The Central Park Medical Unit, established in 1975, is made up of 150 volunteers and three ambulances that serve the Central Park area, providing medical service when needed. The Unit is funded solely by private donations, and the medical services provided by the Unit are free of charge. Each day, the Central Park Medical Unit receives dozens of calls, the majority of which are trauma calls.
The Unit is often asked by the NYPD to assist in crises; they have aided New York City during both the World Trade Center bombing and the 2003 North America blackout. Members of the Central Park Medical Unit are on standby at large events in Central Park, such as the NYC Marathon, concerts in Central Park, and the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade.