The Full Story

EAVES was formed in 1973 by a group of citizens concerned about how long it took to receive ambulance service. Although we have had to hire staff to supplement the decreasing volunteer membership, EAVES still has a total volunteer board of directors, over 20 Basic-EMT, and other support members who are volunteers. Our call volume continues to increase as do our costs, in contrast; donations and volunteerism is decreasing. Our district contains many large businesses such as LOTTE Biologics, Sensis, TTM Technologies, Raymond, UPS, Carrier, and Amazon. We also provide ambulance service to 10 miles of the NYS Thruway, as well as portions of Interstate 481 and 690, the New York Air National Guard Base at Hancock Field, a Naval Reserve Center, and the CSX mainline that runs right through the village. The district's resident population is currently estimated at 19,184. In 2020 EAVES responded to over 5,000 emergency calls. 

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EAVES does bill for services as a way to fund our organization. We seek alternative funding to make up the difference between what is reimbursed from insurance companies and the cost of providing ambulance service. Donations were for years how we made up that difference, as times are tougher for everyone, donations have all but ceased. In 2010 the Town of DeWitt Board had the insight to help protect our community ambulance service and created an ambulance district to co-exist with the East Syracuse Fire Protection District, including the Village of East Syracuse. From our incorporation in 1973 until 1995, ALL services EAVES provided were 100% free of charge. It was not until 1995 that the need to bill for services became apparent. Volunteers, particularly those with advanced skills, became fewer in number and costs have dramatically increased.