A Message from the Squad President and Captain

 

Have you ever wondered who is in the white and orange ambulance that you see up and down Bloomfield Avenue on any given day or night? We are the members of the West Essex First Aid Squad, all dedicated volunteers, who are residents or are employed by businesses or institutions in the five communities that we serve: Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and West Caldwell.

We come from all walks of life. We are mothers, fathers, teachers, accountants, police officers, firefighters, full time EMT's, stay at home parents, business owners, government employees, physical therapists, nurses, electricians and students. We have one common, overriding interest: caring for our friends and neighbors, within our scope of practice. That scope of practice includes basic life support services and heavy rescue, such as extricating patients from trucks and automobiles. The work is interesting as well as challenging.

The active members of the Squad are Emergency Medical Technicians certified by the State of New Jersey, Department of Health and Human Services. We take continuing education classes and participate in drills in order to maintain our certifications, which includes Health Care Provider CPR status. Our members not only donate their time to our activities, but offer their time and talents to offer first aid and CPR instruction to members of the community.

Neither of us can think of our lives without involvement in the squad. That might sound dramatic, but we truly mean it. Perhaps you would be surprised to know that there are several multi-generational families in the Squad--mothers, fathers, cousins, and people with grandparents who were members. We offer you the opportunity to transform your life by joining a proud tradition, since 1937.

We have a continuing need for new volunteers, especially adults over the age of 21 who can offer a few hours a month during the day. If you have an interest in doing something meaningful for the community and your neighbors, please take a few moments and fill out the membership inquiry form on this web site. A member will contact you and guide you through the decision making process. We are certain that once you know more about us, you will want to join.

Sincerely,

John Talyor , President 2008
president@westessexfas.org

Pete Nancoz , Captain 2008
captain@westessexfas.org