About Sand Lake Ambulance
Sand Lake Ambulance (SLA) is an independent, nonprofit emergency medical service providing around-the-clock care to our neighbors. Our team delivers professional, compassionate response when seconds matter most.
We are here 24/7, 365 days a year.
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 continuously strengthen our services through advanced medical training, modern equipment, and community outreach.
Our History
Founded in 1959, Sand Lake Ambulance began as a small volunteer effort and has grown into a fully staffed emergency medical organization.
Today, SLA operates with a dedicated team of paid EMTs, paramedics, and administrative professionals working around the clock to ensure fast response times and high-quality care.
Our Fleet
Ambulance 6025.
Fly Car Medic 60.
Ambulance 6005.
Ambulance 6010.
Emergency Services We Offer
SLA provides both Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) emergency response.
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Our paramedics bring hospital-level care directly to the scene, including cardiac monitoring, medication administration, airway management, and critical interventions for emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, trauma, and respiratory distress.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Our EMTs provide essential emergency care including CPR, oxygen therapy, wound treatment, and safe patient transport.
Beyond Emergency Response
Our commitment extends beyond 911 calls. SLA is proud to support community health through:
- CPR and first aid training
- Free blood pressure screening events
- Educational tours for schools and civic groups
- On-site medical coverage at local events
We are not only responding to emergencies, we are building a safer, healthier community.
Why We Bill
SLA bills insurance for services rendered, similar to hospitals and physicians. This helps reduce the burden on local taxpayers while allowing us to maintain high-quality emergency response.
Key points of our billing policy:
- Care is provided regardless of ability to pay
- The Town of Sand Lake contract covers less than 50% of annual operating costs
- We do not garnish wages or place property liens
In 2024, SLA absorbed over $100,000 in uncompensated care. Operating an ambulance service exceeds $800,000 annually, yet the cost to the average taxpayer remains less than $100 per year.
For billing questions, please contact: (518) 674-2221 ext. 1
Patient Privacy
We prioritize patient privacy in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
To request medical records, please complete the Authorization for Release of Health Information (OCA Form 960) and send it via:
Mail: PO Box 222, West Sand Lake, NY 12196
Fax: (518) 674-2221
Please allow 7-14 days for us to process your request. For details on how we protect patient data, refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) document.
FAQs