Central Park Medical Unit

The Central Park Medical Unit (CPMU) is an all-volunteer ambulance service that provides completely free emergency medical service to patrons of Central Park and the surrounding streets, in Manhattan, New York City, United States. In addition to its three ambulances, CPMU also operates a rapid-response bike patrol, particularly during major events such as the New York City Marathon, the 1998 Goodwill Games, and concerts in Central Park (like the 2003 Dave Matthews Band Concert). CPMU has also helped the greater New York City community during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, the American Airlines Flight 587 crash, and the 2003 North America blackout.

Founded in 1975, CPMU's 150 certified medical technicians treat 3,000 patients annually. CPMU's ambulances have the fastest response time &mdash; consistently under three minutes &mdash; of any ambulance corps in the state of New York. CPMU has been recognized by numerous city and state officials, including citations from the New York City Police Department, Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Department of Parks and Recreation.

CPMU is completely funded by private donations, relying on the support of corporations and individuals and receiving no financial support from the city, state, or federal governments.

Members of CPMU come from all walks of life, ranging from college students to retirees. As one of the few opportunities to volunteer as an EMT in Manhattan, CPMU trains recent EMT graduates in the practical application of their skills.