WESTWOOD—Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC) reports a surge in a new type of member: recent retirees. These members have found a fulfilling part-time role in the corps, and encourage others to do the same.
Leadership tells Pascack Press, with flexible shifts, social interactions, and the rewarding feeling of helping others, volunteering at WVAC can be a great new chapter in the life of a recent retiree.
WVAC provides emergency medical aid for local residents and, through mutual aid pacts, responds to neighboring towns. The corps told Pascack Press that, in 2021, it responded to 636 9-1-1 emergencies in Westwood and surrounding towns.
All volunteers are provided CPR and basic life support training and are encouraged to complete a free EMT course.
Volunteers in their own words
After recently retiring from the Westwood Public Library, Janet Dunn took on a larger role with the WVAC, serving as the current president and covering a couple day-shifts per week as a driver or EMT, something she could not do before.
According to Dunn, “There is a role for anyone. Volunteers schedule their own shifts so no one is on call at inconvenient times. We get a variety of volunteers, from high school students launching careers in medical services, to working parents and young professionals, to retired nurses. We also participate in fun community events”
Recently retired attorney Mike Pellegrino joined the WVAC in January. He told Pascack Press, “I had been involved in community service for 30 years, but when I retired I found the ambulance corps to be a perfect fit.”
He said, “I go away many weekends, but I’m able to schedule all of my shifts on weekdays. The training is great, and I’ve learned a lot and have made a bunch of new friends.”
Jeri Bowman served 44 years as a registered nurse. After retiring, she’s been able to commit more hours to the WVAC.
She said, “We always need more volunteers, especially during day-time shifts when most of our members are at their jobs, so retirees can be a perfect fit. As chair of Recruiting and Retention, I will say we are really looking for EMTs, and that training is all free and comes with some great life skills.”
Another recently retired volunteer, Jerry Sheridan, covers day shifts each week. He told Pascack Press he was attracted to the WVAC to help people in the community.
“When we are not in service, people in need of an ambulance must use paid-services which could cost thousands of dollars just for a ride to a hospital. It’s very rewarding to help people when they need it most,” he said.
For more information visit westwoodvolunteerems.org, write Join@WestwoodVolunteerEMS.org or call (201) 664-0003.