Throughout the many weeks since the coronavirus hit hard in Bergen County, the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC) has been especially overwhelmed as they try to keep up with the increasing number of local emergencies. Comprising community members who are professionals, students, homemakers and retirees, TVAC, a fully volunteer organization, has been providing emergency medical services for the township since its establishment in 1939. The squad, which consists of 120 members and five ambulances, has responded to a record number of calls since the onset of COVID-19 and continues to provide the care the community has come to rely on.
Teaneck has been the epicenter of the virus in Bergen County, reporting nearly three times as many cases as the next highest township. It is also one of the few local townships that still has a volunteer ambulance corp. In many nearby areas, the lack of volunteers have forced volunteer squads to fold, relying on town-based ambulance services for medical emergencies.
Nathan Safran, former captain and 28-year member of TVAC, says the squad is facing a variety of challenges as they try to keep up with the dramatic increase in calls. “We typically respond to an average of 12 calls a day. Since the start of the coronavirus, that number has jumped to 25 to 30 calls daily,” said Safran, who added that the number continues to rise as more people get sick.
The organization, which is almost exclusively funded by donations, was already $150,000 below budget before COVID-19. With added expenses including the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE), they are feeling especially taxed. In March alone, members used 5,000 pieces of PPE. Other inflated costs include extra gasoline for the ambulance, now going on twice as many calls, as well as food for the volunteers who are spending extended hours at the headquarters answering calls.
Those close to TVAC know that the care with which they operate truly sets them apart from a paid ambulance service. “The community members who volunteer at the squad provide a certain element of warmth and kindness,” said Safran, who credits the earlier leadership with developing a unique infrastructure that is not seen in most other volunteer corps, one of the reasons he believes TVAC has stood the test of time.
Adapting to the requirements necessary to safely continue their service has been exhausting. The process of decontaminating the ambulance and maintaining social distance while on calls is extremely challenging for the volunteers trying to protect themselves while helping others.
TVAC has responded to hundreds of COVID-19 calls, putting their own lives at risk and in many cases their families as well. Ten members were infected with the virus, one who subsequently infected his parents, causing them to be hospitalized. They have thankfully recovered, and he is back on the ambulance, but for the time being is not living at home to minimize the risk to others in the household. Other members have underlying medical conditions or vulnerable family members, which prevent them from coming out to help.
With a rise in call volume and fewer volunteers, those who are able to continue working are taking extra shifts and working extended hours.
Safran sees a certain spirit and sense of pride that has sustained the squad throughout the years. “Our charter has always been to answer all calls for help at no charge,” he said, noting that even during these dangerous times when other volunteer squads have refused to respond to COVID-19 cases, TVAC has doubled down and continues to answer all calls.
TVAC is the second-busiest ambulance corp. in Bergen County and still volunteer. They have been there for the community whenever needed and especially amid the devastating crisis this pandemic has created. Now they are asking the community to be there for them and offer the support necessary to continue to provide invaluable services for the people of Teaneck.
To donate to TVAC please go to https://www.teaneckambulance.org/.
By Andrea Nissel
