A celebration in Canandaigua today marked the 75th anniversary of what is believed to be the oldest running volunteer ambulance service in Western New York.
Ken Beers, chief of the Canandaigua Emergency Squad, says much has changed in the past three quarters of a century.
"Seventy-five years ago, ambulances where strictly vehicles to pick people up, put them horizontally, and take them to a hospital,” Beers said, “Today, we are providing high-level, critical care services directly in the community at the point of contact, and many times stabilizing people before we even put them in the ambulance and take them to the hospital."
Retired New York State Trooper Bob Wistner was on hand at Thursday’s celebration to thank CES for coming to his aid last summer when he suddenly collapsed while attending a concert at the CMA Performing Arts Center.
"He suffered what is referred to as a sudden cardiac arrest. He had no prior symptoms,” Beers said. “He was seated at the Performing Arts Center, saw someone he apparently knew, started to stand up to wave to them, and his family said he fell to the ground immediately, with no prior warning."
The Canandaigua Emergency Squad has outgrown its current facility, where it's been located for 40 years, and is hoping to raise enough money to build a new one.
Chief Beers said early estimates put that cost at between $2.2 million and $2.5 million.
CES relies on the work of more than 65 volunteers and 14 full-time emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Beers said there is always a need for more volunteers. You can find more information at http://www.canandaiguaes.org/
