MARLBORO – On March 13, the young people who volunteer with the Marlboro First Aid Squad, Wyncrest Road, as cadet members presented their senior squad members with a $1,500 donation to cover the cost of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) equipment.
According to information provided by the squad, the 35 current cadet members work alongside and are mentored by the senior squad members.
The cadets ride with a crew once they are certified in CPR and capable of conducting a rig check, which means inspecting all of the equipment to ensure it is available for use when needed.
When the cadets are certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), they assist in delivering patient care. In addition, the cadets work on the clean-up crew, are runners on scene, and provide assistance whenever needed.
According to Aimee Weiner, cadet president, and Ariel Teichman, cadet secretary, high school students ranging in age from 16 to 18 are drawn to volunteering at the squad for various reasons, including an interest in medicine as a career; the desire to help people; the chance to give back to the community; the social aspects; and the camaraderie of the squad members who span the generations.
In Weiner’s case, a senior at Marlboro High School, and Teichman, a junior at Freehold Township High School, the appeal is one that is quite familiar – it is in the family. Volunteering gives them the opportunity to work side by side with family members who are active on the squad.
According to a press release from the squad, the cadets benefit from an educational program delivered by certified instructors and reinforced through role playing, drills, and on-scene experiences.
In appreciation for the support and guidance the cadets have received from the senior squad, Weiner and Teichman, on behalf of the Cadet Corps, presented $1,500 to the senior squad.
“We are happy to give this check for $1,500 to the senior squad to show our appreciation for the guidance and support you have given us,” Weiner said as she presented the check to Herby Steinberg, an active squad member for more than 27 years and CPR coordinator.
Teichman added, “Being involved in the squad truly changes your life; we [the cadets] actually know how to help someone in distress. It is pretty amazing to know that we can make a difference in our community.”
Brad Greenberg, current squad captain, knows the value of a cadet experience even though his cadet days are long gone. During the donation ceremony, he fondly recalled his early experiences with the squad.
“The cadets bring a different perspective, they are eager, very motivated, willing to learn, and just a breath of fresh air. The cadets are great; we have a cohesive squad in which all of its members work well together regardless of age, experience, and interests,” Greenberg said. “I can’t think of a better place for high school students to develop themselves as citizens in the community. The skills they learn in the classes, the interactions they have with senior squad members and patients, and the overall hands-on experience will be with them for the rest of their lives.”
Ira Finkler, a cadet adviser with 15 years of squad experience said, “The cadet corps worked hard to raise the money and they are proud to give this donation for first aid equipment. This donation is indicative of the mutual respect shared by the junior and senior members of the Marlboro First Aid Squad.”
For more information about joining the Marlboro First Aid Squad cadet squad, contact Brad Greenberg at (732) 252-6575.