Central Park Medical Unit

Central Park Medical Unit (CPMU) is a non-profit emergency medical service organization that provides free of charge emergency medical services to the visitors and patrons of Central Park and the surrounding streets of Manhattan in New York City.

History

The Central Park Medical Unit was founded in 1975 by Rafael Castellanos, a physician who noticed a lack of medical services in Central Park. Initially, the unit was staffed by volunteers and operated out of an old ambulance donated by a local hospital. Over the years, the organization has grown and now operates three modern ambulances and a first responder bicycle team.

Services

The Central Park Medical Unit provides a range of emergency medical services, including basic life support, advanced life support, and emergency medical technician services. The unit is staffed by a team of highly trained volunteers who are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to responding to medical emergencies in the park, the unit also provides medical coverage for special events and concerts held in the park.

Training

Volunteers for the Central Park Medical Unit undergo rigorous training in emergency medical services. This includes courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and advanced life support. In addition, volunteers are required to complete a minimum number of service hours each month.

Funding

As a non-profit organization, the Central Park Medical Unit relies on donations and grants for funding. The unit also receives support from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy.

See also

• Emergency medical services in the United States
• Healthcare in New York City
• Central Park