PVA’s Replacement Rig Is Now In Service

With the help of your generous donations, Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance was able to purchase a new rig and recently retired old Ambulance 3879. In its seven years of service to our community, retired 3879 traveled more than 100,000 miles, and responded to 6,000 emergencies. More than 100 new EMTs and Paramedics learned and honed their skill while working on this ambulance; many continue their practice at PVA and surrounding ambulance services.

So, what’s been improved on new ambulance 3879?

Smaller and easier to maintain; designed for operation in northern climates
Fitted to meet current and future safety standards that exceed current US requirements
Fuel Efficient
Outfitted with modern communications equipment necessary to connect with 911 dispatchers, other responders and public safety partners
4-Point restraints in the patient compartment for greater practitioner safety

The retired Ambulance 3879 (left) and the new Ambulance 3879 (right)

The new Ambulance 3879 is a more efficient ambulance, meeting current standards for patient and crew safety. Less expensive than previous models and more economical to operate, this new ambulance is already on the road and will help PVA service our community for many years to come.

Retired Ambulance 3879: The End of an Era

3879 was the last of the ‘large-module’ ambulances operated by PVA. Specifications for this ambulance were developed by long-serving members Don and Kay Hammond, and were a standard for many area ambulance services. 3879 was the last custom-designed, large-mod ambulance to receive their stamp of approval – the end of an era.

While our crews were focused primarily on the Pittsford community, EMTs and Paramedics operating this ambulance have also responded to support our neighbors in Perinton, Penfield, East Rochester, Brighton, Henrietta, Rush, Honeoye Falls, and Mendon.

As a result of the 5,500 responses made on this ambulance, 3879 served:

More than 1,500 patients from motor vehicle collisions
More 1,000 injuries ranging from minor to multi-system trauma
670 patients who experienced a fall (with or without significant injury)
350 responses in pandemic conditions (COVID-19)
Roughly 200 stand-by events in support of Fire and Law Enforcement operations, school and professional sports, community gatherings and tours, and community education / demonstrations
103 patients experiencing a stroke
78 patients experiencing an acute cardiac emergency
64 patients experiencing allergic reactions
45 patients experiencing cardiac arrest, including 6 patients who were resuscitated by EMTs and Paramedics in the field
4 obstetrics cases, including 1 childbirth in the field
1 canal rescue