Latest news from the EMSCNJ's President,
AT&T Contributes $8,000 to Cadet Scholarship Program:
PARSIPPANY, NJ – AT&T made an $8,000 contribution to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) cadet scholarship program Oct. 18 during the EMSCNJ’s annual Education Symposium & Trade Show. Althea Yancy, Regional Director, AT&T, presented EMSCNJ President Barbara Platt with a check, which will be used to expand the organization’s cadet scholarship program. “Our cadets are enthusiastic and contribute so much to their squads and communities,” Platt said. “This is one way we can express our appreciation for their hard work and encourage them to continue volunteering, hopefully for decades to come. “Thanks to AT&T, we can accommodate more scholarship requests, help support more cadets in their educational endeavors and continue investing in the future of volunteer EMS,” Platt said. Since 2018, AT&T has contributed $15,000 to the EMSCNJ’s cadet scholarship program. |
New EMT Training Fund Form:
To all eligible squads: This form was issued by NJ DOH in May and will be the only form accepted for the convention.
* This must be typed and the principal officer’s signature must be the original wet signature (blue ink highly recommended). Copies, stamps, scans, or electronic signatures will NOT be accepted.
To all eligible squads: This form was issued by NJ DOH in May and will be the only form accepted for the convention.
* This must be typed and the principal officer’s signature must be the original wet signature (blue ink highly recommended). Copies, stamps, scans, or electronic signatures will NOT be accepted.

emscnj_ceu_voucher_form.pdf |
SAYREVILLE, NJ -- The EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) has bestowed its 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award on longtime Allentown First Aid Squad member Ruth Smith Bertagni.
“Ruth was born into a family of volunteers,” said Carol S. Floyd, one of several people who nominated Bertagni for the award. “All of Ruth’s brothers and sisters were involved in the squad one way or another.”
Bertagni’s father, Alvin R. Smith, was a charter member of the squad and her mother, Caroline B. Smith, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary before becoming a squad member. A licensed practical nurse, Bertagni also was a three-year Ladies Auxiliary member before women were allowed to join the squad in 1963. She was auxiliary vice president for many years before the group disbanded in 2012 due to lack of members.
Bertagni and her future husband, Syl Bertagni – they met while both were Allentown FAS members – worked together to provide ongoing training for the squad.
Bertagni has served in many capacities during her decades with the squad, including 15 years as captain. Her focus as captain was improving patient care and looking out for her squad members by acquiring new technology such as pulse oximeters and equipment to help squad members with lifting and moving patients. She has been a first lieutenant, treasurer, secretary, cadet advisor and remains a squad trustee.
“Ruth was born into a family of volunteers,” said Carol S. Floyd, one of several people who nominated Bertagni for the award. “All of Ruth’s brothers and sisters were involved in the squad one way or another.”
Bertagni’s father, Alvin R. Smith, was a charter member of the squad and her mother, Caroline B. Smith, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary before becoming a squad member. A licensed practical nurse, Bertagni also was a three-year Ladies Auxiliary member before women were allowed to join the squad in 1963. She was auxiliary vice president for many years before the group disbanded in 2012 due to lack of members.
Bertagni and her future husband, Syl Bertagni – they met while both were Allentown FAS members – worked together to provide ongoing training for the squad.
Bertagni has served in many capacities during her decades with the squad, including 15 years as captain. Her focus as captain was improving patient care and looking out for her squad members by acquiring new technology such as pulse oximeters and equipment to help squad members with lifting and moving patients. She has been a first lieutenant, treasurer, secretary, cadet advisor and remains a squad trustee.
EMSCNJ receives $7,000 AT&T contribution to support cadet scholarships
Oct. 12, 2018
Contact: Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ PR
SAYREVILLE, NJ – AT&T has contributed $7,000 to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) cadet scholarship program.
The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, now doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the Garden State.
Today Althea Yancy, Regional Director, AT&T, presented EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. with a check, which will be used to expand the organization’s cadet scholarship program.
“We distribute scholarships twice a year, as our budget allows,” Walsh said. “We always receive many more applications than we can fund, so unfortunately, we can’t accommodate every deserving cadet.”
So far this year, the EMSCNJ has awarded eight $1,000 cadet scholarships to high school seniors who were active volunteers on their Council-affiliated squads and planned to attend college this Fall. Fifty-one cadets applied. A selection committee at Raritan Valley Community College reviewed the applications and selected the recipients. The EMSCNJ also awarded six $1,000 Gail Lawrence Memorial Scholarships to graduate students pursuing medical-related careers and who also are active squad participants.
“AT&T’s generosity will enable us to assist more of our worthy cadets who otherwise might be turned down for scholarships, simply because we don’t have the funds,” Walsh said. “This is an investment not only in the future of volunteer EMS, but also our communities.”
The EMSCNJ also supports the annual cadet competition in Keyport, which drew approximately 150 New Jersey and New York cadets in June, and arranges for cadets to attend a free, full day of the October conference each year.
Yancy said the contribution is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative that helps provide access to the education and training people need to get and keep good jobs.
“AT&T is committed to assisting New Jersey’s youth in exploring their talents, skills and strengths, which we hope will help guide them as they make career choices,” said Yancy. “We’re proud to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s cadet scholarship program in its mission to encourage and support volunteerism and academic achievement, particularly among young members.”
Oct. 12, 2018
Contact: Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ PR
SAYREVILLE, NJ – AT&T has contributed $7,000 to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) cadet scholarship program.
The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, now doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the Garden State.
Today Althea Yancy, Regional Director, AT&T, presented EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. with a check, which will be used to expand the organization’s cadet scholarship program.
“We distribute scholarships twice a year, as our budget allows,” Walsh said. “We always receive many more applications than we can fund, so unfortunately, we can’t accommodate every deserving cadet.”
So far this year, the EMSCNJ has awarded eight $1,000 cadet scholarships to high school seniors who were active volunteers on their Council-affiliated squads and planned to attend college this Fall. Fifty-one cadets applied. A selection committee at Raritan Valley Community College reviewed the applications and selected the recipients. The EMSCNJ also awarded six $1,000 Gail Lawrence Memorial Scholarships to graduate students pursuing medical-related careers and who also are active squad participants.
“AT&T’s generosity will enable us to assist more of our worthy cadets who otherwise might be turned down for scholarships, simply because we don’t have the funds,” Walsh said. “This is an investment not only in the future of volunteer EMS, but also our communities.”
The EMSCNJ also supports the annual cadet competition in Keyport, which drew approximately 150 New Jersey and New York cadets in June, and arranges for cadets to attend a free, full day of the October conference each year.
Yancy said the contribution is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative that helps provide access to the education and training people need to get and keep good jobs.
“AT&T is committed to assisting New Jersey’s youth in exploring their talents, skills and strengths, which we hope will help guide them as they make career choices,” said Yancy. “We’re proud to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s cadet scholarship program in its mission to encourage and support volunteerism and academic achievement, particularly among young members.”
EMSCNJ Names Faith Lancaster 2018 ‘Squad Member of the Year’
SAYREVILLE, NJ -- The EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) has named Middle Township Ambulance Corps (MTAC) EMT Faith Lancaster “Squad Member of the Year.” |
A lifelong resident of Cape May and Atlantic Counties, Lancaster has been involved in EMS for 30 years. She has served in leadership roles for various squads, and even as a volunteer firefighter. She currently is serving her second term as chief of the MTAC. She also is a junior and cadet advisor for the MTAC.
During her affiliations with four volunteer EMS squads over the years, Lancaster is credited with delivering 13 babies. When the Woodstown Ambulance Squad’s building and vehicles were destroyed by fire, Faith was the first one to organize and deliver donated equipment and supplies 73 miles away to help them get started again,” said Phyllis Linn, Lancaster’s friend of 30 years and fellow MTAC member who nominated her for the award. “Wherever the need is, Faith is always ready to help.” Lancaster volunteered for many years with the Miss America pageant and parade, and has assisted local Girl Scouts working toward their first-aid patches and with cookie sales. Lancaster travels throughout New Jersey as a wedding officiant, and has visited numerous other states on vacations. She thrives on time spent with family and friends. Despite health issues, “Faith still actively performs her squad chief duties and takes her duty nights every week,” Linn said. “Many times Faith is in the building around the clock to be available for calls.” The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the state. |
Regarding response time and DOH postings.
Aug. 2, 2018
In response to the hype surrounding the state Department of Health (DOH) Office of Emergency Medical Services’ online postings of ambulance response times, New Jersey residents should know the data fails to include many instances when first responders, EMTs or advanced medical care providers arrive on scene before the ambulance.
“Response time is defined as agency dispatch to agency unit arrival on location,” according to the DOH Web site. Those numbers, however, don’t accurately reflect when help actually arrives in many cases. Most EMS volunteers carry pagers even when they are off duty, and respond to calls on their own, arriving within minutes and rendering aid immediately, before the ambulance arrives.
By discounting these “true” response times, the data not only minimizes efforts of EMS responders already on scene, it provides a general misconception of laudable EMS work. The ambulance is a means of transport; treatment started before ambulance arrival is more important to the quality of patient care.
Due to computer system incompatibilities between state, county and local agencies, such data must be entered manually, when available and when possible. Because the systems can’t communicate, there’s no way to merge “true” response-time data with what ultimately gets reported.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
9 Country Club Drive
Neptune, NJ 07753
(732) 894-0138 (cell)
[email protected]
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. is president of the 89-year-old nonprofit EMS Council of New Jersey, which represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the state.
Aug. 2, 2018
In response to the hype surrounding the state Department of Health (DOH) Office of Emergency Medical Services’ online postings of ambulance response times, New Jersey residents should know the data fails to include many instances when first responders, EMTs or advanced medical care providers arrive on scene before the ambulance.
“Response time is defined as agency dispatch to agency unit arrival on location,” according to the DOH Web site. Those numbers, however, don’t accurately reflect when help actually arrives in many cases. Most EMS volunteers carry pagers even when they are off duty, and respond to calls on their own, arriving within minutes and rendering aid immediately, before the ambulance arrives.
By discounting these “true” response times, the data not only minimizes efforts of EMS responders already on scene, it provides a general misconception of laudable EMS work. The ambulance is a means of transport; treatment started before ambulance arrival is more important to the quality of patient care.
Due to computer system incompatibilities between state, county and local agencies, such data must be entered manually, when available and when possible. Because the systems can’t communicate, there’s no way to merge “true” response-time data with what ultimately gets reported.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
9 Country Club Drive
Neptune, NJ 07753
(732) 894-0138 (cell)
[email protected]
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. is president of the 89-year-old nonprofit EMS Council of New Jersey, which represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with 250+ EMS agencies throughout the state.
Englewood, Dick Krane, Celebrates 57 Years and Counting.
Immediate Release Contact: Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ PR
April 8, 2018 (215) 595-8763
Dick Krane/(201) 390-0892
Paula Weiler/(201) 370-4231
For Englewood EMS volunteer, 57 years and counting
ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Englewood resident Dick Krane doesn’t do anything half way. When he commits to something, he really commits. Krane recently celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife, Pat, and come May 2018, will mark 57 years of service with the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC).
Although no longer an active duty crew member, Krane, 81, remains embedded in the squad’s activities, still serving on several of its committees. In appreciation, EVAC members honored Krane recently for his unshakable dedication to volunteer EMS. “During his tenure with EVAC, Dick has held every elected position except treasurer and has served on just about every committee we have,” said Paula Weiler, also a longtime volunteer and the squad’s current treasurer. “Even now, as an active life member, he hasn’t slowed down a bit.”
Formed in 1954, the not-for-profit EVAC currently has 25 volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and First Responders who provide basic life support services, answering approximately 1,100 calls annually. EVAC is one of more than 250 EMS agencies throughout the state that compose the 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, which now does business as the EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ). The EMSCNJ represents the interests of 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with its member agencies.
Over the years, Krane served as the EMSCNJ’s northern area vice president and as a delegate from the organization’s Third District. He joined the convention committee in 1973 and since 1989 has served as chairman of the annual Educational Symposium and Trade Show, a huge undertaking.
“Dick is a career salesman,” explained Weiler, who also serves as the EMSCNJ’s membership secretary. “He has used his considerable talents to garner donations of money, time, ads, giveaways and much more for the convention and the EMSCNJ. He is an incredibly valuable asset not only to our squad, but to EMS throughout New Jersey.”
“Dick has amazing energy,” said EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. “Planning for each convention starts as soon as one finishes, and Dick always has ideas to make the next one better, more fun, more engaging.
“He scouts potential convention locations years ahead of time, driving all over the state and meeting with hotel and venue managers to negotiate the best deals for us,” Walsh said. “He lines up terrific entertainment for our banquets and vendors for our trade show, and still manages to arrange bonuses, such as a mobile ER and a medical flight helicopter for convention attendees to tour.”
Krane says he’s never been one to remain idle, but he never pictured himself this involved in volunteer EMS for so long.
“Initially, I was ‘Shanghaied' to join,” Krane joked. He explained that, at times, as he made sales calls, businessmen in Englewood who were squad members left their stores to answer calls, and convinced him to join them.
“I suppose it grew on me,” he said.
For Krane, community spirit is a family affair: his son, son-in-law and several grandchildren also are EMS volunteers.
“They saw how much I loved it, how involved I was and wanted to experience it for themselves,” Krane said. “Now they’re hooked, too.”
In appreciation of his decades of service with EVAC and as a U.S. Army veteran (1957-59), Krane was chosen to serve as co-grand marshal of Englewood’s Memorial Day parade in 2011.
Immediate Release Contact: Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ PR
April 8, 2018 (215) 595-8763
Dick Krane/(201) 390-0892
Paula Weiler/(201) 370-4231
For Englewood EMS volunteer, 57 years and counting
ENGLEWOOD, NJ – Englewood resident Dick Krane doesn’t do anything half way. When he commits to something, he really commits. Krane recently celebrated 61 years of marriage with his wife, Pat, and come May 2018, will mark 57 years of service with the Englewood Volunteer Ambulance Corps (EVAC).
Although no longer an active duty crew member, Krane, 81, remains embedded in the squad’s activities, still serving on several of its committees. In appreciation, EVAC members honored Krane recently for his unshakable dedication to volunteer EMS. “During his tenure with EVAC, Dick has held every elected position except treasurer and has served on just about every committee we have,” said Paula Weiler, also a longtime volunteer and the squad’s current treasurer. “Even now, as an active life member, he hasn’t slowed down a bit.”
Formed in 1954, the not-for-profit EVAC currently has 25 volunteer emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and First Responders who provide basic life support services, answering approximately 1,100 calls annually. EVAC is one of more than 250 EMS agencies throughout the state that compose the 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, which now does business as the EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ). The EMSCNJ represents the interests of 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with its member agencies.
Over the years, Krane served as the EMSCNJ’s northern area vice president and as a delegate from the organization’s Third District. He joined the convention committee in 1973 and since 1989 has served as chairman of the annual Educational Symposium and Trade Show, a huge undertaking.
“Dick is a career salesman,” explained Weiler, who also serves as the EMSCNJ’s membership secretary. “He has used his considerable talents to garner donations of money, time, ads, giveaways and much more for the convention and the EMSCNJ. He is an incredibly valuable asset not only to our squad, but to EMS throughout New Jersey.”
“Dick has amazing energy,” said EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. “Planning for each convention starts as soon as one finishes, and Dick always has ideas to make the next one better, more fun, more engaging.
“He scouts potential convention locations years ahead of time, driving all over the state and meeting with hotel and venue managers to negotiate the best deals for us,” Walsh said. “He lines up terrific entertainment for our banquets and vendors for our trade show, and still manages to arrange bonuses, such as a mobile ER and a medical flight helicopter for convention attendees to tour.”
Krane says he’s never been one to remain idle, but he never pictured himself this involved in volunteer EMS for so long.
“Initially, I was ‘Shanghaied' to join,” Krane joked. He explained that, at times, as he made sales calls, businessmen in Englewood who were squad members left their stores to answer calls, and convinced him to join them.
“I suppose it grew on me,” he said.
For Krane, community spirit is a family affair: his son, son-in-law and several grandchildren also are EMS volunteers.
“They saw how much I loved it, how involved I was and wanted to experience it for themselves,” Krane said. “Now they’re hooked, too.”
In appreciation of his decades of service with EVAC and as a U.S. Army veteran (1957-59), Krane was chosen to serve as co-grand marshal of Englewood’s Memorial Day parade in 2011.
EMS monthly response-time stats fail to tell the whole story
Data don’t include EMS members’ pre-ambulance arrival times
Immediate Release
Jan. 6, 2018
Contact:
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr., EMSCNJ President (732) 894-0138 (cell)
Edward J. Burdzy, EMSCNJ Executive Dir. (908) 528-4406 (cell)
Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ P.R. (215) 595-8763 (cell)
SAYREVILLE, NJ – October 2017’s EMS agency response times, posted Friday on the New Jersey Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services Web site, are misleading in that they don’t take into account the many instances when first responders, EMTs or advanced medical care providers arrive on scene before the ambulance, according to EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) officials. (EMS Monthly Report for October, 2017 (PDF)). (See EMS DATA on Home page at http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/.
In the data, broken down by county, “response time is defined as agency dispatch to agency unit arrival on location.” Camden County reportedly had the quickest average response time, 10 minutes and 16 seconds, and Sussex County the longest, 24 minutes.
“Those numbers do not accurately reflect when help actually arrives in many cases,” said EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. of Neptune. “Most EMS volunteers carry pagers even when they are off duty, and often respond to calls on their own when they are close by, arriving on scene within minutes.
“Using first-aid equipment they keep in their private homes and automobiles, for exactly this reason, EMS volunteers render aid immediately and initiate life-saving interventions, when needed, to help stabilize patients before the ambulance arrives,” Walsh said. “We’re concerned that, by discounting these ‘true’ response times, the data not only minimize the efforts of EMTs, paramedics, first responders and EMS-trained police already on scene providing care, but also provide the general public with a misconception of laudable EMS work.
“The ambulance is a means of transport,” Walsh said. “The quality of care started prior to the arrival of an ambulance is most important. That is the actual time patient care began and that data needs to be added to the report.”
EMSCNJ Executive Director Edward J. Burdzy, a former mayor of rural Holland Township, Hunterdon County, said instances of EMS individuals responding directly to 9-1-1 calls are perhaps most prevalent – and relevant -- in communities like his.
“It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” Burdzy said. “You’re out running errands on your day off, your pager tones out a call nearby and, if you are able to respond, you go directly to the location to start helping until the ambulance arrives. You’re there within minutes.
“It could be a medical emergency, a car accident, a fall through ice, whatever,” Burdzy said. “Volunteers responding directly often are the first eyes and ears on scene. They can relay information to the dispatcher regarding changes in the situation, what type of help – fire, paramedics, heavy rescue -- and how much manpower might be needed.”
The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 EMS agencies throughout the state.
# # #
Sylvie Mulvaney, BSN, RN, EMT
Public Relations Representative
EMS Council of New Jersey
(215) 595-8763 (cell)
[email protected]
Data don’t include EMS members’ pre-ambulance arrival times
Immediate Release
Jan. 6, 2018
Contact:
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr., EMSCNJ President (732) 894-0138 (cell)
Edward J. Burdzy, EMSCNJ Executive Dir. (908) 528-4406 (cell)
Sylvie Mulvaney, EMSCNJ P.R. (215) 595-8763 (cell)
SAYREVILLE, NJ – October 2017’s EMS agency response times, posted Friday on the New Jersey Department of Health Office of Emergency Medical Services Web site, are misleading in that they don’t take into account the many instances when first responders, EMTs or advanced medical care providers arrive on scene before the ambulance, according to EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) officials. (EMS Monthly Report for October, 2017 (PDF)). (See EMS DATA on Home page at http://www.state.nj.us/health/ems/.
In the data, broken down by county, “response time is defined as agency dispatch to agency unit arrival on location.” Camden County reportedly had the quickest average response time, 10 minutes and 16 seconds, and Sussex County the longest, 24 minutes.
“Those numbers do not accurately reflect when help actually arrives in many cases,” said EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. of Neptune. “Most EMS volunteers carry pagers even when they are off duty, and often respond to calls on their own when they are close by, arriving on scene within minutes.
“Using first-aid equipment they keep in their private homes and automobiles, for exactly this reason, EMS volunteers render aid immediately and initiate life-saving interventions, when needed, to help stabilize patients before the ambulance arrives,” Walsh said. “We’re concerned that, by discounting these ‘true’ response times, the data not only minimize the efforts of EMTs, paramedics, first responders and EMS-trained police already on scene providing care, but also provide the general public with a misconception of laudable EMS work.
“The ambulance is a means of transport,” Walsh said. “The quality of care started prior to the arrival of an ambulance is most important. That is the actual time patient care began and that data needs to be added to the report.”
EMSCNJ Executive Director Edward J. Burdzy, a former mayor of rural Holland Township, Hunterdon County, said instances of EMS individuals responding directly to 9-1-1 calls are perhaps most prevalent – and relevant -- in communities like his.
“It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” Burdzy said. “You’re out running errands on your day off, your pager tones out a call nearby and, if you are able to respond, you go directly to the location to start helping until the ambulance arrives. You’re there within minutes.
“It could be a medical emergency, a car accident, a fall through ice, whatever,” Burdzy said. “Volunteers responding directly often are the first eyes and ears on scene. They can relay information to the dispatcher regarding changes in the situation, what type of help – fire, paramedics, heavy rescue -- and how much manpower might be needed.”
The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, doing business as the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 EMS agencies throughout the state.
# # #
Sylvie Mulvaney, BSN, RN, EMT
Public Relations Representative
EMS Council of New Jersey
(215) 595-8763 (cell)
[email protected]
EMS Week
This year’s EMS Week (May 21-27) theme, “Always in service,” perfectly describes New Jersey’s volunteer EMTs. No matter the emergency, weather, time of day or night, they are out there giving freely of their time and effort. They continually train to improve their skills, volunteer in community events and provide emotional support to patients and their families. They dedicate countless hours maintaining their buildings and equipment, providing community education and raising funds for their organizations. Despite the missed holidays and family gatherings, and the dangers they sometimes face when answering calls, our EMS volunteers ask nothing in return except respect.
Even with the heartache of losing several of their own longtime members this year, including a past president, then mourning the loss of fellow EMT Yadira Arroyo, who was killed after her ambulance was carjacked in the Bronx, our EMS volunteers remain focused on the positive aspects of what they do. One crew recently resuscitated a drowning toddler; another saved a cardiac arrest victim with CPR. One newly certified EMT helped deliver a baby.
New Jersey’s EMS volunteers are your friends and neighbors. Please support and thank them for all they do. Perhaps even consider joining their proud ranks.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr
President EMSCNJ
This year’s EMS Week (May 21-27) theme, “Always in service,” perfectly describes New Jersey’s volunteer EMTs. No matter the emergency, weather, time of day or night, they are out there giving freely of their time and effort. They continually train to improve their skills, volunteer in community events and provide emotional support to patients and their families. They dedicate countless hours maintaining their buildings and equipment, providing community education and raising funds for their organizations. Despite the missed holidays and family gatherings, and the dangers they sometimes face when answering calls, our EMS volunteers ask nothing in return except respect.
Even with the heartache of losing several of their own longtime members this year, including a past president, then mourning the loss of fellow EMT Yadira Arroyo, who was killed after her ambulance was carjacked in the Bronx, our EMS volunteers remain focused on the positive aspects of what they do. One crew recently resuscitated a drowning toddler; another saved a cardiac arrest victim with CPR. One newly certified EMT helped deliver a baby.
New Jersey’s EMS volunteers are your friends and neighbors. Please support and thank them for all they do. Perhaps even consider joining their proud ranks.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr
President EMSCNJ
News Regarding Mid Year Coference
Well as we always seem to do, folks are waiting to pre-register for the Mid Year meeting on Sunday, May 7 at South Hunterdon Regional High School. Unfortunately, if you don’t pre-register soon, your cost will go up after March 31st. Please lets help the 10th District by getting our pre-registrations in as soon as possible. The important deadlines are:
*Pre- Registration* $30 if received by Saturday, April 1st.
$35 if received between April 1st and April 30th.
$40 at the door on May 7th.
NOTE: The continental breakfast and lunch will ONLY be available for those who PRE-REGISTER! If you wait and register at the door, the continental breakfast and lunch will NOT be available to you. While Hunterdon County is beautiful (and easy to get to), there aren’t a lot of places to get breakfast or lunch. To register visit.
Well as we always seem to do, folks are waiting to pre-register for the Mid Year meeting on Sunday, May 7 at South Hunterdon Regional High School. Unfortunately, if you don’t pre-register soon, your cost will go up after March 31st. Please lets help the 10th District by getting our pre-registrations in as soon as possible. The important deadlines are:
*Pre- Registration* $30 if received by Saturday, April 1st.
$35 if received between April 1st and April 30th.
$40 at the door on May 7th.
NOTE: The continental breakfast and lunch will ONLY be available for those who PRE-REGISTER! If you wait and register at the door, the continental breakfast and lunch will NOT be available to you. While Hunterdon County is beautiful (and easy to get to), there aren’t a lot of places to get breakfast or lunch. To register visit.
EMSCNJ welcomed Cadets and Junior Members.
On Saturday, Oct 22 cadets were invited to attend as guests of the President. They were allowed to start at 10:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM. They met for orientation, participated in events and were provided lunch. They also participated at the Memorial Ceremony which was held at 2:00 PM and then attended the Board Meeting and were introduced.
Joseph G. Walsh Jr.
On Saturday, Oct 22 cadets were invited to attend as guests of the President. They were allowed to start at 10:00 AM and close at 4:00 PM. They met for orientation, participated in events and were provided lunch. They also participated at the Memorial Ceremony which was held at 2:00 PM and then attended the Board Meeting and were introduced.
Joseph G. Walsh Jr.
Toys For Tots
The Council asked all attendees to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. The EMSCNJ worked with the United States Marine Corps from the Picatinny Arsenal and they wanted to show our friends what our members can do when they take on a project. EMSCNJ EMTs do a great job for our patients, and did a great job for the kids! Shown is Sgt. Monaco and Kevin Murtha |
A Letter From Joe Walsh, Regarding EMS Week, May 15-21. (May 13, 2016)
While most New Jerseyans hunkered down during the Jan. 23 blizzard, members of the Oceanport First Aid Squad were busy, literally, saving a life. During the same storm, a Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps crew helped deliver a baby. Not long before that, an 18-year-old EMT with the Wantage First Aid Squad helped deliver twins at a patient’s home.
Although these efforts seem especially noteworthy due to their extenuating circumstances, they actually represent events that occur every day throughout the state, with little or no fanfare. Often, the people rushing to help are volunteers.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers serve their communities in parts of every New Jersey county, responding 24/7, weekends, holidays, in any weather. It can be a difficult, thankless task at times, but if it were easy, everyone would do it.
During national EMS Week, May 15-21, I encourage everyone to acknowledge the EMS providers in their communities – especially the volunteers.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
While most New Jerseyans hunkered down during the Jan. 23 blizzard, members of the Oceanport First Aid Squad were busy, literally, saving a life. During the same storm, a Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps crew helped deliver a baby. Not long before that, an 18-year-old EMT with the Wantage First Aid Squad helped deliver twins at a patient’s home.
Although these efforts seem especially noteworthy due to their extenuating circumstances, they actually represent events that occur every day throughout the state, with little or no fanfare. Often, the people rushing to help are volunteers.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers serve their communities in parts of every New Jersey county, responding 24/7, weekends, holidays, in any weather. It can be a difficult, thankless task at times, but if it were easy, everyone would do it.
During national EMS Week, May 15-21, I encourage everyone to acknowledge the EMS providers in their communities – especially the volunteers.
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
In TImes of Crisis NJ Turns To Its Army Of EMS Volunteers.
The attacks in Brussels and Paris remind us of our own vulnerability to another large-scale terrorist assault on our soil. Such a strike surely would further tax our already strained emergency response system.
In times of crisis during the last nine decades, New Jersey repeatedly has turned to its army of EMS volunteers. Our predecessors answered “the call” decades ago during the Hindenburg and Morro Castle disasters, as we did on 9/11 and for weeks afterward, and through many devastating storms, blizzards, floods and other catastrophes. Undeniably, without its EMS volunteers, New Jersey could not adequately manage another Superstorm Sandy or World Trade Center-type event. Today, again, we remain ready to respond.
New Jersey’s EMS volunteers answer hundreds of thousands of calls annually in their communities. With our growing elderly population and increasing terrorism threat, EMS volunteers have never been more relevant or essential.
The 87-year-old nonprofit EMS Council of New Jersey represents 20,000 volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 squads. We’re always looking for new members. To join or support us, visit http://production.njsfac.org/.
Thank You!
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
The attacks in Brussels and Paris remind us of our own vulnerability to another large-scale terrorist assault on our soil. Such a strike surely would further tax our already strained emergency response system.
In times of crisis during the last nine decades, New Jersey repeatedly has turned to its army of EMS volunteers. Our predecessors answered “the call” decades ago during the Hindenburg and Morro Castle disasters, as we did on 9/11 and for weeks afterward, and through many devastating storms, blizzards, floods and other catastrophes. Undeniably, without its EMS volunteers, New Jersey could not adequately manage another Superstorm Sandy or World Trade Center-type event. Today, again, we remain ready to respond.
New Jersey’s EMS volunteers answer hundreds of thousands of calls annually in their communities. With our growing elderly population and increasing terrorism threat, EMS volunteers have never been more relevant or essential.
The 87-year-old nonprofit EMS Council of New Jersey represents 20,000 volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 squads. We’re always looking for new members. To join or support us, visit http://production.njsfac.org/.
Thank You!
Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.
My Appreciation To New Jersey's EMS Family. (3/30/16)
As the President of the Emergency Medical Services Council of NJ, the New Jersey State First Aid Council, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all of our volunteers. For over eighty-seven years this Council has been the representation of its members. The professionalism, training, and unselfish dedication to making a difference in someone's life or family you provide is priceless. Our volunteers will always be the best and will continue to be of value. New Jersey is proud of it being the first State in the United States to have a volunteer ambulance provider and the first State to have a Council to represent them. New Jersey will always be number one in EMS.
Thank You!
Joseph G. Walsh Jr. President
As the President of the Emergency Medical Services Council of NJ, the New Jersey State First Aid Council, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all of our volunteers. For over eighty-seven years this Council has been the representation of its members. The professionalism, training, and unselfish dedication to making a difference in someone's life or family you provide is priceless. Our volunteers will always be the best and will continue to be of value. New Jersey is proud of it being the first State in the United States to have a volunteer ambulance provider and the first State to have a Council to represent them. New Jersey will always be number one in EMS.
Thank You!
Joseph G. Walsh Jr. President
IMPORTANT UPDATE - ARC Emergency Medical Response course will end on December 31, 2016.
I spoke to the Health and Safety Programs for confirmation. The result is the following:
Any current instructor of EMR can register and teach a class until the end of December 2016. There will be no other classes taught after that for EMR. There will be no instructor trainer updates or EMR instructor courses taught after April 1, 2016.
Joseph G. Walsh Jr., President
EMSCNJ/NJSFAC
I spoke to the Health and Safety Programs for confirmation. The result is the following:
Any current instructor of EMR can register and teach a class until the end of December 2016. There will be no other classes taught after that for EMR. There will be no instructor trainer updates or EMR instructor courses taught after April 1, 2016.
Joseph G. Walsh Jr., President
EMSCNJ/NJSFAC
Nominations for 2016 elections for EMSCNJ/NJSFAC: Deadline Midnight, April 15, 2016
This email is to open nominations for all positions of EMSCNJ/NJSFAC: President, Area Vice Presidents (Northern, Central, South), Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary, from our membership, for 2017 year elections held in October at the Symposium. Read More....
This email is to open nominations for all positions of EMSCNJ/NJSFAC: President, Area Vice Presidents (Northern, Central, South), Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Secretary, from our membership, for 2017 year elections held in October at the Symposium. Read More....
EMS Council Of New Jersey Urges All EMTs To Take Action - The EMSCNJ is asking all members to urge their State Senator & Assembly representatives to support the newly introduced EMS Bills, A543 and S371 (see PDF below). Ask your squad members, family, friends and neighbors to help by selecting Take Action below. Anyone in NJ can send emails. These bills will significantly improve our EMS system with little or no cost to volunteer squads. Please read the bill below. Read More....

bill_s371.pdf |