BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A shortage of volunteer responders throughout the Basking Ridge area has prompted several local EMS and fire agencies to come together and pool their resources to recruit volunteers.
“It was a concerted effort to come together,” said Sarah Bonnefoi, EMS Captain for the Basking Ridge Fire Co. to Patch. “We are looking for anyone 21 years old and older. It could be a stay-at-home parent or anyone willing to give back to their community.”
Emergency responders in the Somerset Hills area are looking for volunteers and are hosting an Emergency Services Community Volunteer Fair on Thursday, March 28 to show you what they do.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The majority of responders in the Somerset Hills are volunteers and local residents. All these local agencies need more responders. If you want to help your neighbors and support your community, being a firefighter or EMT is a very fulfilling way to do so.
“We are passionate. You gotta have passion,” said Bonnefoi.
Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bonnefoi started as an ambulance driver with the volunteer company and eventually moved up to Lieutenant before becoming Captain right when the pandemic hit.
Click Here: cheap adidas men shoes
She noted that most volunteers are showing up to see people on their worst day but the benefits of being a volunteer is helping to make people feel better.
“Helping your community and setting a good example for my family” were key factors in Bonnefoi’s decision to join the EMS. Now her daughter has followed in her footsteps as an EMT.
The Basking Ridge EMS responds to around 370 calls per year. Last year the company responded to 399 calls.
When a call comes in, two tiers of life support could be offered – Basic Life Support(BLS) and Advanced Life Support(ALS).
BLS drives ambulances but they carry limited medications such as Narcan, EpiPen, and glucose. To be trained as a BLS provider you need to complete a 230 hour course over a couple of months.
For ALS units, they do not have the capacity to transport patients but they are paramedics who have taken a 2-year course. ALS units come in trucks equipped with things such as ventilators and medicine such as Ketamine.
There are junior programs offered for those under 18 years old. However, there are limitations on the times they can volunteer and driving apparatus.
Along with responses to 911 calls, the Basking Ridge Fire & EMS offer their services at all sporting events and runs such as the upcoming Twilight Challenge.
To educate the public on what they do and how the community can help become volunteers, the Emergency Services Community Volunteer Fair will offer plenty of information.
On March 28 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., the following agencies will open their doors to show you what they do:
All these agencies are looking for volunteers. No prior experience is necessary. This is your chance to meet the neighbors who became firefighters and EMTs and ask them what they love about their jobs.
Training options will be available for review. Drinks and food will be offered.
For more information or to volunteer with the Somerset Hils EMS and Fire companies check out their contact information below:
Have a news tip? Email [email protected].
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.