Our journey began with the vision of local residents who came together to form the Speculator Volunteer Ambulance Corps (SVAC) in 1970, organizing and incorporating this essential service to replace the ambulance services previously provided by the local Red Cross chapter.
Since responding to our first call for service on April 27, 1970, SVAC has been in continual service, providing around-the-clock pre-hospital care seven days a week. Over the years, we have witnessed a significant growth in demand, from 23 calls in our inaugural year to a current average of 150 to 200 calls per year. Each call represents a life touched and a community served, embodying our commitment to being there whenever our neighbors need us.
Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, SVAC is not just a local service provider; we extend our support through mutual aid to neighboring towns, reinforcing the bonds that tie our Adirondack communities together. We take great pride in our ability to collaborate and provide assistance beyond our immediate service area.
The closest hospital is 45 miles away from the Four Corners in Speculator. Ambulance calls in our rural area average about 3 hours from start to finish. Our skilled and committed team is comprised entirely of volunteers who receive no monetary compensation for their services. Their commitment is driven purely by a shared sense of responsibility and a deep-rooted desire to serve the community.
At SVAC, we firmly believe that quality emergency medical services should never come at a cost to those in need. That’s why we proudly declare that SVAC is the only ambulance company in Hamilton County that does not charge for its services and is 100% donation supported. Our mission is simple – provide quality emergency pre-hospital care to those who need it the most.
Join us in our journey to make a positive impact on the lives of our community members. Your voluntary, tax-deductible contributions* make it possible for us to continue providing essential services. Together, let’s build a stronger, healthier community – one where care knows no bounds.
* SVAC is a not-for-profit corporation with 501c(3) status. All donations are fully tax-deductible as provided by law. Click here to learn more on how to donate to SVAC
“EMS is about being the best part of a person’s worst day.”
Unknown
About Speculator and Lake Pleasant
SVAC provides pre-hospital care to over 52-square-mile area encompassing the Village of Speculator and the Town of Lake Pleasant, nestled in the South-Central region of the Adirondack Mountains. Located in Hamilton County, New York’s least populous county, it proudly wears the mantle of “forever wild,” with no permanent traffic lights and vast untouched wilderness areas.
This makes the Speculator and Lake Pleasant area an All-Season Vacationland, whether it is hiking or mountain biking in the lush forests, enjoying watersports on the tranquil lakes in the spring and summer months, taking in the eye-popping color of the foliage, or hunting for the perfect buck in the fall, enjoying a winter wonderland at the Oak Mountain Ski Center or riding on the of miles of snowmobile trails. No matter the season, the region also has some of the darkest nighttime skies in the northeast, featuring a brilliant display of stars and celestial events on a clear night. Speculator and Lake Pleasant have something for everyone, all surrounded by the majestic Speculator Mountain.
Speculator and Lake Pleasant boast a year-round population of approximately 1,300 resilient individuals. However, the town transforms into a bustling hub when summer arrives, welcoming an estimated daily population of around 10,000 people from July 1 through Labor Day. This surge is attributed to the returning seasonal residents and short-term renters, three state campsites, three children’s camps, and a splendid family resort.
SVAC understands the unique needs of our diverse community. The largest demographic of our year-round residents is retirement age. We are always prepared to care for the needs of this special group so they can age in place. SVAC is also equipped to provide pre-hospital care wherever needed, whether on paved roads with our fully equipped ambulance or on the trails with our specialized all-terrain rescue vehicles.
SVAC proudly serves this extraordinary corner of the world. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every individual through our unwavering dedication and passion for service, whether they are a year-round resident, a seasonal visitor, or a curious traveler.