STATE DROPS HAMMER ON FUNDING ELECTIVE CEU COURSES

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services has made it official-- beginning April 1, 2010, the state will no longer pay for elective CEU courses for volunteer EMTs.

   It could have been worse.  According to the letter sent by NJDOHSS, what's left of the EMT Training Fund will still pay for initial EMT-B courses.  Further clarification received by Less Stress Instructional Services, a training company, indicates the fund will also continue to pay for Cores 1-13, which are required for recerts by EMT.  However, 24 elective credits are also still a requirement for recertifying.

   Stay tuned.

EMT Jeff Carr receives the Shield Award from the Knights' Mike D'Antuono

EMT JEFF CARR RECEIVES KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AWARD

Rescue Squad Training Officer Jeff Carr received this year's Shield Award from the Knights of Columbus during their annual tribute to public safety reponders on February 24, 2010.

   Jeff, a five year member of the squad, is a frequent contributor to squad activities, active in uniform procurement and fitting and the person in charge of bringing CEU classes to our building.  He also monitors certification deadlines for members and helps keep us honest on those certifications. Most recently, Jeff was involved in the renovation of the squad's office and procuring virtually new furniture for the office and meeting room.  Jeff is always one of the first to volunteer to cover night shifts.

   "Jeff is a top reponder for the squad, a great EMT and a good friend," remarked Tom Kranz, Squad President. 

    Other recipients of Shield Awards included Fanwood Police Corporal Brandon Lorenz for his role in the pursuit and arrest of two armed men and Len Zuchowski, a 53 year member of the Fanwood Fire Department.

   Congratulations to all the award recipients.

FIRE REHAB: BEING READY WHEN THE CALL COMES

Providing rehabilitation to firefighters at fire scenes is a major function of BLS ambulance squads like ours. Rehabilitation, very simply, means giving firefighters a chance to rest, get water and a wet towel and a quick medical check of vital signs and any pain or fatigue that might require further attention including possible transport to the hospital.

   All EMT's should be familiar with the basic medical guidelines of rehab found in this document: CLICK. Scroll down to page 15 and find the Medical Evaluation guidelines where you'll see the target vital signs and conditions required to allow a firefighter to return to duty.

   If we are dispatched to an out-of-town fire scene, unless otherwise instructed, rehab gear and facilities will be provided. Only EMTs carrying valid EMT card, CPR card and driver's license may be permitted on the scene.

  If the fire is in Fanwood, you should automatically assume the Fanwood Rescue Squad will be providing rehab, in addition to treating any injured firefighters or civilians. 

  If it's a fire to be handled by our own fire department and perhaps one or two others, rehab is our job. To that end, rehab kits, stacked in our meeting room, will be taken to the scene in one of the ambulances.  A document listing what's in these bins can be found HERE.  However, remember that at a local fire, our primary duty is to treat and transport injured civilians and firefighters.  Thus both rigs are typically sent to the scene, one for rehab and one as a treatment unit.  If the fire requires more manpower and the situation becomes too big for just us to handle, it is our responsibilty call Union County EMS Mutual Aid over the appropriate radio frequency and request more resources.