History
In the late 1950s to early 1960s the Department of Civil Defense-Disaster Control (CD-DC) in West Orange began a series of residence training programs which focused on “Home Preparedness,” fire safety, home protection, and elementary first aid. These sessions were very well attended. At every town function, the CD-DC would have the local boy Scout troop set up a first aid tent to care for minor injuries. For serious injuries, the fire department had an ambulance located at First Station #4 on Pleasant Valley Way. The personnel were not properly trained, and the equipment was lacking, but they did the best they could with what was available. At this time, at a monthly CD-DC meeting a police auxiliary officer proposed creating a first aid unit. Information was gathered from the NJ Safety Council, and various township officials were contacted, resulting in the decisions that an emergency first aid unit should be created. After some debate, it was decided that it would be a separate volunteer organization. Volunteers were sought and a training program was started. Commissioner Edward Roos decided that the volunteers would be able to use the ambulance, a top-of-the-line Cadillac, at station #4 if they passed their training. The early 1960s saw all of the volunteers passing the first aid course. They were given a uniform of white coveralls with a special insignia. When it was realized that women too were taking the course, and a decision was reached that the squad would be an all-male operation, the women created an auxiliary called the Gold Cross which was responsible for raising money for the squad. The squad soon realized the benefit of admitting women to the ranks of riding members. In 1963, the squad was officially recognized by the township as a separate volunteer medical unit and was granted a charter for “Primary Medical Emergency Medical Service.” In the 1970s the number of volunteers grew and the squad was moved to a larger location at 25 Mount Pleasant Place, where it is still located today. Today, the West Orange First Aid Squad continues to provide free emergency medical care to the Township of West Orange. It is one of the few squads in New Jersey to offer an in-house, 24-hour volunteer crew. Its more than 70 active riding volunteers go through an extensive training program, so they can work as a team with other town agencies including the Fire department and Police department and answer the almost 4000 calls annually. Copyright 2004-2005– West Orange First Aid Squad, NJ, USAAll Rights Reserved |
