Millstone First Aid Squad seeks funding, volunteers
"Our community is very responsive. Every year we are impressed with its generosity." - Chris Chandonnet
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - It's that time of year when residents are asked to answer their call.

Members of the Millstone Township First Aid Squad are making their annual plea to the community for support.

Vice President Chris Chandonnet said, "We are funded almost entirely by the generosity of our community, which makes the success of our annual fundraiser a big deal. Those who can't support us with funding should know that their time is just as valuable."

Chandonnet said the squad doesn't need funding for a specific capital investment at this time but does need to replenish supplies such as tasers, pagers and two-way communication devices.Monetary devices.Monetary contributions also go towardmaintenance of equipment and gas and utility costs.

The vice president also mentioned that the squad may need an ambulance in the near future and that it always needs volunteers.

Chandonnet said the commitment of both volunteers and contributors help keep squad services from affecting the tax rate.

"Our community is very responsive," he said. "Every year we are impressed with its generosity. The people are terrific."

The squad, which has been in existence since 1954, prides itself on responding to calls related to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, broken limbs, fainting and labor among other medical emergencies. Last year, the squad responded to about 750 calls, according to Chandonnet.

Beyond providing emergency medical care to Millstone residents, the Millstone FirstAid Squad also assists the local fire department and helps provide mutual aid to surrounding communities. Squad members also provide CPR classes as well as public education and outreach, according to Chandonnet.

As part of its community outreach, the squad arranges ambulance visits and tours for local schools and camps, gives lectures on safety and health to students, businesses and civic groups, and provides stand-by support and emergency care/transport for community and sporting events, according to Chandonnet.

The squad currently has 37 volunteers and cadets, he said.

"We have people from all stages of life," Chandonnet said. "If you have the time and the talent we can find a way to put you to good use."

Chandonnet encouraged more residents to join the squad and said the squad can accommodate any person's active lifestyle and schedule. For example, Chandonnet said he has been involvedwith the squad since 2005 and is not onlymarriedwith six children but commutes 80 miles to and from work each day and sits on two UnitedWay boards.

Current squad members range in age from 16 year olds just starting out to life members in their 60s and 70s. Those who are 16 or 17 years old can join the squad's cadet program. Cadets must be CPR certified and usually ride as extramembers of a crew, gaining experience in first aid, patient care and interpersonal relations.

Training for Emergency Medical Technician certification is paid for by the state to eligiblemembers. Those who are 18 years old or older can ride as trainees once they are CPR certified.

Trainees are required to maintain a 5 percent monthly call average, to attend one of three monthly meetings and to do one hour of cleanup at the squad house per month. Once a member becomes a certified EMT, he/she is considered a probationary member and must answer 75 calls per year and maintain a monthly 10 percent call average to attain full membership status.

"As the township of Millstone grows so does the need to ramp up the strength of our team," Chandonnet said, adding that when people don't volunteer the community ultimately suffers.

For more information about donating to or volunteering with the squad, call the squad house at (732) 446-3080.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made atwww.millstonetwpfas.org ormailed to PO Box 190, Perrineville NJ 08535.