The Mamaroneck Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) is trying to raise funds to purchase a new ambulance to replace one that has stopped functioning on four different occasions--while it was en route to the hospital with patients.

“Thankfully, none of these cases was life-threatening and no critical damage was done, but clearly this issue speaks for itself,” MEMS board member Jordan Franklin told attendees at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 25. The organization has two ambulances, the 2000 Ford model that has become “completely unreliable,” according to Franklin, and a 2004 model, with which MEMS continues to respond to emergency calls.

MEMS has raised enough for about half the cost of a new ambulance to date, but the organization needs to raise another $70,000 as quickly as possible.

“We are hoping that the civic-minded members of the Village of Mamaroneck community will come forward, as they have in the past, to help us buy a new ambulance so we can continue to provide top-notch service to the Mamaroneck community,” said MEMS Captain Nikki Deshensky. “Our 10-year-old ambulance unfortunately is beyond repair, and the main source of funding we receive to buy ambulances is through donations from residents and businesses.” 

Franklin explained that every one of the organization’s ambulances since it was founded in 1973 has been funded through the generosity of village businesses and residents. First formed as the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Rescue Squad under the auspices of the fire department, it eventually became its own 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 1994, it was incorporated into the Town of Mamaroneck Ambulance District when the Village of Mamaroneck decided to charge for the
organization’s services.

MEMS is staffed by an all-volunteer roster of 78 drivers, emergency medical technicians and first aid attendants who last year answered 1,586 calls and transported 1,102 patients. This number is up almost 100 patients from 2008, said Franklin. “Each year we see an increase in demand for our services,” he said.

Such continued increases make the need for two functioning ambulances even more pressing. “There has been talk of having [the ambulance] condemned by the town yard, but because we would be left with only one ambulance, we are forced to make repairs to keep it going,” said Franklin. “The need is critical.”

Donations or inquiries can be sent to the Mamaroneck Ambulance Trust Fund, c/o MEMS, 220 N. Barry Avenue Extension, Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543.