Volunteer Paul Cannavo

The Volunteer Heart Ambulance of Staten Island, New York (or "Volly Heart" as they are often called) proudly serves approximately a half-million people living in an area of 34 square miles. They operate three ambulances out of one station that protects a primarily residential area. Their department is a public department whose members are of a 100% volunteer status. Most of Volly Heart’s members are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) certified by the State of New York. The remaining members are either certified First Aiders or non-medical personnel who work in administration.

Volunteer Heart Ambulance was founded in 1971 as Volunteer Heart Resuscitation Unit and Ambulance Corps of Staten Island by former cardiac patients who were concerned about the health care in their community. Using a fleet of three ambulances, their members respond immediately to emergency calls over the 911 radio system. They provide on-the-spot care for the sick or injured, extrication for those trapped in motor vehicles, and primary stabilization for the victim. Since time is so critical, the response time of an ambulance can make the difference between life and death. The Volly Heart primary response area - all of Staten Island south of the S.I. Expressway, from the Verrazano Bridge to the Goethals Bridge - ensures a rapid response time. This means they are often the first ambulance to arrive on the scene.

The types of patients they treat and transport to the hospital represent a broad range of emergencies, such as: cardiac, auto accidents, breathing difficulties, seizures, injuries, maternity, and unconscious. In an average year Volly Heart responds to hundreds of calls for assistance and they transport several hundred patients to area hospitals. They also provide medical coverage at numerous community events during the year. For more information, visit: http://www.volunteernyc.org/org/5198051.html

Paul Cannavo has been volunteering with the Volunteer Heart Ambulance since 1999.His reason for joining Volunteer Heart Ambulance was to help give back to the community that he lives in. He said that he feels that if he helped one person during his time with the unit then he will have been successful. “Just seeing a look on a patient's or family member's face when you arrive to help them is something you cannot fully describe, but all in all they have a sense of comfort knowing someone is there to help them,” said Paul.

Volunteer Heart Ambulance currently has over 60 volunteers who unselfishly give up their personal time day after day to help make a difference in the lives of those who call Staten Island home.

"Paul's experience and leadership qualities make him a great asset to the unit.  The senior members treat him with great respect and the newer members go to him for advice and guidance."  says staff member, Adam Ganzman

Congratulations to Paul and the Volunteer Heart Ambulance for being one of the Best People in NYC!