Answering The Call: Chester First Aid Squad Seeks EMTs

CHESTER BOROUGH, NJ — Looking for a new way to serve the community? The Chester First Aid Squad is looking for emergency medical technicians to join their crew, and all are encouraged to apply — even if they haven't been trained as an EMT yet.

This volunteer group consists of operational members — including ambulance drivers and EMTs — as well as associate members who provide administrative and behind-the-scenes support.

Operational members are not charged for training, which is provided through the NJ State EMT Training Fund and the squad's own training funds. Several past members have become paramedics, physician assistants, and doctors.

"Help wanted: No pay, odd hours, sweet ride" was the caption for a photo on the group's Facebook page earlier this week. And while that post is a bit tongue-in-cheek, being a member of the Chester First Aid Squad does have its perks.

"Clearly, the single most important benefit to membership is the feeling of satisfaction you get, knowing you have helped someone in their time of need," the First Aid Squad noted on their website.

Other benefits include tuition reimbursement at a county college, county vocational school or county technical institute; full workers' compensation and liability insurance; and a length-of-service awards program called LOSAP.

The organization has been all-volunteer since 1945, and serves both Chester Township and Chester Borough. As the community has grown, the First Aid Squad began partnering with Atlantic Ambulance to provide services when the volunteers are off duty.

To find out more about the Chester First Aid Squad and to apply, click here.