N.Y. Volunteer Ambulance Workers' Benefit Law § 2: Purpose

§ 2. Purpose. In recognition of the unselfish service given to the

people of New York state by these volunteer ambulance workers,

government has undertaken to provide for them and their families some

measure of protection against loss from death or injuries in the line of

duty. This chapter establishes a system of benefits for volunteer

ambulance workers and provides for the administration of such system by

the workers' compensation board and the chairman of such board.

It is hereby declared that this chapter is intended to effectuate the

objects and purposes of section eighteen of article one of the state

constitution and that the relationship between the political subdivision

or volunteer ambulance company liable for benefits under this chapter

and a volunteer ambulance worker entitled to such benefits is that of

employer and employee within the meaning of such provision of the state

constitution.