South Brunswick First Aid Squads Face Declining Membership

As the troubled economy has left its imprint on countless residents and businesses, volunteer community groups have not been immune from the challenges the recession has created.

All three of South Brunswick's volunteer rescue squads are faced with recruiting new members at a time when so many throughout the community are working longer hours to make ends meet.

"We have people working two, sometimes three jobs, and it's difficult to find the time," said Monmouth Junction First Aid President Marty Haller. "We went to paid squads during the day because of the inability to get dedicated members during the day time. When I joined the squad we had daytime crews with help from stay-at-home moms and members of industry. We don't have that anymore, as people are working multiple jobs to keep their households going. It's been difficult."

Kendall Park has approximately 45 volunteers, Monmouth Junction has 35, and Kingston has about 12. Kendall Park alone responded to about 1,800 calls last year, providing emergency medical service to Franklin Park, Griggstown, Little Rocky Hill and areas in Monmouth Junction and Somerset, in addition to Kendall Park itself.

During the daytime hours, the township has a paid crew to cover Monmouth Junction and Kingston from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and to provide backup for the Kendall Park daytime crew. Salaries and supplies for the daytime crew are paid through insurance billing. Within the next several months, another shift will be added to cover primarily Monmouth Junction and Kingston, and to back up Kendall Park from 6 a.m. to noon. 

Haller noted that an additional problem in attracting new members has been the changing demographics of South Brunswick, with less new residents used to an entirely volunteer first aid squad.

"I guess one of the reasons we've had problems is an influx of people moving in from the city and an increase in population," he said. "Many new residents are coming from areas like New York City, where first aid squads are provided by the city and fire department. So I guess in a lot of ways, they're not aware that it's volunteers who provide these services."

Haller said another issue for new members has been the loss of funding to help cover required training from the state. With the new requirements, EMS volunteers must take a training course costing between $1,200 to $1,500, up from the previous cost of $500, in addition to 200 to 300 hours of course time.

"The state used to pay for a lot of training for first aiders, and the EMT courses are expensive," he said. "So new people have to go out of their way to pay for it. They get reimbursed, but they're still laying out the money."

In addition to the difficulties bringing in new members, there's also a problem with the turnover rate among existing members.

"People get burned out. We get a new EMT and they're gung ho, but then you ride a lot and just get burned out," Haller said. "It's hard, I'd say the life expectancy for a new volunteer might be under five years before they get burned out. It can be a lot of pressure making night calls and rolling out of bed at the drop of a hat for weekend calls."

In hopes of bringing in desperately needed new members, the three squads in South Brunswick have organized a joint recruitment effort. A "Tri Squad Committee" comprised of the Presidents, Vice Presidents, Captains, Assistant Captains, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Lieutenants from all three squads have stepped up an awareness campaign placing recruiting signs around the township hoping to bring new faces to the squad.

"New membership is very important to keep supplying the town with the first aid services they need," Haller said.

For all the difficulties with members getting burned out, a dedicated few have continued to serve South Brunswick for decades at a time. In addition to several 20 and 30-year members, there's also the who has served residents in their hour of need for more than 50 years.

Haller, a 28-year member for Monmouth Junction, said the squad becomes like family despite the challenges they face. While volunteering can be difficult, he pointed to the rewarding nature of serving the community.

"My son was 17 when I joined the squad. I saw what he was doing and because of him I walked in and said I'd like to join," he said. "I enjoy helping people in the township and giving back in a way that I'm able to provide. If I'm saving someone through CPR or delivering a baby, then that's phenomenal. Giving back is the biggest reason I joined and have stayed so long. I've met a lot of people I like and respect as people for what they do to help South Brunswick on all three squads."

To join the Kendall Park, Kingston or Monmouth Junction first aid squads, or learn more information, call 888-842-6060.