Organization Overview:
The South Orangetown Ambulance Corps was founded in 1957 as a volunteer ambulance corps to provide ambulance and emergency medical services in the hamlets of Blauvelt, Orangeburg, Palisades, Sparkill and Tappan in the Town of Orangetown, New York. SOAC responds to other parts of the Town, County and to New Jersey on a mutual aid basis. SOAC is on call for the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and responds to approximately 1,800 calls a year with increases in call volume anticipated due to continued community growth. SOAC is dispatched by the Orangetown Police Department and responds to emergency calls as a part of our community’s three-tiered emergency medical services system which includes the Police Department and the Town’s contracted paid paramedic service that provides advanced life support intervention when needed. SOAC also provides scheduled non-emergency transports for community residents, stand-by coverage at a wide variety of public events, an equipment loan closet, community outreach programs and EMS training.

SOAC serves the community from a new, state of the art Headquarters and EMS Training Center in Tappan. The Corps has an Adult Corps, Youth Division, Training Division and Special Operations Division. The operational leadership of the organization includes a Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain and Lieutenant. The Corps has a well trained team of volunteers, utilizing a modern fleet of three ambulances and a command/first response vehicle. The Corps also utilizes two electric emergency medical response vehicles and bikes equipped with EMS gear for special event coverage and expedient response. SOAC, a New York State certified Basic Life Support EMS agency, has a minimum crew standard of at least one New York State certified Emergency Medical Technician and a Corps approved Driver who is trained and certified in CPR and first aid.

SOAC, an American Safety and Health Institute Training Center, also offers a variety of basic emergency medical training and community outreach programs for the public as well as basic life support courses, and refresher programs for professionals through its Training Division.

SOAC provides its members with uniforms, training, educational conference opportunities, continuing medical education, a pension program, a Corps incentive and appreciation program including a ‘SOAC Store’, a fitness room and a wide variety of social activities and other local incentives in appreciation for their time, efforts and service.

SOAC is progressive and pursues the latest training techniques and technological equipment advancements in the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical services, emergency preparedness and EMS operations to serve our patient’s and community as best possible. As a part of the SOAC family, members gain the skills and confidence to help strengthen Orangetown’s emergency service response system and thus make a real rewarding difference for their community, family, friends, and neighbors.

SOAC is a part of Orangetown’s Emergency Medical Services system and a member of the New York State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association.