York Town News
York Ambulance Association thanks town for support in times of change
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - Mary Black Andrews remembers well those days when the York Ambulance Association was first formed about 35 years ago; after all, she was its first crew chief.It is not hard to recall those days, Andrews explained, because the ambulance itself was actually housed in her yard.
Andrews, who now serves as president of the YAA Board of Directors, has joined with fellow board member Janet Stitt in thanking local residents on the association's behalf for their support at a time when costs, in general, are up and donations are being sought for a variety of organizations and worthy causes.
"We just finished our annual membership drive," Stitt explained We did have to make a price adjustment in the membership and of course you always worry if that's going to be wise or not.
However, she said, the response turned out to be very strong.
"From the Board of Directors and the crew, we really appreciate the support of the town," Stitt said.
Times have changed for the York Ambulance Association since it stood in Andrews' yard, with the impact of such factors as insurance reimbursement and the costs of living and delivery of service taking a toll, Andrews explained.
"We appreciate their understanding of the changes," Stitt said of local residents and their continued support.
This once-volunteer organization is now staffed with emergency medical technicians and highly trained paramedics who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staying at the ambulance's York Village location to respond at a moment's notice.
"The membership drive went very well and it was most helpful at this time," Andrews said. "It's harder now - it's harder for any organization - so we were very thankful and very appreciative of the support the town has given us."
In the early 1970s, she explained, the association's one second-hand ambulance was stored in her yard, with a heater plugged in to keep the oxygen warm and a battery charger on hand in case the apparatus didn't start.
"We've come such a long way in the care that we give," Andrews said, "and people have come to expect that what they receive will be on par with what they can expect anywhere, even in big cities. … It is a gift. The crew does a tremendous job."
Andrews confirmed that such factors as reimbursement for costs from insurance companies and the cost of living for the crew members, who are all highly trained and are facing the expenses of living in or around York, have prompted the board to consider a request of budgetary assistance from the town in the future.
"We have to go with the times, and that's a sign of the times," she said of the increasing costs, adding a specific budget request proposal is not in place at this time. "We probably will be speaking to the town soon to educate them on everything the ambulance has done, and looking long range. … We're not closing our doors next week or anything like that, but we want to be prepared for the future."
Today, Andrews and Stitt explained, the association has two state-of-the-art ambulances - a necessity with the size of the town, the demand for services and the wear-and-tear on rescue vehicles of this type.
"Our crew is constantly updating our skills and we're looking for ways to economize and become more efficient so we give the best bang for our buck," Andrews said, adding, "We're very appreciative of everything the town's people have done for us over the years."
