Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance Fund

Nestled with-in the Mountains of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Coal Region sits a small community with a population of less than 5000 people .  A Community that is noted for its neighborhood ties and aggressive  EMS and Fire Services.  

The Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance is one of the providers of quality pre-hospital basic life support (BLS) in Schuylkill County.  Formed and Chartered in the Late 1940's a group of Neighbors who were concerned about the safety and well being of their friends and families met and purchased a Cadillac Ambulance.  This developed an Organization that was dedicated and committed to  providing transportation and treatment to the residents and visitors of Schuylkill County.   As the area grew and the need arose a second unit was purchased and personnel began receiving the needed training to provide this service.  In the early 1970's personnel received a new type of training provided by the PA Dept of Health.  The PA Emergency Medical Technician was born and from this day forward brought a new type of trained professional to the Ambulance Service.    Personnel were no longer known as "Ambulance Drivers" as care could be rendered at the patients house prior to being transported to local hospitals.  

In the 80's Crews continued receiving more and more training dealing with pre-hospital emergency care and units gathered funds for more advanced life saving equipment.  In 1990 the Local Hospitals added to this service by starting the first Advanced Life Support Unit.   This unit named ALSS brought the emergency room to patients houses and provided Advanced Life saving care to the critically injured and sick.  Due to poor management and financial woes this service disbanded and others were born.  Pottsville Area EMS was on of these services that currently provides ALS care to the Residents of Saint Clair in Conjunction with our BLS unit.

In the Late 1990's a need for expansion struck the Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance.  A Firefighting Rehabilitation unit was added and a Chiefs Vehicle that carried Mass Casualty Equipment was placed into service.  Board Members struggled to find land in the Borough of Saint Clair but after many failed attempts the ambulance approached the Borough Council and they also could not assist with acquiring land.   A Local Fire Company located with-in our primary coverage area had closed its doors and Bill Collectors forced the Organizations assets to be placed up for Sheriffs sale.  The Board of Directors met and discussed purchasing the land and building.  The Saint Clair Borough Council was notified and approved this move.  Since the Borough was accustomed to having an Ambulance Station the Board felt it would be a good move to receive this blessing.  Mayor Richard Tomko at the time also gave this blessing.  A New Station was built in East Norwegian Twp and a Fire Dept vehicle was purchased from a local Bank.  At its completion the Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance was faced with a nightmare that all Volunteers fear.  The Board of Directors found many financial Improprieties.  The Treasurer had embezzled funds and the future looked dim.  Criminal Charges were filed and the treasurer was successfully prosecuted.  Volunteer Management struggled to keep the organization running and  slowly the Organization grew.

Today the Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance Fund operates from Both Stations.  The primary Station located in the Borough is staffed 24/7 with Volunteers that give their time in hope to make a difference.  At this Station the Primary BLS unit is staffed along with the Chiefs ATV for off road emergencies.  The second station located in East Norwegian Twp houses the Organizations second unit, Chiefs Vehicle and Engine.   

The Saint Clair Veterans Memorial Ambulance remains on of the very few organizations in Schuylkill County that can still provide 100% Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.  Many of our Members work professionally as EMT's and Paramedics at other organizations in Pennsylvania but still find the time to Volunteer here