WESTWOOD—The Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (WVAC) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting its volunteer-based emergency medical services and underscoring the importance of recruiting new members to sustain its vital mission.
And on Jan. 13, the WVAC feted its roster of selfless volunteers at its annual installation dinner, at Biago’s Ristorante in Paramus.
WVAC provides high-quality EMS coverage at no cost to patients in Westwood and surrounding towns, thanks to private donations, its annual carnival (check out our website for photos), and financial support from the Borough of Westwood. For many, the importance of this service isn’t fully realized until it’s needed, but the numbers speak volumes.
We fielded the following from WVAC Captain Rush Sherman, who, it turns out, had the most calls in 2024, at more than 200. (Sherman preferred to talk about the others on the corps.)
By the Numbers: 2024 in Review
- Emergency Calls: WVAC responded to 747 medical emergencies, including 425 calls within Westwood. Mutual aid accounted for 32% of responses, primarily assisting the Township of Washington (24%) and Hillsdale (14%).
- Volunteer Hours: Thirty-seven active members volunteered a combined 17,417 hours on duty, maintaining 65% in-service availability.
- Training Commitment: Members attended monthly drills and pursued individualized training to earn or maintain certifications, including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) credentials.
- Junior Corps Growth: Nine high school students joined the junior corps in 2024, bringing the total to 13. Junior members train alongside active volunteers and often stay on after graduation, riding shifts during school breaks and gaining real-world healthcare experience.
- WVAC also hosted four CPR certification classes in 2024, certifying participants in CPR and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and organized several blood drives throughout the year.
Savings and Service Value
In 2024, WVAC saved patients an estimated $709,650 in ambulance fees, based on an average cost of $950 per paid ambulance call. Additionally, the value of volunteer hours equated to $522,472.
“Our mission is to provide high-quality emergency medical care without financial burden to the community,” said Sherman. “This work is made possible by the dedication of our volunteers.”
Fun Facts
- WVAC members responded to an average of 14 calls per week or 62 calls per month.
- The corps includes five certified CPR instructors who provide lifesaving training to members and the public.
- WVAC’s longest-serving member joined in 1977 and has been volunteering for an impressive 48 years.
Lauded at Installation Dinner
WVAC posted on Jan. 13, “Celebrated another successful year, honoring our selfless volunteers and officers at our annual Installation Dinner on Saturday evening. Congratulations to all those we honored and thank you for your service!”
- Top 10 in calls for 2024. Captain Rush Sherman had the most calls, numbering over 200.
- Career call achievements. Past 1Lt. Nicole DeJoie responded to more than 1,000 calls in her time at WVAC.
- CPR saves. WVAC defines saves as a patient being admitted to the hospital after transport to an emergency department. Youth squad member and secretary Nick Meltzer had two CPR saves this year.
- WVAC Volunteer of the Year is Nicole Heid. The organization explained, “Since joining WVAC, Nicole has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, loyalty, and selflessness in her service to our ambulance corps. She rides on calls regularly, helps run several committees, and puts the better good of our community first.
“During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicole played a pivotal role in ensuring that the ambulance corps continued to provide essential services to our community. She worked tirelessly to help maintain the readiness of our equipment and supported fellow volunteers.
“Nicole’s contributions to the ambulance corps extend far beyond what is asked of her. She embodies the core values of our organization—selflessness, compassion, and service to others.”
Community Engagement
Beyond emergency calls, WVAC is deeply embedded in the fabric of Westwood. The corps participates in beloved town events such as the Memorial Day Parade, Emergency Services Night, Home for the Holidays Parade, 9/11 Service, and Celebrate Westwood activities.
As part of its mutual aid agreement, WVAC collaborates with neighboring EMS corps in the Pascack Valley to ensure seamless support during periods of high demand.
Looking Ahead: Recruitment and Collaboration
WVAC continues its push for new members, welcoming individuals aged 16 and older to join. No prior experience is required, and all training is provided at no cost. Flexible shifts accommodate diverse schedules.
“We’re always looking for new volunteers,” Sherman said. “Joining WVAC is an attainable and rewarding way to serve the community.”
In early 2025, WVAC and other Pascack Valley EMS corps will hold a captains’ meeting to strengthen mutual aid coordination and address shared challenges. This collaboration underscores the shared mission of volunteer EMS organizations across the region.
Join the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps
WVAC encourages anyone interested in volunteering to email Join@WestwoodVolunteerEMS.org.