Community Ambulance Company’s History

Chronicle of Sayville's Community Ambulance Service:
From Humble Beginnings to Lifesaving Vanguard

In Sayville, a tight-knit community, ambulance services were a scarce luxury, leaving many to rely on less immediate means during medical emergencies.

 

1930

Change blew in with the wind as R.M. Harry Isaacson took a pioneering step, introducing Sayville's very own dedicated ambulance service, marking a notable shift in community healthcare.

1931

A symbol of progress, Isaacson rolled out the Meteor Cadillac Ambulance, offering an enhanced level of care and swiftness to Sayville's residents.

April 1938

A strategic decision led to the Meteor Cadillac being handed over to Suffolk County. This left a pronounced gap, with many now leaning heavily on far-off hospital ambulances and the limited scope of the Patchogue Fire Department

May 1940

Tragedy painted the streets when a grievous car accident occurred, glaringly spotlighting the need for more immediate medical response. Dr. Joseph J. McCoy penned a poignant plea, suggesting the birth of a “community rescue squad” in Sayville.

Summer 1950

Rallying the spirit of unity and shared responsibility, five adjacent communities sprang into action. Fire department members became unsung heroes, spearheading a fundraising drive that amassed a remarkable $11,000 ($133,574, 2022 adjusted), solidifying the inception of the Community Ambulance Company.

October 1950

With community funds, the company rolled out its inaugural Cadillac ambulance. Acquired for $7,263 ($81,195, 2022 adjusted), it didn't waste time, diving straight into duty the day it graced Sayville's streets.

December 1950

Rekindling community spirit, the Suffolk County News facilitated another fundraising drive, amassing $5,000 ($54,598, 2022 adjusted). This crucial fund paved the way for the Community Ambulance Company to have its dedicated headquarters, a testament to the town's collective will.

Late 1955

The town's collective heartbeat, the Community Ambulance, found a new home in the freshly minted headquarters, symbolizing a new era in emergency care.

May 1956

As calls grew louder, a new Cadillac ambulance, priced at $11,000 ($111,389, 2022 adjusted), was ushered in. Meanwhile, the stalwart original ambulance received much-needed upgrades, ensuring both could meet the needs of the day.

1958

A decade deep and stronger than ever, with 100 dedicated souls on board, the Community Ambulance Company had served 3,600 grateful patients. Their collective efforts amounted to a community saving of a staggering $175,000 ($1,730,194, 2022 adjusted)!

1960

With calls mounting, space became a constraint. The community's answer? A new, sprawling headquarters built atop the original site, ensuring seamless service continuation

1972

Advancing with the times, the First Responder vehicle was inducted into the fleet, revolutionizing on-site patient care and triage.

1982

Broadening their operational scope, the acquisition of the venerable South Shore Boys Club building ensured the crew had ample room for both administrative duties and some well-deserved downtime.

February 1985

Prepping for the unforeseeable, the addition of the Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) trailer fortified the service’s readiness for larger-scale emergencies.

1992

Embracing modern exigencies, the MCI Trailer transformed into a technologically advanced, self-powered MCI vehicle, while also acquiring a larger Pace trailer, bolstering the fleet's emergency response capabilities.

2001

With an eye to the future, the company shifted to a cutting-edge headquarters at the crossroads of Lakeland Avenue and Chester Road, a facility that encapsulated the very essence of community, training, and excellence.

2012

Their steadfast commitment and service par excellence didn't go unnoticed. The Community Ambulance Company was bestowed with the prestigious titles of "Suffolk County and New York State EMS Agency of the Year"

2014

Today, the heartening hum of the Community Ambulance Company is more resonant than ever. Boasting a formidable fleet comprised of 6 state-of-the-art ambulances, 5 swift first responder vehicles, a cutting-edge MCI vehicle, a reliable utility pickup truck, and a rugged Gator designed specifically for off-road rescue scenarios, the company stands as an unyielding shield of protection for Sayville. With a staggering 5,500 alarms answered annually and a dedicated team of 160, including certified Emergency Medical Technicians, Advanced Life Support Paramedics, and Critical Care Technicians, the Community Ambulance remains Sayville's unwavering guardian, always ready, always there.

2023
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