With your family settled into the bungalow and the children safely at camp, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to enjoy the fresh air and greenery! But amidst the relaxation, there is one dedicated group that isn’t taking a break this summer. Members of Catskills Hatzalah sacrifice their own vacation season to ensure the safety and well-being of others. With 21 ambulances stationed throughout the region, Catskills Hatzalah boasts the largest fleet in the entire U.S., covering over 1,000 square miles and serving dozens of communities and bungalow colonies. Last year alone, paramedics responded to 4,100 calls – a 20% increase in volume from the year before. But what sets the Catskills division apart from other Hatzalah branches? Let’s start from the beginning. Everybody knows that a drive to the city is no easy feat, especially with the heavy summer traffic. Nonetheless, Hatzalah members will stop everything they’re doing to transport a patient to the hospital that best suits them, even if it means traveling all the way back to New York City. The diverse water activities and windy hiking trails present a greater chance for accidents, further complicated by the limited resources available in nearby hospitals. What started as the aspiration of a few young men in 1984 has now become a full-fledged team of volunteers, with hundreds of EMTs and paramedics. Whatever the emergency, Catskills Hatzalah is prepared to come to your rescue with intensive training, search and rescue operations, and members on call 24/7 throughout the entire year! Navigating a unique range of challenges in the upstate terrain, from summer emergencies to harsh winter conditions, one thing is for sure: you can count on Catskills Hatzalah to answer your call for help. With a 6th garage headquarters currently under construction and two new ambulances en route, Catskills Hatzalah is expanding its life-saving efforts for your bungalow, your community, and your family. This summer, make sure to get some rest. You can sleep soundly at night, because we are looking out for your kids at camp. You can sit back and enjoy the sun, because we are just a phone call away. You can relax at the family BBQ, because a Hatzalah volunteer will leave his own barbecue at a moment’s notice to save your child’s life. Please open your heart to support Catskills Hatzalah. Our reach is expansive, but we are always close by. Answer our call today – just like we always answer yours. Donate HERE to support Hatzalah’s tireless efforts and secure our future in the Catskills!