Hazlet First Aid's New Billboard on Route 35

After 66 years of serving the Township and trying to constantly recruit new volunteers, the Hazlet Township First Aid and Rescue Squad is trying something new -- a billboard. 

Located on State Highway 35 and Hazlet Ave. in Hazlet, the Squad has contracted to post a billboard for membership purposes which reads “What if…an ambulance is needed and no one responds?  VOLUNTEER TODAY!”

The question is aimed to both entice and educate Township residents that the Squad runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year as a totally non-profit volunteer organization.  One of the biggest awareness issues facing residents who have moved to the Township from city/urban environments is that they assume Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is a paid service subsidized by taxes or health insurance.

Volunteers can start as young as 15 years old thru a Cadet Program or adults over 18 can apply to become regular Squad members.  The Squad provides all training up to and including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification free of charge.  Other opportunities to participate in the Squad include the newly formed Auxiliary Organization for those not interested or able to staff the ambulance on emergency calls.

In 1946, the West Keansburg First Aid Squad of Raritan Township was founded by eight men who chose to voluntarily give their time and effort to come to the aid of the injured and ill.  They bought one small 1938 Cadillac Ambulance and answered 485 calls in 1947.  A tradition of selfless service to the community by devoted members began in 1946 and that same quality is found today, in the members of your First Aid Squad.

The Squad has been known as the Hazlet Township First Aid & Rescue Squad since 1971.  Over the years we have expanded to meet the needs of the growing population of the Township.  The Squad has two buildings - one on each side of town,  five ambulances, one rescue truck, one special operations unit, one first responder vehicle, one rescue boat, and a Chief's vehicle.  Today, the Squad responds to approximately 1,700 calls per year.  To face this demand, members receive the best training in first aid and rescue techniques available.

At the present time, there is no cost for the voluntary services provided by the Squad.  Our main source of income is through fundraising and donations made by the residents of Hazlet Township.  Equipment costs, training, building and vehicle maintenance is very expensive.

The members of the Hazlet First Aid & Rescue Squad are neighbors and fellow residents.  We volunteer day and night because your life depends on it.  Be proud of your First Aid Squad as we are very proud to serve you!

For more information contact, visit the Hazlet First Aid website or call (732) 264-7460. 

-- Jim Hennessy, Hazlet First Aid

The billboard is sponsored by Buhler Car Dealership of Hazlet.