Emergency volunteers sought in West Windsor, Plainsboro.
By: Gwen Runkle
For the volunteer rescue squads of Plainsboro and West Windsor, one important resource is in short supply.
"We can pay for training, we can pay for equipment, but what we can’t pay for and are in real need of is volunteers," said Janie Hostetler, president of the Plainsboro Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Both she and leaders of the Twin "W" First Aid Squad in West Windsor are currently on the hunt for potential volunteers after experiencing membership declines in recent years.
"It seems volunteers are always in short supply," said Frank Bertone, chief of the Twin "W" squad. "Nowadays everyone must work to make ends meet and people have other commitments."
"We responded to 604 calls just last year," added Larry Hollander, Twin "W" president. "We are a very busy squad and attracting volunteers is a big problem."
West Windsor and Plainsboro townships both have paid emergency medical services personnel who work during the day Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Plainsboro and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in West Windsor.
A paid crew also works from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. over the weekend in West Windsor.
The volunteer rescue squads cover the overnight hours during the week as well as the weekends for both municipalities.
In Plainsboro, the volunteer squad consists of eight adult emergency medical technicians, four of whom are currently able to serve, six officers-in-charge, or veteran EMTs, and several EMT cadets, Ms. Hostetler said.
Of the 30 people volunteering with West Windsor’s Twin "W" squad, about 14 or 15 are riding now, Mr. Bertone said.
In each case, it is getting more difficult to schedule EMT teams to work each night without overburdening some volunteers.
"It’s getting to be tough," Mr. Bertone said. "We don’t want to burn people out. It would be nice to schedule three to four people per night."
Ms. Hostetler said the Plainsboro squad schedules two people per night and needs at least 12 new volunteers to help ease the burden of the current EMTs.
Both rescue squads encourage anyone with an interest in helping others to volunteer.
"You don’t need a medical background to volunteer as an EMT," Ms. Hostetler said. "Our captain is a mother of three. We have a lieutenant in the Navy and an engineer. You just have to be willing to help out when needed and the training you’ll receive will be your guide.
"There are no age restrictions either," she continued. "I’m a grandmother myself."
The training, equipment and uniforms are free, and training is becoming ever more convenient, she added.
"The Kingston First Aid Squad has put together an evening and weekend EMS class for over the summer, which will start in July," Ms. Hostetler said. "This is a special class designed specifically for the need of immediate volunteers in the local volunteer ambulance/rescue squads."
Even if working directly with the sick or injured is not your thing, Mr. Hollander said volunteering to help in supporting roles, such as fund-raising or helping with paperwork, is equally appreciated.
"Generally we are looking for volunteers who can ride today or want to train to become EMTs," he said. "But anyone who wants to help will not be turned away. We’ll find a place for them."
For more information on how to volunteer, contact the Plainsboro Volunteer Rescue Squad at (609) 799-2180 and (609) 799-9076, or call the Twin "W" First Aid Squad at (609) 799-4383.