COMMACK HIGH SCHOOL

The Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps visited CHS medical classes on Tuesday to share details about how the high school's upperclassmen can volunteer.

CVAC's Youth Corps is open to volunteers as young as 16 years old. And it's particularly attractive relative to some other departments in the region because high school-age volunteers can ride on ambulances and perform life-saving duties after training.

CVAC is particularly protective of its high school members. For example, in order to ensure the volunteers are putting their academics first, no students may remain at the department's facility after 10 p.m. on weekdays. And only 27 hours of volunteering is required per quarter to be in good standing.

High school-age volunteers attend a 12-week probationary training class on Monday nights, with topics including how to apply splints, administer CPR and obtain vital signs. There also are monthly drills.

The volunteers also represent the department at community events including parades.