QUEENS — The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which has served Forest Hills and Rego Park for more than four decades, just got a new ambulance, which the group said will provide a safer, more comfortable ride for patients.
The organization bought the new Ford Transit Van after State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky allocated $100,000 in capital money for it in 2010, according to Alan Wolfe, 42, who's been volunteering for the group for more than 20 years.
Wolfe said the acquisition was held up by bureaucracy and red tape, but finally last month the group was able to purchase the new ambulance.
“It’s very roomy,” Wolfe said. “Even our tallest members can stand [inside] without their head hitting the ceiling so it makes it convenient for patient care.”
The new vehicle is also very fuel efficient, Wolfe said.
The purchase allowed the all-volunteer nonprofit to sell one of its old ambulances, which was bought by Senior Care.
The money will be used to cover numerous everyday expenses, like liability insurance, gas and equipment, that the cash-strapped organization struggles to pay, Wolfe said.
The group, which is made up of roughly 40 volunteers, currently has two ambulances and one response truck and helps about 500 callers every year, Wolfe said.
