Providing "Care" is the basis for our emergency medical service that we provide to the community. If you "Care" about your community and friends, then read on...
When someone mentions any ambulance squad, everyone immediately thinks of messy tragedy. This is the view that our society has planted in our thoughts through media and movies, etc. If you look at the whole picture, you will find out that a real small percentage of calls are not suitable for the inexperienced. That leaves a large portion of calls that are typical transports or general emergencies that any Emergency Medical Technician can handle with confidence.
In our organization, we familiarize and train in a gradual fashion. We know whole-heartedly that everyone trains and retains at their own pace. It is important to get exposure and view the more serious calls before you are treating on those calls.
Everyone has their choice of "likes" and "dislikes". Unfortunately, we can't predict what is at the scene. A few scenes are stressful and not pleasant. In those cases, we make it a practice to direct our more experienced members to administer medical services.
Do you have what it takes to help on a general call? Most likely.
Do you have what it takes on unpleasant more serious calls? Probably not. Experience and training will build your confidence so that you can answer that.
A typical call takes anywhere from 30min. to 1 hr., we have close to 18 calls a week.
An EMT must complete 24 credit hours of training in a 3 year period as required by the
N.J. Dept. of Health.
General business meetings, stand-bys, drills, training classes are all part of our
responsibilities.
How much of my time does it take to volunteer?... Basically, as much time as you are willing to volunteer.
Training is paid for by the squad. However, when you attend the NJ Certified Emergency Medical Technician course, we do require that you maintain active membership for at least a six month period after completing the course, or reimburse the squad a portion of the cost of the course.
Insurance, Jump suits, personal equipment and safety equipment is paid for by the squad.
All members are required to maintain Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Professional
Healthcare provider certification.
All members are required to become a New Jersey Certified Emergency Medical Technician
within two years of their beginning of membership. All members are required to
maintain their certifications.
The squad provides Workman's Compensation insurance and General Liability insurance.
The answer is too big to type out. The greatest part of volunteering is the memory of those calls where you made a difference in the person's life. Maybe kept them alive or medically intervened to shorten their recovery from a tragic episode. Maybe you were instrumental in comforting a family member after the loss of their loved one. In any case you return home with a feeling of accomplishment and feeling good about what you do for your community.
Contact anyone on the Main web page for an application. Fill the application out and mail or deliver it to one of those members.