Services Provided
Whitestone Ambulances provides free BLS emerency care and transport to hospitals for people within the Whitestone area (zipcode must be 11357).
1. When are you open?
We are open 24/7 year round. If needed, call us at (718) 767-1000
2. What hospitals do you go to?
Depending on the circumstances and at the discretion of our EMTs, our ambulance is permitted to go to the following hospitals:
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- NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital (formerly Booth Memorial Hospital)
- North Shore University Hospital (Manhasset)
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ)
- Flushing Hospital Medical Center
- Queens Hospital Center
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3. What if I want to go to a different hospital?
Our ambulances are generally not able to transport patients to locations other than those listed above, but we still may be able to help! Give us a call and tell us where you would like to go.
4. Can you bring me to my doctor's appointment?
Our ambulances are reserved for emergency calls only, and can only bring patients to hospitals. Give us a call anyway, we still may be able to help!
5. I'm not sure if I want to go to the hospital. Can you just check on me?
Of course! We can perform a physical evaluation and help you decide if you should go to the hospital. If you do, we'll gladly take you.
6. Do you accept and loan out walkers, crutches, canes and wheelchairs?
At this time, we only accept simple walkers, crutches and canes in good condition. If you would like to donate any, drop them off at our station.
We loan out mobility equiptment to the public free of charge. Unfortunately, we no longer have nor accept wheelchairs.
7. Do you charge for the services you provide?
All services that our ambulances directly provide are 100% free. Whitestone Ambulance operates thanks to donations from our generous contributors. If you would like to donate to Whitesone Ambulance, click here!
Joining Whitestone Ambulance
Our volunteers are what make Whitestone Ambulance possible. We are always looking for new members to join. Click here if you're interested in joining!
1. I have no experience / I'm not an EMT. Can I still join?
No prior experience is required in order to join. We will provide you with all necessary training.
2. What are the requirements in order to join?
You must be 18 years old or older, and be able to effectively communicate in English.
3. What will I do if I join Whitestone Ambulance?
Every member will receive training and immediately begin serving as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD). If you wish to volunteer on the ambulance, in-house ambulance and driver training will then be provided. Once you are an ambulance driver and after completing the 6-month probationary period, you will be sponsored by the service to become a NYS EMT free of charge. After you have obtained your EMT certification and are cleared by the service, you will serve as an onboard EMT.
4. What would the scheduling be?
At the end of every month, the schedule for the next month is made available and members may choose shifts that work with their schedule. Shifts are generally 6 and 12 hours long, but exceptions are sometimes made.
5. What is the commitment?
Membership should be viewed as a long-term commitment, preferably over a year. There is a 24-hour minimum monthly commitment to the service. For comfort during downtime, our facilities are fully equiped with couches, cable TV, high-speed internet, and a full kitchen.
6. I go away to school / I'm only available for the summer, can I still volunteer?
Unfortunately, membership is a long-term commitment and Whitestone Ambulance will not take in any seasonal members.
7. What training is offered?
Dispatcher training, Driver training, CPR training, Oxygen training, Lifting training, Patient-extraction training, etc.
8. How do I receive the free EMT training?
Once you complete the 6-month probationary period, you will be sponsored by the service to become a NYS EMT for free.
9. Do members get paid?
Every one of our members is a volunteer. No one receives a salary.
10. What are the benefits of joining?
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- Free EMT certification
- Free in-house training
- Limitless opportunities for patient care and clinical hours
- Unique and exciting experiences within emergency services
- Recommendation letters
- Important life skills
- Flexible hours
- Resume booster
- Scholarship assistance
- Volunteer discounts
- Tax credits
- An overwhelming sense of pride!
