Exclusive new look at new Central Park ambulances

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Ambulances are a lifeline on wheels - not one, but two ambulances are ready for duty with the Central Park Medical Unit.

"We have been extremely fortunate, because the outpouring from the community that it actually came so fast," said President Rafael Castellanos.

Sitting in one new replacement, Rafael Castellanos, the unit's president gave Eyewiteness News an exclusive look at what has come about thanks to the generosity of many people.

"When you lose two thirds of your fleet, it really makes a difference in your response time," adds Castellanos.

Back in November 2014, the burned out shells of two ambulances sat unable to answer a call for help after a stubborn fire raced through a parking garage on 108th Street.

"That was pretty devastating actually, the first couple of weeks having only one ambulance was a real challenge for us," says EMT Matthew Tirschwell.

The unit, Central Park's own all-volunteer ambulance service, which answers about 1,000 calls a year sets out to raise funds - nearly $200,000 for each of the units.

"Because of the important work that service offers to Central Park, there was no concern that they wouldn't be able to raise the money, and they were successful raising it through gifts," says NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.

The Central Park Conservancy and the Edward Benenson Foundation were large donors along with many other private donors.

"The number of donations we received, the outpouring from the community with support was frankly overwhelming," adds Castellanos.

Now, the much needed ambulances will be dedicated and readied for service.

"Highly advanced - we are so fortunate to have it," Tirschwell says.