How do I access the EMS system?
Dial 9-1-1 to report any emergency. When the call is answered you are asked several questions. The first question is "what is the emergency?" At the same time emergency equipment is being dispatched, you will be asked additional questions about the situation.
What do I do after the phone call?
Remain calm. Call-takers will provide information and instructions to assist you in reacting to the emergency and providing aid to the patient. Remember to not move an injured person unless their life is in immediate danger. Equally important, don't become a victim yourself. Offer only the level of aid that you are comfortable with providing. Finally, if your request for assistance is for an illness, gather all medications the patient is taking, along with a current medical history, to pass on to the emergency medical personnel when they arrive.
Where can I find out about CPR classes?
CPR is taught by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
When an emergency vehicle is approaching that is displaying flashing red lights and sirens, what should I do?
By New Jersey state law, you are required to immediately pull to the right and come to a full and complete stop. This clears the roadway and allows emergency apparatus to safely and quickly continue its response. If you are unable to pull completely to the right, simply stay where you are and let the emergency vehicle driver navigate around you.
What if I see a passenger car or other private vehicle with flashing blue lights?
Volunteer members of First Aid Squads and Fire Departments are issued flashing blue lights for their personal vehicles to allow them to quickly respond to calls. If you see flashing blue lights, please pull to the right side of the road and stop so that our members can continue on their way to answering someone's emergency call.
How do I find out about the status of a patient you transported to the hospital?
By law we are not allowed to give out any information regarding patients we have cared for, in the same fashion as a doctor cannot give out information about his or her patients. If you believe you have special circumstances, or would like to speak with an officer regarding a call, please contact the squad at (908) 234-2666.
What is the training required to become a riding member of the squad?
All riding members must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic and have a current CPR Card. New members may also start riding while they are in the EMT-B class.
When I called for the ambulance, the police came to my house as well. Why were they there?
Police officers from Far Hills Borough or Bedminster Township Police respond with the Squad on every call for two reasons. First, the officers are trained as medical first responders . In the event that they arrive before the ambulance, they are able to begin medical treatment until the ambulance arrives. Second, the officers are there to ensure the safety of our members.
What is the difference between EMTs and Paramedics?
All our members are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). EMTs are trained in Basic Life Support (BLS) and can provide cardiac defibrillation, CPR, oxygen therapy, splinting and trauma care, and other Basic life saving treatment. Initial EMT certification involves approximately 130 hours of training. Paramedics on the other hand, provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) treatment including intravenous medication, cardiac monitoring, endotracheal intubation, and administration of advanced medications, all under the direction of a Physician. Paramedic training involves more than 1200 hours of classroom and clinical education. Because of these extensive training requirements, the State of NJ restricts Paramedic service to only one agency per county. BLS agencies such as ours may not provide Paramedic service.
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