NE FAS busiest year ever

Special to The New Egypt Press

The New Egypt First Aid Squad will remember 1999 for more then its being the last year of a decade, it also marked the busiest year in its 61 year history.

The squad responded to 961 emergency calls, in 15 municipalities. The 961 emergency calls included 675 medical emergencies, 101 motor vehicle accidents, 127 fire related calls, 55 stand-bys and three transportation's. One of these calls was to Hurricane Floyd devastated Bound Brook.

Squad vehicles traveled 24,632 miles responding to these emergencies. In support of these calls, the squad's 54 members donated over 7,000 hours of community service.

The 961 emergency calls represent a 8.2 percent call volume increase from 1998. Squad members also worked 70 non-emergency miscellaneous calls. The emergency calls plus the miscellaneous calls gives the squad a grand total of 1,031 calls. The squad anticipates a continued increase in emergency calls due tot he growth in the local population and increased traffic volume.

In addition to having the busiest year ever, the squad earned a very prestigious award. The NEFAS earned the New Jersey State MS Volunteer Service of the Year Award. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Emergency Medical Services and the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Council presented this award to New Egypt First Aid on May 18, 1999.

While responding to the largest annual call volume in squad history, members were able to upgrade first aid equipment and vehicle extrication equipment; acquire additional training materials for the squad's training library, recruit 11 new members; make several building improvements and maintain mandatory training certifications. Squad members also held several successful fund raisers; participated in two large scale (multiple agencies involved) drills; participated in New Egypt Day festivities and stood-by for the elementary school annual fun run.

In addition to those accomplishments, the squad earned the New Jersey State First Aid Council (NJSFAC) - Traffic Safety Award - Honorable Mention. This is the sixth year in a row that the squad has earned an award.

The membership of the squad extends its thanks to the Plumsted Township Committee for their assistance during the past year and its funding the "much needed" squad building roof replacement project.

Squad members are looking forward to another exciting year. They have several projects they hope to complete. These projects are part of the squad's continuous improvement process that helps maintain the high quality service provided by the squad.

The NEFAS is a volunteer, non-profit organization t hat provides regionalized basic emergency medical services (EMS). The area served by NEFAS includes all of Plumsted and New Hanover townships and portions of North Hanover and Upper Freehold townships. The squad also provides this service to surrounding communities on a mutual aid basis.

The squad is funded by donations and is not affiliated with any fire district. As a courtesy to our neighbors, the squad's siren is only activated between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The squad members thank everyone for their support. Those wishing to help in any way can call 758-0808 (non-emergency) or write to P.O. Box 111, New Egypt, NJ 08533.