Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of time commitment does being a member of the squad entail?

Most members must be "on call" 4 nights per month. Night duty times are usually from 7 PM - 6 AM. Unit 1 members ride on odd days of the month, while Unit 2 members ride on even days of the month. Members of the night duty crew must standby at one of the squad buildings from 8 PM - 9 PM for equipment checkouts and building cleanup. They may then return home and sleep, but must wake up and go to the building when paged for a call.

Members are also expected to attend the Squad's general meeting (8 PM on the first Tuesday of each month at Unit 2) and the training/drill meeting (8 PM on the third Tuesday of each month). In addition, members must contribute approximately 16 hours to fundraising efforts during the summer/fall months (house-to-house and highway collection). There are also other miscellaneous commitments such as yearly Spring Cleaning of the buildings. Officers and Executive Board members commit additional time to their positions. As you can see, a lot of effort goes into keeping the organization running smoothly. However, we find that it is an extremely rewarding and fun experience!

What are the benefits of becoming a squad member?

There are many benefits to being a Hazlet Township First Aid Squad member. Members receive free training on CPR, defibrillation, first aid, emergency vehicle operation, rescue/extrication equipment (ie, "Jaws of Life"), and incident command. Members of volunteer rescue organizations such as ours can also take the New Jersey Emergency Medical Technician - Basic course free of charge. Members are also provided squad uniforms and a pager. There are numerous social functions throughout the year for members. Members are eligible to rent the meeting hall at Unit 2 for qualified personal social functions. Local businesses occasionally offer discounts for the membership. Furthermore, Hazlet Township has recently approved a "Length of Service Award Program" (LOSAP), which awards members who serve the squad for at least 3 years with a small retirement plan. Perhaps the best benefit of being a member is gaining experience in emergency situations and learning valuable life-saving skills. The gratitude of helping someone in need is by far the most rewarding aspect of being a Squad member!

How long does it take to become a member? What is the application process like?

After submitting a request for application from this website, your initial inquiry will be reviewed by the membership at the next meeting night (first or third Tuesday of every month). You will then be provided with the full application for membership, where you will be asked to disclose some more background information about yourself. This application will be read at the next meeting night. You will then be interviewed by the Investigation Committee, and pending their approval, you will subscribe to an oath in front of the membership at a squad meeting. At that point, you will be a "probationary member" and assigned to one of our two Units (based on distance to your home and the needs of the squad). That process usually takes 1-2 months.

New probationary members must complete squad and CPR training within the first 4 months of membership. During this time, probationary members may ride on calls as observers. New members are expected to know the locations of equipment and supplies within the ambulances in addition to knowing Squad standard operating procedures, building rules, and by-laws. Qualified probationary members will also be trained to drive Squad vehicles, including ambulances and the Rescue Truck. Upon completion of this training, probationary members act as important members of the duty crew and assist active members.

Probationary members must complete EMT training within 18 months of membership, or they will be removed from the membership. Upon completion of EMT training and approval by the line Officers, Trustees, and the Executive Board, a probationary member is elevated to "active member". A probationary member must be on the squad for at least 6 months before active status can be considered. Active members enjoy the full benefits, rights, and responsibilities of squad membership.

What kind of training do squad members receive?

New members initially receive CPR training at the Healthcare Provider level. Squad-specific training is also provided so that the trainee is familiar with operations, equipment, and driving. Detailed training in emergency care and basic life support is provided by the State of New Jersey's EMT-B program, which is free of charge to members. This 120-hour course usually takes 3 months of night and weekend classroom time, and culminates in a practical and written examination which tests your new skills. Passing these exams identifies you as an accredited EMT throughout the Untied States. New Jersey EMT status must be renewed every 3 years through an intensive refresher course and continual education credits. The squad provides training throughout the year for which continual education credits can be earned. Topics include: Domestic Violence, Summer/Winter Emergencies, Incident Command, Pediatric care, Poisoning/Overdoses, Rescue/Extrication, etc. These classes ensure that our membership stays sharp on critical skills.

Can I give donations to members on a call?

While we prefer that you mail your donations, you may certainly choose to submit your donation in an envelope to the senior member of the responding crew.

How do I know there is no charge when I call 911? I thought 911 was for a hospital ambulance.

If you live in Hazlet and you dial 911 for a medical emergency, a First Aid Squad ambulance is dispatched to you. We provide care and transportation to an appropriate local hospital at no charge. However, some critical emergencies also require the response of a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU), also known as Paramedics. This is provided by a company called MONOC, and is associated with the hospitals. If they transport you in their ambulance, or even treat you onboard our ambulance en-route to the hospital, they charge a fee that is billed to your insurance company. This is why you sometimes see two ambulances at a scene or following each other to a hospital; one is the First Aid Squad ambulance (carrying the patient), and the other is the MICU/paramedics ambulance. Trained personnel from both services are taking care of the patient.

Can squad members use emergency lights on their car?

Probationary members cannot use emergency lights in their vehicles. Active members may choose to display emergency blue lights when responding to emergency calls, providing they hold the appropriate permit.

Why does the squad have a boat?

There are numerous small bodies of water within Hazlet Township, including the lake at Veteran's Park and Natco Lake. We can also provide mutual aid to other area squads with marine borders, such as Keyport. The boat allows us to perform limited marine emergency and medical services. The squad used the boat to help Middlesex County, NJ during the floods caused by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Do you carry epinephrine in your ambulances? I just found out my son/daughter has a life-threatening food allergy.

Per New Jersey State EMT-B regulations, we do not carry epinephrine in our ambulances. However, paramedics would also be dispatched to any allergic reaction. They act as a mobile "emergency room" and can deliver medications like epinephrine at the scene. You may want to consider getting your son/daughter an "epinephrine pen" auto-injector, which is a safe and effective way of combating the sudden onset of a serious allergic reaction. Our ambulance personnel (EMT-B's) can perform this task with a patient's subscribed EpiPen in case of emergency.

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