Founded in 1955, the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad (PVRS) offers emergency medical and rescue services across approximately 150 square miles, serving a population of over 16,000. Their service area includes two universities—Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam—with a combined enrollment exceeding 7,000 students. Operating from two stations, PVRS responds to an average of over 2,200 calls annually, including motor vehicle accidents, illnesses, and trauma-related incidents. The squad comprises over 50 volunteers, including local residents and university students, and contracts additional Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) providers to ensure timely response to the community's needs.