Hatzalah is a volunteer-based emergency medical services (EMS) organization that provides rapid, life-saving care to communities across New York State. Founded on the principle of "for the community, by the community," Hatzalah is staffed by trained volunteers—fathers, husbands, sons—who respond to emergencies regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. With over 1,500 EMTs, paramedics, and physicians, Hatzalah handles more than 100,000 emergency calls annually, utilizing a fleet of 85 ambulances to serve 55 neighborhoods throughout the state.​

Central Hatzalah, based in Brooklyn, serves as the backbone for over 16 independent branches, providing critical support in areas such as dispatch coordination, training, and equipment procurement. Each Advanced Life Support (ALS) vehicle is equipped with over $30,000 worth of life-saving medical equipment, ensuring that responders are prepared for a wide range of emergencies. The organization emphasizes intensive, ongoing training and certifications for its volunteers, fostering collaborative teams that include physicians, EMTs, and paramedics.​

Hatzalah's commitment to rapid response is evident in its impressive average response times, often arriving at emergency scenes within minutes. This efficiency is achieved through a two-tiered response strategy that deploys both first responders and ambulances, ensuring that fully equipped and trained emergency care providers are on the scene promptly. The organization's infrastructure and dedication have earned endorsements from various politicians and community leaders, who recognize Hatzalah's vital role in enhancing emergency response services and improving community health outcomes.​

Operating as a nonprofit, Hatzalah relies almost exclusively on the generosity of donors to fund its operations. Community support is crucial in maintaining the organization's ability to provide free, high-quality emergency medical services. Hatzalah's model of community-based volunteerism not only saves lives but also fosters a sense of unity and responsibility among its members and the communities they serve.