Q: Are all of your members volunteers?
Yes. Every member of the Vailsburg Rescue Squad serves on a volunteer basis. We are proud to be a community-driven organization powered by dedicated individuals who give their time to help others.

Q: What is the level of training of your squad members?
All Crew Chiefs and most members providing direct patient care are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). The EMT training program includes approximately 225 hours of instruction, and EMTs must re-certify every three years.
Additionally, all members are Certified First Responders and hold certifications in Healthcare Provider CPR & AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

Q: My neighbor needed an ambulance. Why did two ambulances arrive?
You likely saw a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance and a Paramedic Unit. In New Jersey, paramedics are hospital-based and may arrive in large SUVs or ambulances, often referred to as MICUs (Mobile Intensive Care Units). These units function as an extension of the hospital’s emergency department.

Q: I saw an ambulance crew transport a patient—why didn’t I see the paramedics?
Paramedics may not have been needed. Each patient’s condition is different, and not all require advanced life support. In some cases, the ambulance crew may rendezvous with paramedics en route to the hospital if the situation escalates.

Q: Who determines if paramedics are needed?
There are clear protocols in place. When someone calls 911, the dispatcher assesses the situation and may dispatch paramedics based on the nature of the emergency. Additionally, the ambulance crew can request paramedics if the patient’s condition warrants it.

Q: Besides answering emergency calls, what other activities do you do?
Plenty! Our members are active in the community. We offer free CPR and First Aid classes to Vailsburg residents, and provide stand-by medical services at local events such as parades, races, sporting events, and National Night Out. We also offer Medical Escort Services for motorcycle runs.

Q: How can I join the Rescue Squad? What is the time requirement?
We’re always looking for new members!

• Senior members (18+) are expected to obtain EMT certification within their first year and commit approximately 15 hours per week.

• Cadet members (high school students) commit about 6 hours per week, with a 6–7 week training period before active membership.
  All members also participate in meetings, training drills, and help maintain our building and vehicles.

Q: I don’t want to provide medical care, but I want to help. What can I do?
We welcome volunteers with a wide range of skills! If you're a mechanic, accountant, attorney, or have other talents that could support our mission, we’d love to hear from you.