Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad

THERE’S A ROLE FOR YOU IN WHAT WE DO: VOLUNTEER!

Clinton First Aid &
Rescue Squad

www.joinclintonems.com
844-4-CLINTON

Recruitment Brochure

Street Banner
Booth Design

Table Cover

Table Tent

Clinton EMS Facebook Advertising
From Jan 18, 2016 – Feb 2, 2016

Total Reach – 5,930 Ad Clicks
Reach Area – Clinton NJ +10 miles
Ad Clicks -189 (clicking on the ad sent people to the website)
Page Likes – 5
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Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad’s Recruitment Campaign
Draws New Volunteers - More Help is Needed

The positive community response to Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad’s new re- “The slogan really says it all,” Setnicky said. “With the right training, anyone willing
cruitment and awareness campaign has been remarkable. to make the commitment literally has the power to save lives.”

Since the January launch of the effort, 18 people have expressed interest in becom- WHY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
ing a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Associate, Water Rescue CFARS launched the new recruitment effort in response to both the local and
Associate or Cadet. So far, CFARS has interviewed 15 applicants. Six of them have national shortage of volunteer first responders and the rising number of calls for
already begun training, and more will soon start classes that will teach them to pro- emergency assistance in the area we serve - Clinton Township, the Town of Clinton,
vide medical assistance, hospital transport, and land and water rescues. Lebanon Borough, and portions of Union Township and Franklin Township.

“None of us can remember another time when this many people stepped up to The Squad responded to 3,009 calls for medical assistance or rescue in 2015 alone
serve the community in such a short period of time,” said CFARS Chief Frank P. – an astonishing call volume increase of about 15 percent in a single year, and more
Setnicky. “Our new members have already made a huge contribution to the Squad.” than 25 percent since 2012. This year is still young, but the trend seems to be
continuing: In January, CFARS responded to 308 calls, up from 278 in January 2015.
As excited as CFARS members are about the campaign’s success so far, more vol- Similarly, February 2016 brought 263 calls for assistance, up from 234 the same
unteers are still needed, so efforts to bring more people into the CFARS family month in 2015.
continue.
“We are dedicated to providing the highest quality emergency care to all who need
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NOT REQUIRED our help, but we need more volunteers to help us continue to do so,” Setnicky said.
The recruitment and awareness effort’s theme is, “The Power to Save Others is in CFARS volunteers commit to serving set duty shifts, with additional volunteers re-
Your Hands. Share it.” sponding when needed.

While everyone has the power to help, no one is expected to have the necessary Continued on next page
medical or rescue skills when they walk in the door. Once a volunteer commits to
the organization, training is provided at no cost.

CFARS volunteer opportunities include:

Emergency Medical Technicians... (EMTs) provide immediate care to the
ill and injured and transport the patient to the hospital.

Rescue Associates rescue people from life-threatening or hazardous circum-
stances, such as being trapped in vehicle after an accident.

Water Rescue Associates use specialized skills to rescue people during
water-related emergencies, such as boating accidents or floods.

Cadets are our youngest volunteers, ages 16 and 17. Cadets receive much of the
same training and serve in many of the same ways as our other volunteers, and
can quickly become full-duty members at age 18.

Non-riding members do not go on calls, but assist with administrative tasks,
maintenance, community events, fundraisers, and many other things. Whatever
skills you have, CFARS can use them!

Visit www.joinclintonems.com or call 844-4-Clinton (844-425-4686).

Join Clinton First Aid & Rescue Recruitment
Squad for Our 2016 National EMS Campaign Update
Week Open House on May 15!
Where can you learn first aid and safety • Opportunities to talk to current members Continued from page 1
skills, show the kids the inside of an ambu- about what we do and how you can get
lance, enjoy refreshments and learn about involved. “Having more volunteers means the responsibility
fun and important ways you could make of keeping our communities safe is shared by more
a difference in your community?  At our The CFARS Open House coincides with Na- people,” explained CFARS Deputy Chief of EMS Bucky
house! tional EMS Week, which runs May 15 to 21. Buchanan. “That lessens the time required of each in-
This year’s theme, “EMS Strong: Called to dividual member.”
Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad invites Care,” aligns nicely with our feelings about
you to our 2016 Open House, to be held becoming a volunteer EMT, Rescue Associ- One challenge Clinton First Aid & Rescue is working
May 15 from Noon to 4 p.m. at our sta- ate, Water Rescue Associate or Cadet.  to overcome is that many residents don’t realize the
tion, 48 Old Highway 22 in Clinton. Open EMTs and Rescue Associates serving them are a largely
House highlights include: And if you’re thinking you just might be volunteer force. The non-profit first aid and rescue
called to care, the open house is the perfect squad employs a small number of career EMTs to cover
• Tours time to ask questions to current volunteers the hours when most volunteers are at work, but the
or talk with them about the life-changing majority of Clinton First Aid & Rescue personnel are
• Food experiences they have helping others! donating their time.

• Activities for kids The Power to Save Others is In Your THERE’S NOTHING ELSE LIKE VOLUNTEERING
Hands. SHARE IT! WITH CFARS
• Giveaways At 23, Emily Engel has been volunteering for nearly
six years. “I like helping people – it’s fun for me,” she
• Demonstrations of rappelling skills, said. Engel was inspired to become a volunteer first re-
1 p.m., and vehicle rescue, 3 p.m sponder by her parents, who are also involved in EMS.
She is a CFARS EMT, a rescue tech, EMS engineer and
Got CFARS Questions? Come Talk the Squad treasurer. Working and training together as
to Us at These Community Events! a team means CFARS volunteers build the strongest
friendships imaginable. “I know if I ever need anything,
Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad volunteers love what we do, and are always delighted to talk I can go to any single person, and they will help me no
about it! matter what,” Engel said. “It’s nice to have a second
family.”
We’ll be at the following community events. Come say hello, ask us questions, and learn how you
could make a real difference in this community as a volunteer EMT, Rescue Associate or Water CFARS has expanded Engel’s family in other ways, too.
Rescue Associate. This June, she will marry CFARS Deputy Chief of Res-
cue Matt Stiff.
• April 30: Clinton Township Community Day, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Bundt Park, 10 Red School
House Road, Lebanon, NJ. The Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad family has grown,
but still needs you. Please join us!
• June 15 – 19: Immaculate Conception Church Parish Festival, 316 Old Allerton Rd, Annandale, NJ.
Visit www.joinclintonems.com or call 844-4-Clinton
• July 4: Lebanon Borough July 4th Parade and Community Day, Holjes-Sheppard Memorial (844-425-4686).
Park, Lebanon, NJ.

Prospective volunteers can also learn more at JoinClintonEMS.com, or by calling 844-4-Clinton.

The Power to Save Others is In Your Hands. SHARE IT!

Visit www.joinclintonems.com or call
844-4-Clinton (844-425-4686).

Training Prepares Clinton First Aid &
Rescue EMTs for Any Emergency

The patient was in cardiac arrest. built friendships with the other volunteers, too.” skill drills beside seasoned members – everyone
practices to keep sharp.
Connor Gallagher, 24, and still a new Clinton First Gallagher said one of the things that makes being
Aid & Rescue Squad volunteer EMT with “candi- a volunteer EMT so exciting is how variable it is – “It is actually better when people ride (the ambu-
date” status, rushed into the ambulance with two one never knows what skills a call will require, or, lance) for a few months before they do the EMT
seasoned EMTs. He was filled with adrenaline as for that matter, which ones might be useful when course,” Gardner said. Riding on calls, assisting
they drove toward the address from dispatch. But he’s off-duty, just walking down the street. the EMTs, and just spending time at the squad help
once the team was with their patient, “I knew new members make sure being an EMT is for them
what my role was, and the team worked together As Clinton First Aid & Rescue’s Training Officer, before making the EMT course time commitment,
flawlessly,” Gallagher said. it is Michelle Gardner’s job to ensure the train- she said. “Also, the experience they gain means
ing course covers all of those skills, as well as an they already have a certain level of familiarity and
That day toward the end of 2015 was when Gal- understanding of applicable laws, and prepares stu- comfort with the subjects we cover,” Gardner
lagher fully knew how well his CFARS EMT training dents for the state EMT exam. says. “It makes it easier.”
course had prepared him and his 14 classmates.
EMT courses, which stretch over four or five The skills taught in class are too many to list here
“If you have a great crew, which Clinton provides, months, include classroom lectures and hands- – remember the goal is to ensure EMTs can handle
and great training, which Clinton also provides, on instruction. At the end, there’s a 10-hour mini any situation they encounter! They include:
you always have the skills you need to respond to internship with a nurse or other medical profes-
every situation you find,” he said. “It’s a service- sional during which students use the skills they • Patient assessment: Knowing what questions to
based way to give back to the community, but at have learned under professional supervision. The ask, and what to listen for, to determine the prob-
the same time, it’s a great adventure.” course includes exams, and then to become a cer- lem and the best course of action.
tified EMT, students take a state test.
CFARS offers the EMT course regularly, with one • Medical issue recognition and treatment: Stu-
slated for Fall 2016. But CFARS volunteers can start making a differ- dents learn how to recognize and appropriately
ence and gaining valuable – and exciting – experi- treat many different medical conditions, from re-
Anyone thinking about volunteering should not ence well before that, Gardner said. Those who spiratory, cardiovascular and diabetic emergencies
hesitate, advises Gallagher, a Hampton resident wish to volunteer go through an interview pro- to childbirth, broken bones, soft tissue injuries
who works in retail sales. “Get involved. Go do it. cess. Once accepted as a CFARS member, they and trauma.
Put your heart and soul into it,” he said. can start riding on the ambulance after passing a
CPR course, which only takes a couple of hours, • Airway management: How to clear a patient’s
Training takes time, but it’s rewarding and fun. “I’m Gardner said. And they also participate in CFARS airway so they can breathe on their own or as-
still friends with my classmates,” he said. “And I’ve sistance can be provided.

• Lifting and moving: The procedures and equip-
ment to use so that both patients and EMTs stay
safe while a patient is being moved.

• Pharmacology: While EMTs cannot prescribe
medication, they need to be familiar with common
medicines and what they are used for. This helps
them determine pre-existing conditions their pa-
tients may have. EMTs can administer some medi-
cines, and carry aspirin, Epi pens and Naloxone,
for drug overdose.

• Extrication: EMTs learn how to free people who
are trapped in vehicles, using special tools com-
monly called the Jaws of Life.

Gallagher, who hopes to soon become a senior
EMT, said he became a volunteer because he want-
ed to give back to the community.

“It’s nice to know I’m there to help,” he said. “It’s
gratifying, and it’s something I take pride in.”

Volunteer spotlight “You never know what you’re going to
see, what you’re going to do, who you’re
“There’s no paycheck at the end of the going to treat, whose life you might be
day, but knowing in your heart that you saving that day. You never know the im-
helped someone is reward enough. I love pact you might make on a person’s life.”
the good outcomes, and Clinton’s really
become my family. I’ve made my life here.” -- Adam Nordmeyer, CFARS volunteer EMT
and Water Rescue Associate, works in sales
-Laura Adamcik, CFARS volunteer EMT and and marketing for his family’s company,
squad secretary, career Hunterdon County
dispatcher.

“I started volunteering after completing “I work in emergency management for a lo-
college. I realized that I enjoyed doing cal hospital, and have three other part-time
what I was doing as a volunteer so much, I jobs. But I still run 24-hours per month at
might as well see if I could get a job doing Clinton. It speaks volumes that I really don’t
this, too. Volunteering opened up doors have the time to do it, but I make time to
and gave me another career option.” do it, because it’s so fulfilling.”

-Douglas Gimson, CFARS volunteer EMT and -Stacey Elliott, CFARS volunteer EMT and
EMS Captain, career EMT in Lambertville. Water Rescue Associate, emergency manage-
ment professional and EMS instructor.

Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad
48 Old Highway 22
Clinton, NJ. 08809

JoinClintonEMS.com

What to Expect

A Guide for New CFARS
Members and Their Families

Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad | www.clintonems.org

Welcome to the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad Family!

The decision to become a Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad “When the pager goes off in the middle of dinner, it takes a
Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Associate, or Water lot of understanding to know that the volunteer is running
Rescue Associate is one that will touch both volunteers and out to help somebody, and not to get upset with it,” said Matt,
their families. CFARS Deputy Chief of Rescue.

CFARS volunteers fill a much-needed role in our community, The understanding and support of families that allows volun-
protecting the lives of many people.To do so, they must train, teers to respond when someone needs help is itself a huge
attend meetings, serve scheduled duty shifts, and sometimes contribution to the community, said Emily, an EMT and Rescue
respond when not scheduled. Technician. CFARS first-responders simply couldn’t volunteer
When someone volunteers, his or her whole family makes without their family’s support.
adjustments, said Clinton volunteers Matt and Emily Stiff.

Support Volunteers’ Emotional and Physical Health

PHYSICAL FITNESS EASES DEMANDING WORK said CFARS Deputy Chief of Rescue Matt Stiff.These same
The emergency situations EMTs, Rescue Associates, and professionals are available as-needed, anytime, he said.
Water Rescue Associates face often require physical strength Sometimes, volunteers may need someone else to point out
and stamina. Staying in good physical condition can save a that something is wrong. Please talk to the volunteer, and
volunteer first responders’ life, as well as allow him or her to encourage him or her to talk to the Chief or a Deputy Chief.
better support people in need and the other first responders
on the scene.

Since eating right and being physically active are good for Ignoring an issue can lead to longer-term
everyone, cooking healthy meals and being active can become challenges. Here are some warning signs:
fun family activities, as well as a way to support the volunteer. ANXIETY: Excessive worry, trouble concentrating;,
REWARDING WORK WITH EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES irritability, sleep problems
Some calls involve life and death situations.Volunteers may DEPRESSION: Isolation, lack of interest; changes in
need to talk to their family members or members of their sleeping or eating habits, unusual or out of character
Squad about what they have seen.They may need a little alone sadness, anger, irritability or fatigue
time or a break.

“It’s the cumulative effect of what we see,” said Chris Ryan, SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Heavy use of alcohol or drugs,
CFARS EMT and a volunteer firefighter.“There was a time missed work or school due to alcohol or drug use,
where I needed to take a step back. I just cut back the impaired relationships
number of times I responded for a month to reset, and then I POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: Inability to
came back full-force.” relax; mental replays or dreams in which the volunteer
Anytime there is an especially serious call, CFARS brings in hears, feels, sees, smells or tastes aspects of a traumatic
counselors who specialize in working with first responders, event; being constantly on the look-out for danger

The “New Normal” of a Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Family

It is exciting that you or your family member is able to serve Here are some simple techniques to help you manage your
and care for the community in times of need! It is also a anxieties:
great source of pride.That doesn’t mean there won’t be an • Talk to your volunteer about your concerns.
adjustment period. Here are some hints to help you through: • Trust in the training he or she has received AND in his or
THE PAGER, CELL PHONE, RADIO
When help is needed, on-shift volunteers know immediately - her ability.
the alarm literally shakes the building! If additional assistance • Focus on the facts.
is required, other volunteers will be notified by pager, radio • Have a network of friends or family members who you can
or text.These alerts can go off any hour of any day, in any
weather condition. call if you get anxious when your volunteer is at a scene.
Lives depend on a quick response, so there is really only AGREE ON SCHEDULES AND PLANNING
time for a quick exchange before the volunteer must go. It is Being able to talk openly about schedules to balance volunteer
important to not take this personally. Someone is in urgent time with family needs can minimize the impact.
need. Families often find it helpful to learn to associate the • Have realistic expectations on duty days. If a volunteer’s
buzzing of an alert with that need.
shift ends at 6 p.m., don’t make plans for 6:30 pm
• New volunteers must determine how much time they can

spend with the squad without negatively impacting work or
school performance.

THE TIME COMMITMENT EASE THE IMPACT ON CHILDREN
Your family calendar will now contain periodic meetings and/ Kids are usually very interested in our work – CFARS
or training events that volunteers must attend. Many volun- volunteers help people and have some pretty neat equipment
teers will stop by the squad at other times, just to visit with and vehicles! Yet it can seem the pager always sounds the
other members. Eventually, volunteers may take on additional night of the big game or dance recital. Involving children in the
roles, such as becoming an officer, which come with even volunteer life helps.
more responsibilities and meetings. Because he’s spent so much time with the squad, Shane
WHEN FAMILY DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT A CALL VanNatta, 12, doesn’t worry when his big sister Stacey
Volunteers may be called to respond when they are not with responds to a call.
family. Some will alert their family by text, when possible. Alex Stiff, 4, and Savannah and Chris Ryan, who are 7 and 5,
Discuss expectations ahead of time. respectively, are also frequent visitors.
MANAGE YOUR WORRY AND FEAR “He is already obsessed with the rescue squad, and wants to be
Worrying about the first-responder you love is completely there anytime he can to go on pretend calls in what he calls the
normal, said Clinton volunteers and partners-in-life Stacey ‘woo-woos,’ ” Deputy Chief of Rescue Matt Stiff said of his son.
Elliott and Chris Ryan.

It helps to remember that CFARS has equipment, policies and “We have shown them the equipment we use and talked to them
procedures all designed to keep volunteers safe, said Stacey, about what we do so it is second nature to them,” the elder Chris
an EMT and Water Rescue Associate. When the ambulance said of young Chris and Savannah, his children from a previous
crew responds to a vehicular accident, the rescue truck is marriage. Stacey sums it up succinctly:“ Daddy is their hero.”
parked to shield victims and responders from oncoming Here are some other ideas:
traffic. Special devices allow CPR to be performed more • Show them the pager or cell phone application and explain
effectively and safely.
Regular training for both new and seasoned volunteers what happens when someone calls 911 in an emergency.
ensures everyone knows how to use the equipment and • Assure them their parent or other family member is safe
follow procedures, said Chris, an EMT course instructor.
No volunteer is ever alone on a call.“You always have somebody while serving, thanks to the training received and the
watching your back,” Stacey said.“We protect each other.” equipment used.
• Have a routine “goodbye” for when a call comes in and the
volunteer must respond.

Being a Part of Your New Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad Family

While not every spouse or kid of a first responder chooses George, who decided to check out this place where his son
to get involved, there are plenty of options for those who spent so much time, and is now himself a volunteer EMT!
do. Family members can volunteer without going on emergency
“Clinton has a family-oriented view on how we run our calls – whatever skill you have, the Squad could use your
house,” EMT/Rescue Associate Stacey Elliott said.“There are help.
banquets, picnics, baseball games, hockey trips – lots of good While there are many challenges that come with being a
opportunities for family members.” volunteer EMT or Rescue Associate, there are also many
There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities for family rewards for both volunteers and their loved ones. One of
members. Consider Deputy Chief of Rescue Matt Stiff’s dad, them is being a part of a new community that can also feel
like family.

Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad
Station 45 Rescue - Hunterdon County, NJ

PO Box 5265, Clinton NJ 08809
www.clintonems.org

Excerpted and adapted with permission from the National Volunteer Fire Council’s
What to Expect: A Guide for Family Members of Volunteer Firefighters. www.nvfc.org

N.J. Rescue Squad Launches New work, but the majority of Clinton First Aid & Rescue
personnel donate their time.
Recruitment, Awareness Effort
“People often assume our entire staff is paid, and that the
VIDEO JAN 6, 2016 cost is covered by our municipalities, but it’s actually Clinton
First Aid & Rescue volunteers performing the vast majority of
Prompted by a rising number of local calls for emergency the services we provide our community,” Setnicky said. “I
assistance and the nationwide shortage of volunteer first believe more people will volunteer once they know how
responders, Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad in New Jersey much volunteers are needed.”
has launched a proactive recruitment and awareness
campaign: The Power to Save Others is In Your Hands. Share
it.

Clinton First Aid & Rescue serves Clinton Township, the Town
of Clinton, Lebanon Borough, and portions of Union
Township and Franklin Township. The squad responded to
2,614 calls for medical assistance or rescue in 2014 alone, a
nearly six% increase from the previous year. In 2015, calls
topped 3,000, an astonishing call volume increase of nearly
15% in a single year, and more than 25% since 2012.

“We are dedicated to providing the highest quality
emergency care to all who need our help, but we need more
volunteers to help us continue to do so,” said Clinton First
Aid & Rescue Chief Frank P. Setnicky. “The recruitment
slogan really says it all: With the right training, anyone willing
to make the commitment literally has the power to save
lives.”

A new website, www.joinclintonems.com, is the cornerstone
of the campaign. The site contains information about the
many volunteer opportunities available with Clinton First Aid
& Rescue Squad and allows those interested in volunteering
to fill out an application. Prospective volunteers can also call
844-4-Clinton (844-425-4686). In January, every household in
Clinton First Aid & Rescue’s service area will receive a
brochure with information about the tremendous service the
organization provides to the community and how to
contribute by becoming a volunteer. Current volunteers will
also deliver this important message in person at community
events.

Many residents served by Clinton First Aid & Rescue do not
realize that it’s largely volunteers providing treatment to
patients before and during transport to the hospital and
rescued residents from the water or trapped in cars,
collapsed buildings or other dangerous circumstances. The
non-profit first aid and rescue squad employs a small number
of paid EMTs to cover the hours when most volunteers are at

Responding to the rising number of local calls for emergency assistance and the nationwide
shortage of volunteer first responders, Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad has launched a proactive
recruitment and awareness campaign: The Power to Save Others is In Your Hands. Share it.

Clinton First Aid & Rescue serves Clinton Township, the Town of Clinton, Lebanon Borough, and
portions of Union Township and Franklin Township. The squad reported it responded to 2,614 calls
for medical assistance or rescue in 2014, a nearly six percent increase from the previous year. In
2015, calls topped 3,000 – a call volume increase of nearly 15 percent in a single year, and more
than 25 percent since 2012.

More volunteers are needed to respond to a growing number of emergency calls.

“With increased calls for emergency assistance over the last few years, and a continued need for volunteers to help answer those
calls, it was time that we tried a new approach to finding community members willing to help share our mission,” said Bucky
Buchanan, deputy chief of EMS for Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad.

A newly created web site, www.joinclintonems.com, is the cornerstone of this campaign. The site contains information about the
many volunteer opportunities available with Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and allows those interested in volunteering to fill out
an application.

Prospective volunteers can also call 844-4-Clinton (844-425-4686). Households in Clinton First Aid & Rescue’s service area will receive
a brochure with information about the services the organization provides to the community and how to contribute by becoming a
volunteer.

“So far we have received more interest than any other time in recent memory,” Buchanan added. “Applicants are now being
processed, and we hope to have a few new members enrolled in the upcoming training programs starting next month. It's been a
great response from the community so far.”

Potential volunteers are not expected to have the necessary medical or rescue skills when they walk in the door. Once a volunteer
commits to the organization, training is provided at no cost.

Professionally, Adam Nordmeyer, 29, works in sales and marketing for his family’s contract manufacturing and assembly company,
Bihler of America. But Nordmeyer, who grew up in Pittstown, wanted to help people in his hometown. About two years ago, he
volunteered with Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad. He says what’s happened since then has changed his life.

“You never know what you’re going to see, what you’re going to do, who you’re going to treat, or whose life you might be saving that
day,” he said.

At least two weekends a month, he serves volunteer shifts with Clinton First Aid & Rescue and often volunteers for extra shifts or to
attend community events where EMTs “stand by,” in case someone needs help.

Buchanan said the desire to help surpasses hands-on experience.

"Those who don’t have training or experience can get both once they walk through the doors of the Squad. The desire to help others
is the most important thing,” Buchanan added. “Anyone who has that can develop the necessary skills.

"Our experienced volunteers are always willing to mentor the new ones, and we all learn from each other constantly. Anyone
thinking about joining Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad should know that the donation of their time and service will bring them many
rewards.

"Training and working together as a team so that we can help people when they most need it creates family-like bonds among
volunteers.”

For more information about Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad and its new recruitment and awareness effort, visit
www.joinclintonems.com.

Volunteers needed for NJ
first aid squads

By Dino Flammia January 27, 2016 10:08 PM

New Jersey, just like every state across the country, is
peppered with towns that are struggling to recruit
volunteers for their first aid squads.
In this rough and tumble economy, getting anyone to do anything for free is not the easiest task, even if it could
be a matter of life or death.

Over the past few years, the Clinton First Aid & Rescue Squad has been dealing with a nasty combination – a
downturn in the number of volunteers, plus a significant spike in call volume.
The squad’s website cited 3,009 dispatches in 2015, compared to 2,614 one year prior.
“Volunteers are the life blood of what we do in our community,” said Bucky Buchanan, Clinton’s deputy chief of
EMS.

In response to the unfortunate trend, the squad launched an all-out campaign in early January to garner interest
among local residents. The campaign’s slogan – “The power to save others is in your hands. Share it.”
The website joinclintonems.com is devoted solely to recruiting volunteers. In addition, multi-page fliers were
sent to all residents within the squad’s response area. There’s also a banner downtown with a call out for help.
“We have already seen over a dozen applications come in…which is a huge number,” Buchanan said. “We don’t
see that many in a full year at times.”

Of course, the weak economy has kept folks away from
taking on unpaid work, but according to Howard Meyer
with the EMS Council of New Jersey, the biggest reason
for a volunteer drop-off is the way training has changed
over recent years.

Training hours jumped from 110 hours to more than 250
hours in some cases, he said, and the education is no
longer run by a statewide syllabus.
“We’re not saying that the training shouldn’t be there,”
Meyer said. “We’re saying that we need to step back
and take a look at how the training’s being delivered.”
Meyer said volunteer shortages are seen nationwide,
and it’s a problem that has gotten worse over time.