LV First Aid Squad Seeks To Establish EMT Training Center, Boost Volunteerism

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Long Valley First Aid Squad (LVFAS) is seeking to make its station a training center in an effort to boost volunteerism.

According to a statement from the LVFAS, the volunteer emergency response is working with the state to make its facility a “training station.”

If the squad is successful, their headquarters at 70 East Mill Road will become a facility in which residents can learn to become EMTs.

The initiative stems from a statewide shortage of volunteers and EMTs, and the LVFAS is hoping a new local training facility will combat that issue.

“The squad is working diligently to improve our numbers so we can continue to care for our residents,” a LVFAS statement read. “One of those ways is developing our station as a Training Center to train interested individuals to become an EMT.”

The shortage of volunteers is felt beyond just Long Valley, with a sharp decline in EMT volunteers across New Jersey since the pandemic began. Officials are reacting with legislation, and some NJ counties have launched their own EMT services to combat the lack of volunteers.

While the LVFAS tries to set up the training center with limited volunteers, officials said that residents may see ambulances from Atlantic Mobile Health, a non-profit patient transportation service based in Livingston, NJ.

Representatives from the LVFAS said that if they acquire the state approval needed to become a training center, classes can start in January 2026. While the process unfolds, however, the LVFAS requires more volunteers now to cover the workload.

“We invite you to join our family to help your friends and neighbors,” a statement read. “The more members we have, the less work for all, and most importantly, the more individuals to help.”

Those interested in becoming an EMT for the Long Valley First Aid Squad can visit LVFAS.org or call (908) 876-4567 for more information.