Serving Our Community Since 1971
Chestnut Ridge Ambulance
Association
Volunteer Emergency Medical Services
Serving Our Community Since 1971
Volunteer Emergency Medical Services
Serving Our Community Since 1971
Available around the clock for emergency medical response
Dedicated volunteers serving the Alum Bank area and beyond
Operating from our facility at 4037 Quaker Valley Road, SR56
People requiring emergency transport relied on local undertakers. There was no trained emergency medical service in the rural Alum Bank, PA area.
A group of around 15 concerned citizens saw the need and took action. They wrote the Articles of Incorporation and by-laws to establish CRAA. These community members risked everything to secure a personal loan to purchase a used 1960s Cadillac ambulance for $2,500 that was "on its last leg" from Harrisburg, PA. The ambulance was stored at Jack Barefoot's gas station in Pleasantville.
With no 9-1-1 center, CRAA had one 24-hour dispatcher who received calls through the telephone operator. Dispatchers like Naomi Stoner would then call around to find available members to respond. The organization later progressed to CB radios for faster alerting.
Two members, Joe Felix and Ernie Berkey, received CPR training and trained the other members. Most early emergency calls were vehicle accidents along the SR56 corridor between Cessna and Windber.
Through fundraising efforts—rummage sales and soup sales—the association raised enough money to purchase property on Locust Street in Pleasantville Borough for $1,000. A steel building was erected to house the ambulance. This became the home of CRAA.
With growing demand, a second Cadillac ambulance was purchased and put into service.
A larger building was purchased at 4037 Quaker Valley Road, SR56. The facility features two bay garage, office space, and a lounge area for volunteers. This remains CRAA's home today.
The ambulance service has remained volunteer-based community service. Chestnut Ridge Ambulance Association continues to serve with the same dedication and commitment to our community.
For over 50 years, Chestnut Ridge Ambulance has been built on the dedication of volunteers who answered the call to serve their community. Every member who joins us makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors when they need help most.
Volunteering as an EMT isn't just about responding to emergencies—it's about being the lifeline in critical moments. You learn skills that can save lives. You build bonds with a team of dedicated people. And you discover the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing you showed up when someone needed you.
No prior experience necessary. Just a willingness to help and the commitment to show up for your community. We'll handle the rest.
Interested? Get in touch with us to learn more about joining Chestnut Ridge Ambulance.
In 1971, 15 concerned citizens risked everything to start this service. Today, that same spirit of community service drives every response, every decision, every volunteer.
You could be part of that legacy.
4037 Quaker Valley Rd.
P.O. Box 101
Alum Bank, PA 15521
Call 911
Call us to learn about joining our volunteer team