Warwick ambulance corps hosts picnic

Warwick - The Warwick Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps hosted the Annual Orange County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) picnic at Warwick Town Park on Saturday, Sept. 15. Major sponsors for this year’s event included WVT Communications, Bon Secours Charity Health System, Orange Regional Medical Center, Regional EMS and Mobil Life Support Services. In 1942, the year the corps was founded, Warwick Community Ambulance Service covered Greenwood Lake, Highland Lakes, Vernon, Florida, Pine Island, Chester, New Hampton, Upper Greenwood Lake, Greenwood Lake and parts of Monroe. Now, most of those communities support their own ambulance corps and it has become a tradition for the communities to take turns sponsoring the annual picnic. “We are proud to welcome members of various EMS services throughout the County to our Town Park,” said Warwick Captain Frank Cassanite. “And we thank all the committee members and volunteers who help make this event a success each year.” Although the primary mission of the Warwick Community Volunteer Ambulance Corps is to prepare and transport sick and injured people to a hospital, the organization also provides other services. The corps also keeps a supply of shower benches, crutches and wheelchairs to lend to needy residents.. In addition, volunteers and vehicles are always on hand at every major event. Emergency Medical Technicians on board ambulances are qualified to take blood pressure, check vital signs, communicate with the hospital en route and record medical history from a conscious patient. The Warwick Community Ambulance Service also participates in regional and state emergency exercises and offers first aid training for the public. New volunteers are always welcome. “It’s an opportunity for ordinary people to do extraordinary work,” said Cassanite. For information call 986 4136.