Hardyston looks to recreate township First Aid Squad

HARDYSTON — The Hardyston Township Council has made it a priority for 2015 to recreate the Hardyston First Aid Squad, which was disbanded in 2014, and on Jan. 14 discussed hiring a consultant that has expertise and a working knowledge of First Aid squads.

Hamburg and Sparta have been covering the emergency calls in the interim. Since July, Hamburg First Aid Squad have taken 120 emergency calls for Hardyston. In total, Hamburg EMS responds to 300 calls per year.

The Sparta First Aid Squad has committed to covering the daytime emergency calls for Hardyston through April.

Hardyston Township Manager Marianne Smith reached out to the chief of the Sparta First Aid Fire Squad, who said he would like to meet with the council to discuss a partnership agreement.

Fire Commissioner and Township Councilman Russel Law expressed the need for another ambulance. Law suggested the need for continuous inspection of the vehicles. He also said oxygen mask levels need to continue to be checked regularly, and the ambulances need consistent maintenance.

Law said this is imperative for local and long-distance emergency trips.

The council also discussed housing one of the emergency vehicles at the North Church Road location. Smith said the township owns four hydraulic lifts for the First Aid Squad.

Miller also was appreciative of Hamburg's efforts since the Hardyston First Aid Squad was disbanded, saying Hamburg has "always been there helping Hardyston when needed."

"Hat's off to you," Miller told Hamburg First Aid Squad members at the township's Jan. 14 meeting.

The council is seeking someone that can quote prices for emergency medical equipment, and devise a long term plan to establish a new Hardyston First Aid Squad.