South Brunswick First Aid Squad Needs More Volunteers

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick’s first aid squad has changed. Once a bustling group of people, has now reduced to a few members.

“When I first started with the squad, people argued over who would get to get on the ambulance because we had so many people that wanted to get on,” said Rich Hoff, chief Monmouth County First Aid. “Now we go out with just two people on it, sometimes three. It’s tough.”

Like South Brunswick fire department, the township’s first aid squad too is struggling to find members.

Hoff, who’s be a volunteer in New Jersey for over 30 years, says the change happened over time.

“People in NJ are commuting further to work – Manhattan or Philadelphia. Once back home, they want to spend time with their families and the last thing they want to do is get on an ambulance” he said.

The first aid squad is also active from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. “And if you have to wake up and go to work in the morning, that’s a problem,” he said.

Currently, the Monmouth Junction first aid squad has 32 members. Hoff said the pandemic has made the situation worse, as many people prefer to stay home than volunteer in the community.

For a first aid squad volunteer an average night involves meeting at the fire station at 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. They do a quick inventory, complete a few chores around the building to keep it orderly and stay on till 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.

“And then if we don't have any calls, everybody heads home. We all have pagers and radios, so if there's a call in the middle of the night, we come back to the building,” said Hoff.

The first aid squad chief would like more people to volunteer. “I used to wear a sweatshirt that said – I volunteer because your life depends on it. It’s silly but hope people are encouraged,” he said.

Anyone who is 16 and above can volunteer. A healthcare background is not needed. There are other roles they can take up in the squad.

Click here to learn more about volunteering in the first aid squad.