Community Corner
Springfield's First Aid Squad Holds Open House
Learn about Springfield's first line of defense.
The Springfield First Aid Squad (SFAS), now in its sixty-first year, is holding an open house today from 12 to 5 p.m.
With the open house, the squad is looking to inform residents of what they do and to attract new volunteers.
Today, the squad consists of many brave volunteers, 33 riding members in fact, and they cover 14,800 residents that can possibly become ill at any moment. These riders are ready to take the leap at any time. They are trained and prepared, which you will see at this open house. As the primary emergency medical service program in Springfield, the squad provides free care to the township's residents 24/7, 365 days a year.
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The squad's dedication and efficiency is so great, yet the only ones who seem to recognize them are the ones who have received their services. The First Aid Squad is a free organization that is trained in first aid, CPR, and more. People think they are paid for what they do, but they are not. They give up their free time in order to help out the public. That, my friends, is a true care taker.
Volunteers receive Emergency Medical Technician training, along with training on a defibrillator. Uniforms, pagers, and training are all provided free of charge. Because of this, donations play a large role in what first aid members do. Two fund drives a year help provide supplies for the ambulances that they have.
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In order to be sure volunteering is a good place for you, the Springfield First Aid Squad allows you to spend time with the unit to see if the work suits them. Those who are interested are allowed to ride with the squad in order to observe for as long as a month. The hours are flexible and the pager makes it unnecessary for members to remain in the building. Volunteers put in 12 hours a week, and one Saturday or Sunday a month.
Come join us at our Open House on Sunday May 15 from 12-5 pm. You will be glad you did. You, too can be a hero.
To volunteer for the Springfield First Aid Squad, call 973.908.8EMS or email sfas@springfieldfas.org.
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