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Health & Fitness

Holmdel First Aid Squad's Mid-Year Report

The harsh conditions of this past winter have become a distant memory as the Holmdel First Aid Squad (HFAS) gears up for summertime emergencies. We're already halfway through the year, and our volunteers have responded to over Seven Hundred  9-1-1 calls.  HFAS has handled MVAs with entrapment, CPR calls, a slew of broken bones and medical emergencies.    And the fact of the matter is, we are only able to respond to help our community due to the outpouring of financial support of Holmdel’s residents. Thank you! 
By now you have received our annual fund drive mailing. We are most grateful to all of those who have so kindly responded, and ask that those who have not yet responded to please make a donation that will--truly--helps us to help you. 
Our Fundraising Goal:  To cover our expenses and plan for the future. 
For an entity that neither has payroll expenditures nor provides benefits to its workers, HFAS manages a six-figure budget covering equipment purchases and maintenance, building repairs, education, disposable medical supplies and personal protection from communicable diseases.  Yet 100% of our operating money comes from donations.  This year, we are in the process of acquiring two ambulances which much need four wheel drive to upgrade our aging fleet.  Half of our fleet is over 14 years old and are being nursed along as they are being regularly rotated out of service for ongoing repairs.  Additionally, it becomes a time-consuming challenge to obtain discontinued or unavailable parts. No one who has lived in New Jersey the last ten years can say we haven't seen our share of harsh winters, severe storms, and other extreme weather. The experts tell us we should expect more of these in the future. Many homes in town (maybe yours?) have steep driveway inclines. Negotiating these driveways in an emergency can be challenging without snow, sleet or ice... imagine what it's like in the middle of the night during a snowstorm. With new four wheel drive ambulances we can overcome whatever Mother Nature throws at us and, with new suspension technology  provide  the smoothest ride possible, which is not a small item when dealing with broken bones, in a faster and more comfortable transport for our patients. 
Will You Help?  
When have you or someone you love last needed an ambulance? Never, we hope. But if you have needed an ambulance, we're glad it was there for you. If any of us ever need an ambulance in the future, I'm sure we would all like it to be up-to-date, with all the equipment needed to save lives and stabilize patients on their way to the emergency room. Those few minutes before we reach the ER can make the difference in patient outcome and we want to give the very best care we can. 
As President of Holmdel First Aid Squad, I am proud of all our volunteer responders whose only pay is their patient’s “thank you”, and the ongoing training we undergo to make sure that we are able to meet the needs of the people we serve. We are humbled to be able to assist our neighbors when they are in trouble, but we can’t do this alone—we need your help. A new ambulance equipped in our vision costs over $200,000.   Our ambulance drive goal for this year is to be able to raise a substantial amount ($60,000) in order to start the manufacturing process.  It is not uncommon for an ambulance to take a year to build as they are built to order.  Every little bit helps; please be as generous as you can.  All donations are tax deductible.  You can send your donation in with the annual fund drive mailer, or online PayPal donations can also be made by visiting our website,holmdelfirstaid.org. 
Upcoming Events To further offset the cost of the ambulances, two events are in the works. This September, HFAS will be hosting another wine tasting event at Bayonet Farms, and a 5K run at Vonage, both venues in Holmdel. Please check our website, holmdelfirstaid.org, or our Facebook page for dates and details. And don't forget to mark your calendars for these events-- we're counting on your support!    

Very truly yours, Michael Nikolis,
Your Neighbor and President Holmdel First Aid 2014 

P.S.: You can become a part of HFAS!  Feel free to stop by our main building at 20 Crawford Corners Road building the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm to get a guided tour, or submit a new member application on our website,holmdelfirstaid.org  Our active membership stretches in age from 18 into their 70’s, and no prior medical training is necessary.  It is never too late to start and join your neighbors in helping your community.

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