About Sand Lake Ambulance

Serving the community since 1959.

Our Mission

Sand Lake Ambulance is committed to providing premier emergency medical care and fostering strong community partnerships. This commitment is the cornerstone of our success, the foundation of our service, and the driving force behind our future.

We strive to continuously enhance our services through advanced medical training, state-of-the-art technology, and a strong commitment to community outreach.

Our History

Since 1959, Sand Lake Ambulance has served the residents of Sand Lake and the surrounding areas.

What started as a small volunteer effort has grown into a dedicated fully-paid team of EMTs, paramedics, and administrative staff working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Our Fleet & Equipment

Sand Lake Ambulance operates a fleet of modern emergency vehicles equipped with life-saving tools and technology. Our team is prepared to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from routine transports to critical care situations.

Ambulance: 6025

Purchased in 2014, Ambulance 6025 is a 2013 Ford chasis outfitted with a 2014 Medix Ambulance box. All Sand Lake ambulances are State licensed advanced life support units and carry a wide array of life saving equipment including a cardiac heart monitor, airway adjuncts, and a wide selection of emergency medications. It is staffed with paramedic’s and EMT’s.

Fly Car: Medic 60, 2015 Ford Explorer

Purchased in 2015 Medic 6060 is a 2015 Ford Explorer, replacing a 2007 Jeep Cherokee, converted into an emergency response Advanced Life Support (ALS) ‘fly-car’. This vehicle is utilized by Sand Lake paramedics to first-respond in a timely manner.

Ambulance 6005

6005 is a 2013 Shakerly Ambulance on a Ford chassis. All Sand Lake ambulances are State licensed advanced life support units and carry a wide array of life saving equipment including a cardiac heart monitor, airway adjuncts, and a wide selection of emergency medications. It is staffed with a paramedic’s and EMT’s.

Where We’re Going

As we continue to learn and grow, we are committed to expanding our capabilities through new medical advancements and enhanced community programs.

FAQs

Is Sand Lake Ambulance a public entity?
Sand Lake Ambulance has a fully paid staff. Paid paramedics and EMT’s provide 24/7 in-house coverage to ensure fast response times and high quality care.
Do you receive money from the Town of Sand Lake or Rensselaer County?
Sand Lake Ambulance does not receive county, state, or fire department funding. The agency operates under a contract with the Town of Sand Lake, covering less than 50% of annual costs, with additional revenue from insurance billing and donations. Operating expenses exceed $800,000 annually, but the cost to the average taxpayer is less than $100 a year.
Why does a nonprofit ambulance service bill for its services?
Running an ambulance service involves significant costs, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, medical supplies, and paid staffing. Medical supplies are expensive and often have expiration dates, leading to unavoidable waste. While the Town of Sand Lake contract helps fund operations, it covers less than half of the costs. Billing insurance companies reduces the town’s financial burden, ensuring we can continue providing high-quality emergency services.
What is the difference between a paramedic and an EMT?
EMTs provide Basic Life Support (BLS), including first aid, CPR, and basic airway management. Paramedics offer Advanced Life Support (ALS), which includes all BLS skills plus advanced airway techniques, and administering life-saving medications. About two-thirds of calls require a paramedic.