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History of
the Carteret First Aid Squad
The Carteret First Aid Squad is entering its 75th year as one of the
oldest volunteer first aid squads in New Jersey . Back then it was just
basic first aid, help the sick and the injured, and get them to someone
with a higher medical knowledge. The first ambulance that was used by the
volunteers, was an old hearse that was given to them from a local
undertaker. As times changed, more and more women and young adults became
members of the first aid squad. The squad became a member of the New
Jersey State First Aid Council. This allowed squads from all over the
state become more familiar with the latest equipment and standardize what
is required to outfit an ambulance for emergencies. The First Aid Council
is divided into districts, which Carteret is one of the members of the
14th. In the day when first aid was practiced through open competitions,
Carteret was recognized as the premier squad, the one you had to beat.
Well, not too many beat the Carteret First Aid Squad. Our building houses
all the trophies and awards that were won by those men, women and young
adults.
Today advances in emergency medical service techniques and technology are
taught by state certified instructors. There was no such thing as CPR and
a defibrillator when the squad was first formed. It wasn’t until the 1990s
that volunteer squads carried a defibrillator. Today we carry one on every
ambulance we own. The squad remains a non-profit, privately run
organization, staffed 100% by volunteers. Unlike other emergency services
in Carteret, you, the citizens of Carteret , are not taxed for the
services that we provide. None of our members are paid for the endless
hours they devote to the squad. The town of Carteret does contribute to
the organization by way of an annual donation and supplies fuel for the
ambulances. But most of all the squad is run entirely on donations from
you and the business and industry that are located within the town. Now
that you know a little more about the squad and the volunteers who run it,
we hope you remember us and support us in the next 75 years.
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