Irecently had an occasion to call North Brunswick Rescue Squad to request that they provide assistance in moving my wife from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to JFK Hospital. I called in the evening when the squad is manned by volunteers. I was told that they could provide the transport, but that it would cost over $800.
The squad was established a long time ago in the 1950s to provide rescue and transport to the people of North Brunswick, and has existed through funds contributed by township residents, through events sponsored by the squad and supported to make money. Now, it seems there are not enough volunteers, and paid employees are now having to be used. I can understand the reason for this, but I also believe that when no paid personnel would be involved, it would seem to me that transportation service could be provided free to township residents, as has been the case for over 50 years.
I have been a faithful contributor to the North Brunswick First Aid & Rescue Squad through the years, and my father was a member of the squad, Pappy Gerhartz, who dedicated his life to the North Brunswick First Aid & Rescue Squad. I feel that demanding payment for services when no paid personnel are involved is wrong.
Since I could not afford to pay a squad to transport my wife, I transported her from Robert Wood Johnson Hospital to JFK Hospital in my own car. I felt that this could be unsafe and dangerous and could result in a person losing his life. This must happen to other people in the township who have donated for many years, and now when we need them, they are charging us. Some of us cannot afford to donate and then to pay when we need them.
I urge the squad to reconsider their current practice, and to provide free assistance to residents who need help.
Wayne Gerhartz
North Brunswick