Support Your Local Heroes at the Maplewood First Aid Squad

Maplewood resident Bruce Mandel works hard all day as an EMT professional. So, what does he do at night and on weekends to unwind?

He volunteers at the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad.

Crazy, maybe, but about 24,000 other Maplewoodians are depending on Mandel, First Aid Squad President India Larrier, Treasurer Peter Hauptman, First Lieutenant Mark Mucci and the entire squad of 38 volunteer emergency medical technicians.

Who are these volunteers? "Most are residents of the town but they also come from surrounding towns that don't have volunteer agencies," said Mandel. Mandel said there is no requirement to join the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad other than to be over the age of 17 and live or work in Maplewood or "be able to see it on a map!"

Once accepted, volunteers receive professional level CPR training and can ride in the ambulance. New members have up to 18 months to complete the 130 hour Emergency Medical Technician program. Once certified, they need to recertify every 3 years by completing a series of courses offered throughout the region and online. EMTs are certified through the state protocol.

"It's rare that we turn away anyone. Joining is the easy part-staying is tougher," said Mandel. "It's a commitment."

The requirement for volunteers is one shift per week. The First Aid Squad currently provides coverage to the town seven nights a week and two days (Monday and Friday). Coverage has recently actually increased for the first time in eight years. Why? Mandel did not credit the fact that more professionals seem to be "in transition," but said simply, "In this business, things fluctuate."

Mandel himself has been with the First Aid Squad for eight years. For income, he runs two businesses: a CPR/First Aid Safety training business called Lifeshot Medical and Security Training. and KSI (Kadima Solutions Inc.), which performs research, development and the manufacture of emergency responder-related products and programs.

But not all volunteers have an EMT-related day job or background-although some are paid EMTs who are volunteering in their spare time. Mandel said the squad ranges from lawyers to stay-at-home parents, and includes marketing professionals and one helicopter pilot instructor. The volunteers range in age from 17 to somewhere in their 60s.

The squad holds monthly meeting on the second Monday of the month at 8 p.m. at the squad house (corner of Boyden Avenue and Elmwood). Aside from shifts, volunteers spend time working on certfication, recertification, attending meetings, staffing committees (such as training, equipment, house & grounds, ambulance maintenance, etc.), performing drills, and fundraising.

The squad also participates in local events such as the Memorial Day Parade, July 4th (the dunk tank, anyone?), Maplewoodstock and MayFest. They also help the town respond to severe weather events such as nor-easters and snowstorms.

Mandel says that the FAS has a "good collaboration" with the Maplewood Fire Department and the Maplewood Police Department. Next year, they are even planning an after hours barbeque for the town's police, fire and ambulance professionals.

So what's the budget and where does it come from?

The Township supplies gas for vehicles (at DPW). The remainder of the budget is supplied through fundraising. That's about $60,000 that must be raised annually. The budget covers vehicles, equipment, insurance, maintenance and uniforms (yes, even the squad's ambulances were paid for through fundraising).

The State of NJ pays for the training and certification, although the amount was reduced by $4 million statewide under the Corzine administration.

Times are tough all over including (the) at the First Aid Squad. Besides state cuts, donations are down. Traditionally, the squad has raised a large portion of its budget through an annual mailing to residents. This year, the last mailing only brought in $8,000. The squad may need to do a second mailing for the first time ever.

The July 4th dunk tank also raises funds and Township elected officials chip in by offering themselves as targets: Mayor Vic DeLuca, Committeeman Jerry Ryan and Deputy Mayor Fred Profeta all stepped up to the plate this past July.

Elected officials may be looking to cool off but they also recognize the value of the FAS. As DeLuca told Patch, "I want to thank the Maplewood First Aid Squad for providing critical services to our community. Between the First Aid Squad and the Fire Department, residents have comfort knowing that excellent emergency medical services are just a phone call away. We truly appreciate the time and talent of the Squad's volunteers."

Vice Mayor Kathy Leventhal didn't get dunked, but she supports the squad in other ways: "The Maplewood First Aid Squad's contribution to our residents has increased once again," Leventhal told Patch. "In these economic times, I understand the difficulty people have doing volunteer work, but the Squad is to be commended for their increased participation in our public safety system."

The squad also raises money through its CPR marathons where residents pay for CPR training. Mark your calendars now and call to reserve your space. Santa will be teaching at the next marathon on December 18 and 19.

You can help the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad by volunteering or by donating. Call 973-761-1075 to volunteer. To donate, visit the website at www.maplewoodfirstaid.org (you can donate using PayPal) or send a check to the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad at P.O. Bo 572, Maplewood, NJ 07040. All donations are tax deductible.

In addition, on Saturday, September 11, the entire Maplewood First Aid Squad will be walking a 5K through Maplewood to raise both awareness and funds for the Maplewood Volunteer First Aid Squad. They are asking friends and residents to sponsor them in the walk by donating either $5, $10, or $20 (or more!). You can sponsor one individual or the entire squad for the walk through the squad's website.