Ramsey Incidents Underscore Diverse Work Of First Responders

RAMSEY, NJ — Two incidents Saturday underscore the fact that first responders need to be ready for anything.

The Ramsey Ambulance Corps was dispatched to police headquarters and was at the scene after a swarm of bees got lose from a local beekeeper's property and invaded a section of the borough near Martis and Elizabeth avenues.

Two Ramsey ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were at the scene treating people and firefighter sprayed water on rescuers to get rid of the bees, said Ambulance Corps Deputy Chief Meghan Schleicher.

RELATED: Bees Attacks Beekeeper, Swarm Neighborhood

Many emergency workers were stung while rendering aid.

Several beekeepers came from as far away as Teaneck to try and subdue the bees, with little success. The New Jersey Beekeepers Association eventually responded and safely removed the bees.

Ramsey ambulances and police also on Saturday responded to a motorcycle crash on Route 17. First responders established a landing zone so a helicopter could land and transport the victim to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson.

"The diversity and unusual nature of the calls that we had this weekend underscores the nature that we must be ready for anything," Schleicher said. "The dedication of our volunteers and the interagency co-operation of our ambulance, police, fire and rescue, along with our neighboring towns, underscores the strength of our emergency services, something we can all be extremely proud of."

Anyone interested in joining the corps could call 201-639-4240 or visit ramseyambulance.org/join and fill out an application.

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