billing & Collection Services * Cardiac Monitors/Defibrillators * EMS Legal Services & Seminars * Fleet Fuel Cards * Medical Supplies & Equipment * Office Equipment/Furniture & Supplies * Promotional Clothing & Items.