Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc.
celebrates EMS Week

"EMS: Help is a Heartbeat Away"

EMS Week, the annual national event that recognizes the dedication and hard work of everyone working in emergency medical services, will take place May 19-25. The theme for this year, "EMS: Help is a Heartbeat Away," emphasizes the responsiveness of emergency medical services around the country. It also addresses the commitment and dedication of the 750,000 EMS providers who serve their communities.

To celebrate this event locally, the Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service will be holding an open house on Sunday, May 19 from noon until 5 p.m. at their base on 1600 Buffalo Road. Events will include door prizes, several hands-on demonstrations, equipment tours, and clinics including "hurry up first aid," infant CPR, cardiac monitoring and "Know Your Blood Pressure." In addition, certified New York state technicians will be available to inspect child car seats for proper installation and safety.

Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. provides emergency medical services to the town of Gates. It was founded in February 1964 with just one ambulance in a small garage. Today, with four emergency vehicles, Gates responds to 3,300 calls per year ... on the average serving one out of every ten town residents annually. Other services include one of the largest loan closets in Monroe County with over 700 items out on loan at any one time, a weekly blood pressure clinic, and emergency medical stand-bys for local events.

The GVAS staff is comprised of 60 volunteers along with 21 career staff.