subject: First Aid Squad Shut Down [print this page] First Aid Squad Shut Down First Aid Squad Shut Down
First aid squads are generally called upon to assist with medical emergencies that may occur in their area of operation. For instance, if a car accident happens in the region of a first aid squad center, an ambulance and possibly other vehicles would be dispatched along with EMTs. First aid squads, also known by various other names like emergency responders, are one of the first lines of defense when it comes to real-life medical situations. One such squad was suspended in Woodbridge, New Jersey, and was recently denied the opportunity to reopen by a local judge. Why? Woodbridge's squad hasn't been very good.
According to a few stories from NJ.com, the Avenel-Colonia Squad has a very deep history of terrible behavior and lax protocol, at least over the past year or so. In June, the group was accused of many crimes like trespassing and taking ambulances out of state:
"Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac issued an executive order Monday declaring the organization has "evident systemic deficiencies" that create an ongoing "threat to the public health, safety and welfare of the community." His order suspends the squad from service, directing emergency calls to Woodbridge Township Ambulance & Rescue Squad."
Just today, the Woodbridge township clerk has denied a petition for reinstatement for the first aid squad, after determining that about 20% of the 4,537 signatures were ineligible for various reasons:
"The squad gathered well over the required 3,646 signatures, or 15 percent of registered voters who voted in the last general election. However, 1,030 signatures were rejected for various reasons. The main reason, Mitch noted, was 809 of the signatures were from people who are not registered to vote. The clerk also rejected 55 signatures that did not match those on file, five duplicate signatures and two signatures from people listed as deceased according to state records."
It is of note that seven of the former employees from the Avenel-Columbia First Aid Squad will be in court on Thursday facing trespassing charges.
