Together, We Did It: Sand Lake Ambulance Fundraiser Brings Life-Saving CPR Devices to Rural Community

Sand Lake Ambulance is proud to share that thanks to the incredible support of our neighbors, local businesses, and dedicated donors, we exceeded our $50,000 fundraising goal to equip our community with two state-of-the-art LUCAS 3 CPR devices. This achievement is a testament to the power of a united community rallying behind one critical mission: saving lives. Every donation, every kind word, and every show of support helped us reach this milestone, and we are deeply grateful.

On September 25th, we celebrated this success at a special check presentation event, where Bonded Concrete and Troy Sand & Gravel presented a $10,000 gift that pushed us past the finish line. Their generosity was part of an even larger story: Sand Lake coming together to make the impossible possible.

But our mission didn’t stop there. After covering the cost of the two LUCAS devices, remaining funds are being directed toward the purchase of specialized pediatric emergency care equipment, a critical investment that will allow our crews to better serve our smallest and most vulnerable patients.

Why This Fundraiser Mattered

Sand Lake Ambulance has proudly served our community since 1959 as a nonprofit, volunteer-driven EMS agency. We are not backed by a corporation or large government entity, our strength comes from local paramedics, EMTs, volunteers, and neighbors who step up when their community needs them most.

Like many rural EMS organizations, we face mounting challenges: dwindling volunteer numbers, rising drug-related calls, and the lasting impacts of the pandemic. These pressures make it harder than ever to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies strike.

That’s why this fundraiser was so critical. By raising $50,000 for two LUCAS 3 CPR devices, we invested not only in cutting-edge tools, but in peace of mind for every resident of Sand Lake, Poestenkill, and beyond. This campaign was about ensuring that when seconds matter most, our crews are equipped to save lives.

Milestones at Every Step

The success of this fundraiser was also shaped by the milestones we reached during its span. This summer, Sand Lake Ambulance expanded service to Poestenkill, where already about 20% of our calls are for our neighbors there. The transition has gone smoothly, the feedback from the community has been wonderful, and with a second ambulance during the day, we’re able to cover more calls in Sand Lake itself, meaning faster response times for everyone and less reliance on mutual aid partners. These wins highlight how our community’s investment pays off in real, life-saving results.

Stand-Out Supporters Who Made It Possible

We could not have reached this milestone without the generosity and creativity of our neighbors and community partners. Just a few stand-outs include Trustco Bank, Lakeview Restaurant, Tighe’s Bistro Américain, Poestenkill Fire Company, Kiwi Foundation, and every single donation from our community members. Each of these gestures underscored the strength and compassion of our community.

Looking Ahead, Collaboration is the Future of EMS

Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this campaign is not only the funds raised, but the spirit of collaboration it represented. Sand Lake Ambulance works closely with regional emergency providers, often sharing coverage and training together. These partnerships strengthen response across our towns and ensure we’re better prepared for whatever comes next.

As we move forward, this collaboration, combined with your support, will remain the icing on the cake for the future of EMS in our community.

The Life-Saving Benefits of LUCAS 3 CPR Devices

The addition of two LUCAS 3 CPR devices to the Sand Lake Ambulance fleet has dramatically enhanced the quality of emergency care. These devices:

• Improve CPR quality during transport and over long durations.

• Extend the reach of care, allowing uninterrupted CPR during transport.

• Increase provider safety and reduce fatigue, enabling caregivers to remain belted while the device performs compressions.

• Calm emergency scenes and free up hands, allowing responders to focus on other critical interventions.

By equipping our ambulances with these advanced devices, Sand Lake Ambulance can respond faster, safer, and more effectively, giving every patient, young or old, the best possible chance of survival.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to every neighbor who donated in support, shared our fundraiser, or encouraged a friend to give. Your generosity made this possible, and you are part of this success story. Because of you, we now have lifesaving equipment that will protect your families, your friends, and your neighbors for years to come.