The Central Park Medical Unit

The Central Park Medical Unit (CPMU) is a unique volunteer ambulance corps providing free emergency medical service in New York City's world famous Central Park.

Over a quarter century of service

--For over 25 years, CPMU has been the Central Park community's very own ambulance service. As a premier Emergency Medical Service, CPMU exists to provide life-saving medical assistance and psychological first aid to those in need.

An Unusual Ambulance Corps

--Unlike any other EMS squad in the country. The Central Park Medical Unit is the front-line emergency medical response team for some of the largest and most prestigious events in the world-including the New York City Marathon, the Goodwill Games, Disney Movie premiers in the Park, and the visits of such renowned dignitaries as Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and Former President Jimmy Carter, just to name a few.

Community safety

--CPMU is also the medical safety net for the sons and daughters of New York City who play and train in the Park. From Pee Wee Soccer to corporate softball teams, runners and skaters, thousands of New Yorkers compete in sports events every weekend. Whether its a sprained ankle sustained in a game of touch football or a serious head injury when a cyclist and rollerblader collide, our dedicated volunteers are there in usually less than 3 minutes to provide expert care and rapid transport to the hospital when needed.

A critical service that is completely FREE

--The Central Park Medical Unit is a non-profit orginization. We do not charge fees to our patients for medical treatment or transport, services that would routinely cost $400 or more with a typical ambulance service. With CPMU transporting more than 1,200 patients per year -- not to mention the 2,000 plus patients we treat and release on scene -- that represents well in excess of one million dollars in FREE care to the people of New York City.

On call to the larger community in times of crisis

--Occasionally our medical teams are called upon in times of crisis to respond outside the Park. The September 11th World Trade Center attack, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the AA 587 and TWA 800 plane crashes, the 1999 summer Washington Heights black-out, all times when CPMU has answered the call for mutual aid.

--Whenever a major crisis occurs in the region we respond. When the city's emergency medical service is in backlog, CPMU picks up the slack, responding throughout the city to everything from serious motor vehicle accidents and fires to overdoses and seizures.

Praise from city agencies

--CPMU has been rewarded repeatedly and recognized by New York City Mayors, the Central Park Community Council, the NYPD and key organizations that oversee the Park, for its life saving efforts, and for being a keystone in making Central Park such a secure and enjoyable experience for New Yorkers and tourists alike.