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The Dual Lifeline: 5 Must-Know Facts About Midwood Emergency Medical Services (MAS And EMVAC)

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Midwood Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Brooklyn, New York, represents a unique and often complex tapestry of private enterprise and dedicated volunteerism, serving a dense and diverse community. As of today, December 21, 2025, the landscape of emergency medical care in the Midwood area is defined by two primary, yet distinct, organizations: the long-standing, family-owned Midwood Ambulance Service (MAS) and the crucial East Midwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EMVAC).

This article dives deep into the history, services, and recent developments—including both accolades and controversies—surrounding the entities that form the backbone of Midwood’s pre-hospital care system, providing a current and comprehensive look at their vital operations across the tri-state region.

The Midwood EMS Ecosystem: A Tale of Two Services

The term "Midwood Emergency Medical Services" is often used to refer to the collective efforts in the area, but it specifically encompasses two major players with different models and missions. Understanding this distinction is key to grasping the full scope of emergency response in Brooklyn.

Midwood Ambulance Service (MAS): History, Services, and The Rapisarda Legacy

The Midwood Ambulance Service, officially known as Midwood Ambulance & Oxygen Service, Inc., is one of the oldest and most respected private medical transportation companies in Brooklyn. Its history is deeply intertwined with the borough itself, starting from humble beginnings.

  • Founding and History: MAS was founded in 1956 by Benny Rapisarda, who started the business out of his home with just one ambulance. For decades, the Rapisarda family has owned and operated the service, establishing it as a multi-generational enterprise.
  • Scope of Service: Midwood Ambulance Service is a leading ambulance transport company that serves the local area, the broader tri-state region, and beyond. They employ approximately 350 personnel, including EMTs and paramedics.
  • Key Services Offered: As a professional medical transportation provider, MAS offers both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services to various facilities and organizations. These services are crucial for inter-facility transfers, hospital discharges, and non-emergency transports, though they also respond to emergency calls.
  • Recent Recognition: The company has been recognized for its long-standing service, including receiving a citation from former Borough President Adams.

East Midwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EMVAC): The Community-Based Lifeline

Operating alongside the private service is the East Midwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EMVAC), a non-profit, community-based organization. EMVAC is an all-volunteer corps dedicated to providing pre-hospital emergency care directly to the local community.

  • Mission: The core mission of EMVAC is to provide the highest level of emergency medical services, rescue, and related services to persons requesting help in the East Midwood area.
  • Volunteer Model: As a volunteer ambulance corps, its operations rely on the dedication of local residents who are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). This model is a cornerstone of the Brooklyn EMS system, often working in conjunction with the FDNY and other regional EMS agencies.
  • Community Impact: EMVAC's focus is hyper-local, ensuring rapid, high-quality care for its neighbors, which is a significant component of the overall emergency response time and effectiveness in the densely populated neighborhood.

Recent Challenges and Audits Facing Midwood Ambulance Service

While the Midwood Ambulance Service has a long history of community service, recent years have brought some significant operational and regulatory challenges that have made headlines and are vital for the public to know.

1. The OIG Medicare Billing Controversy

One of the most significant recent developments involves a federal audit concerning billing practices. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of Midwood Ambulance & Oxygen Service, Inc.

  • Focus of the Audit: The OIG report specifically focused on the company's billing for nonemergency ambulance transport services under Medicare.
  • Key Finding: The audit found that Midwood did not comply with Medicare requirements for billing in a large number of claims reviewed.
  • Financial Ramifications: Based on the audit, the OIG recommended that Midwood refund a substantial amount of money to the federal government, with reports citing potential overbilling in the range of $19 million for nonemergency claims. The OIG noted that these errors were due to inadequate controls to prevent incorrect billing. This situation highlights the complex regulatory environment for private ambulance services that rely on government programs like Medicare.

2. Operational Incidents: The Ambulance Fire

In a separate, high-profile operational incident, a Midwood Ambulance vehicle caught fire on the Hutchinson River Parkway.

  • The Event: The ambulance burst into flames after overheating.
  • Outcome: Fortunately, the patient being transported and the ambulance crew were safely evacuated from the vehicle without serious injury. This incident underscores the constant operational risks and the critical importance of vehicle maintenance and crew training in the high-stakes world of emergency transport.

The Future of Midwood EMS: Technology, Training, and Community Focus

Looking ahead, both the private and volunteer Midwood EMS services continue to adapt to the evolving demands of modern pre-hospital care. The focus remains on improving response times, enhancing medical capabilities, and maintaining a strong connection to the Brooklyn community.

The constant training and certification of personnel—from Basic Life Support (BLS) to Advanced Life Support (ALS)—ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, whether they are being transported by MAS or receiving initial treatment from EMVAC volunteers. The rise of related medical facilities, such as the nearby Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital, also influences the flow of emergency and non-emergency patient transport in the area.

The dedicated staff, including the unionized employees of MAS (represented by Local 531, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO), and the selfless volunteers of EMVAC, are the true heroes of Midwood’s emergency response. Their commitment to the community, often under high-stress conditions like responding to major incidents such as house fires or wellness checks, is what keeps the system functional and reliable.

Midwood Emergency Medical Services, in its dual form, remains a critical component of Brooklyn's public safety infrastructure. Its continued success depends on navigating regulatory scrutiny, maintaining operational excellence, and nurturing the deep community ties that have defined its service for over six decades.

The Dual Lifeline: 5 Must-Know Facts About Midwood Emergency Medical Services (MAS and EMVAC)
midwood emergency medical services
midwood emergency medical services

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