An emergency can be an upsetting and stressful episode for family members and lay people who are involved. When a person realizes they have an emergency on their hands, they have to make the decision to start Emergency Medical Services. Once the "911" call is made, the county is required to provide an ambulance. An emergency may be anything from a broken leg to someone experiencing chest pain.
Salem County Emergency Services Dispatch, is manned around the clock and is reached by dialing "911" from any phone in Salem County, Cellular or land line. The dispatcher gets vital information from the caller and then dispatches the appropriate services based on N.J. state guidelines. The dispatcher may give instructional information in the event the caller should medically intervene to keep the person alive. The dispatcher can also contact "Poison Control" or "Chemtrec" etc. in the event more serious information is needed.
The S.C.E.S.D. dispatches the appropriate service based on municipal pre-planning, and squad/fire co. setup. Pagers are used as a means of dispatching the service and announcing the call location. A print out is sent to the Squad building that informs the squad members of such things as call location, nearest streets, Dogs, Medications in use, etc.
The squad personnel or duty crew assemble at the squad building and gear up for the peticular call. A print out of the call information is already at the squad building for the crew to use for directions and even more critical information provided by the caller. The crew responds to the call and listens for any change in status.
The crew arrives and treats the patient, gets vital information, and calls on advanced services if necessary.
On the way to the medical facility, our crew monitors any changes and performs any required medical treatment according to N.J. Dept. of Health guidelines. Our crew is in contact with the medical facility while in route.
The hospital Emergency Room receives our patient and medical treatment is continued. Information is conveyed to the E.R. staff and more advanced treatment is rendered if necessary. The family is asked to register the patient and remain in the waiting room until the physician allows visitors.
Our crew restocks the ambulance and finishes the paperwork. Returns the ambulance to the hall and inspects it to make sure it is ready for the next call.
A typical call takes 45 to 50 minutes of time.
Each of our members have families, hobbies, chores and things to do just like you do.
Each member volunteers their time to take calls, attend meetings, attend classes to keep certifications valid, clean vehicles, maintain equipment, maintain the hall, etc.......
Each member receives no compensation for their time or effort.
