In 2025, BVAC Rescue Response Training Center know as the Bayside Volunteer Ambulance Corps®  (BVAC) proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of dedicated service and adaptability within the Bayside community.

Established in 1955 by local residents and business owners, BVAC was initially created to provide essential ambulance services and educational programs to Bayside and its neighboring areas. In its early years, the organization extended support by offering crucial medical equipment, including hospital beds, walkers, crutches, commodes, and iron lungs, utilizing a 1952 Cadillac Superior Coach Ambulance to fulfill its mission.

Over the years, BVAC has responded to mass casualty incidents (MCIs), plane crashes, and played a vital role in the emergency response at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks. These experiences have reinforced the organization's commitment to preparedness and effective emergency response training.

Over time, BVAC faced challenges common to many volunteer organizations, such as declining volunteer numbers and reduced donations. In 2016, these challenges led to the loss of their ambulance license. Demonstrating resilience, BVAC transformed in 2020 into the BVAC Rescue Response Training Center, shifting its focus to community education. The center now offers a variety of courses, including CPR, advanced first aid, and emergency response strategies, aiming to equip individuals with lifesaving skills.

Expanding Training Programs to Meet Community Needs

Today, BVAC serves as a premier training center, offering a diverse range of emergency response and safety courses. The organization is proud to provide certifications from leading agencies, including:

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT): Courses such as Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS), Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC), and Emergency Pediatric Care (EPC), ensuring first responders are well-equipped for a variety of emergency scenarios.
• American Heart Association (AHA): Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) courses for healthcare professionals and community members.
• American Red Cross: First Aid, CPR, AED, and wilderness survival training programs.
• Health & Safety Institute (HSI): Workplace safety, first aid, and community health education.
• National Rifle Association (NRA): Firearms safety and concealed carry certification courses to promote responsible gun ownership.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Hazardous materials awareness and emergency response training for environmental safety professionals.

BVAC has become a key resource for individuals seeking professional certifications, workplace safety compliance, and personal preparedness. With courses ranging from $65 to $500, the training center remains committed to accessibility and community service.

A Legacy of Service and Adaptability

Christopher Capo, the current president of BVAC and grandson of one of the founding members, reflects on the organization's evolution:

"People weren’t volunteering or donating, and over time, people weren’t thinking of the corps when they needed to call an ambulance; they were calling 911 and hospitals in the area. So, unfortunately, we lost the ambulance license because we didn’t have money to maintain it."

Despite these challenges, Capo emphasizes BVAC's commitment to remaining a vital part of the community through its training programs. The organization provides courses at affordable rates, ensuring that lifesaving education is within reach for all.

Looking Toward the Future

As BVAC celebrates this historic milestone, it also looks ahead to future initiatives, including:

• Increasing partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations to provide training to a wider audience.
• Continuing to offer state-of-the-art training programs that align with industry standards and emerging needs.

Reflecting on the organization's journey, Capo expresses deep pride in its resilience and adaptability:

"I am proud that we’ve not gone under and that we’ve transformed into something else that can still provide a service to the community. It would have been a shame for us to have closed."

As BVAC commemorates its 70th anniversary, it remains a testament to the power of community dedication and the ability to adapt in the face of changing times. The organization's unwavering commitment to service ensures that it will continue to be a cornerstone of support and education in Bayside for years to come.