Lima Volunteer Ambulance
Proudly serving lima and our neighbors since 1937
Who We Are
Lima EMS is a small, but dedicated group of volunteer Drivers, EMT-Basics, and Support staff who commit to serving the Lima community and our neighbors 24/7, 365.
Our Mission
Our primary mission is to provide basic life support and medical transportation to a hospital for residents in the Town and Village of Lima and when called upon, our neighboring communities.
In addition, we are a community driven organization, we pride ourselves on our engagement in Lima outside of the ambulance.
We provide educational opportunities such as AHA CPR/AED, Basic First Aid, and Stop The Bleed
Our Vision
To be the cornerstone of emergency medical services in our community, fostering trust through proactive outreach, unwavering dedication to mutual aid and delivery of comprehensive care beyond the ambulance.
We envision a future where every life is safeguarded through our relentless pursuit of excellence, continually enhancing our capabilities, and expanding our coverage to reach those in need, ensuring the highest standard of care for all.
Officers:
Chief - Meg Rose
Admin - Carolyn Merced
Operations - Dominic Muscato
The base is not staffed 24/7
Please call 911
if you need the ambulance
More than an Ambulance Squad
An Emphasis On Community
Outside of answering 911 calls, our members stay busy hosting and attending events in the community.
Typical Events
- Service Standby
- Community Education Class
- Base/Ambulance Tour
- School Visit
- Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EMTs and Drivers get paid?
No, Lima EMS is 100% volunteer.
Active members are eligible for the incentive program which is based upon on-shift hours.
How can I pay my ambulance bill?
For questions related to billing, please reach out
to Chief Rose
How can I schedule a CPR class, base tour or other event?
All events are handled by
EMT Carolyn Merced.
Why does Livingston County EMS come into Lima sometimes?
Lima Ambulance is a Basic Life Support (BLS) agency. Often times calls will require Advanced Life Support (ALS) services, which LCEMS provides.
I have an Emergency, now what?
Step 1 - Call 911
If possible stay near the patient and stay calm.
Be prepared to answer questions to help the dispatcher get you the help you need. Such as when the symptoms started and if they have any medical history.
They may instruct you to provide medical care and/or assess the patient to help give responding ambulances more information
Step 2
If possible, start to prepare for going to the hospital.
- Find a medication list or after visit summary from the doctors office
- Turn on an outside light, unlock the door and clear a path to the patient
- Gather shoes, a cell phone and charger, a jacket and comfort items
- If you are calling for a child, pack a diaper bag and get the carseat ready
Make a Difference
Who can apply?
- Minimum age of 14 for Juniors program, 18 to be a full member
- Anyone 18+ can apply as a driver, a medic, or both
- No residency requirement
- All necessary training and classes will be provided and paid for by Lima Ambulance, including in house CPR classes and EMT certification
Application process
- Complete application
- Email to Lima Ambulance
- Once your application is received, leadership will meet with you at the base
- Application will be submitted to the Lima Village Board after a background check is completed
- Once application is approved, complete an orientation and begin training shifts
What Roles/Jobs are available
Driver
- Drivers play a critical role in the Lima EMS team. They safely navigate the ambulance to the scene and then to the hospital.
- Drivers receive on-site training in ambulance operations and how to assist the EMT on calls.
- They must be able to lift, bend, and get up and down from the floor without difficulty.
- Drivers must be 18 and have a valid NYS driver's license.
EMT
- EMTs provide patient care on the scene and on the way to the hospital.
- Good communication skills are important for being successful as an EMT.
- They must be able to lift, bend, and get up and down from the floor without difficulty.
- EMTs must complete a NYS EMT course and then complete ride time to be cleared to run independently. EMTs must be 17 at the time of taking the final exam of the course.
Funding
- Lima EMS is run by the Village of Lima but provides EMS response to both the Town and Village as well as mutual aid to the surrounding towns/villages as needed.
- Because we are 100% volunteer, Lima EMS has been able to operate using very little tax payer funds.
- Our operating budget is covered by 3rd party billing. Unfortunately sometimes insurance pays as little as $300 per transport and sometimes insurance send the ambulance payment to the patient rather than the ambulance so we get $0.
- If you have questions about your ambulance bill or insurance coverage, please contact Lima Ambulance so that we can connect you with the billing company to resolve the issue.
- The tax payer funds (approximately $40,000 annually from the Town and Village combined) that Lima EMS receives are used to pay the debt on the building.
- Donations are used to support members activities, provide uniforms and to purchase specialized equipment.
- We have chosen not to submit insurance claims for non-transport calls such as lift assists and check overs because we do not want to discourage people from calling for help.
Donations can be mailed to
PO Box 335 Lima NY 14485
or submitted via VENMO
Contact us
Lima’s Ambulance base does not have 24/7 staffing.
In an emergency, call 911 directly and dispatch will contact us. For non emergencies, email the chief or call the base phone (585) 624-2221.
cONNECT vIA fACEBOOK OR iNSTAGRAM