Charity Focus: Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Service

Rural ambulance coverage in the US is normally locally funded, often with private money, and crewed on a volunteer basis. The SVAS was founded in 1971 with the very first training being provided by the nearby Sharon Hospital; a garage became its headquarters, and in the early days emergency calls were routed through a local inn. Its first vehicle was a Ford Econoline van.

Today, SVAS handles over 500 calls annually. Its catchment area includes a stretch of the rugged Appalachian Trail, as well at Mount Riga State Park. The Service runs a selection of 4WD and all-terrain vehicles to gain access, the latter equipped with sophisticated stretchers.

That all costs money, so for the last three years an enterprising expat community living in neighbouring Lakeville, has run a limited-overs cricket match to help raise funds. Templar has played in all three matches.

“News of the game spreads like wild-fire among New York and Boston trading floors. Come match day, Australians, South Africans, Indians, Pakistanis and Brits who are more familiar with the game can be seen limbering up whilst trying to explain the rules to their American hosts (“Wait… that’s how many outs?” ,“What do you mean I was throwing?”).

True to the maxim that the two most dangerous health threats facing middle-aged men are team sports and butter, the day would not be complete without some torn ligaments and a broken finger or two. Yet, tired, sore, part-baked and part-steamed in that New England summer way, the teams left the field happy and the SVAS coffers richer, with the Rest of the World regaining the trophy by three wickets.” – Templar team 

We wish SVAS every good fortune in their important work – see you next year!