Faced with thousands of calls per year, the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps is seeking new members to help provide emergency care in the township.

Day shifts are one area where volunteers are needed, said TVAC President Angelae Wilkerson. College students who volunteered full-time during the summer have now mostly returned to school, contributing to the increased need.

TVAC is often called upon to handle several medical emergencies at once, Wilkerson said. In recent years, the all-volunteer service has handled more than 4,000 calls a year.

“The volunteers that we have are absolutely committed and dedicated, but we need more because of the emergencies we have,” Wilkerson said.

Calls can vary from a woman in labor to serious accidents on the three major highways running through town.

"You can range from no calls to 25 calls," Wilkerson explained. "It’s hit or miss.”

Ride-alongs are available for anyone considering joining.

New volunteers become state certified emergency medical technicians by attending courses through a county training center. State law requires candidates to be 16-years-old on the first day of the 250-hour course. In addition to state certification, volunteers are required to undergo Teaneck-specific training.

While many new volunteers come with an interest in health care, TVAC's ranks are made up of a diverse range of members. There is no residency requirement to join, and members from around the area currently serve.

TVAC does not bill patients and is a non-profit organization, Wilkerson said. Strong support keeps the life-saving care available to those in need.

“We couldn’t do our jobs without the support of the community,” she said.

For more information on how to join, visit www.teaneckvac.org

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