The approach of national EMS Week (May 18-24) provides a timely opportunity to remind the public of the need for EMS volunteers. Everyday illnesses, New Jersey’s aging population and congested roads tax our already-overstretched emergency healthcare system, and the demand for frontline responders will only increase. Now consider the nationwide shortage of EMS responders – paid and volunteer – and the ever-present terrorism threat.
EMS volunteers played a huge support role during and after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, as well as repeated flooding that plagued areas throughout New Jersey in recent years. On 9/11, New Jersey volunteer squads dispatched more than 400 ambulances to help in New York City and North Jersey, all while continuing to staff ambulances in their own communities.
The 79-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council represents more than 20,000 EMS volunteers. Our newest recruitment tools include a 13-minute video and three 30-second public service announcements (PSAs), created professionally using real volunteers and a grant obtained through the state Office of Emergency Medical Services. Visit www.njsfac.org to view the video. The PSAs will be added to the site soon. Call (732) 988-9110 for information on volunteering for your local first aid squad.
Sue Van Orden
President New Jersey State First Aid
Council Allenhurst