Chester First Aid Squad’s Structure Remodel Proposal Decided

CHESTER, NJ — After weeks of deliberations between Chester Township, Borough, and its shared first aid squad, a decision has been made on whether it will be remodeled into a billing model rather than the all-volunteer model it has been for eight decades.

On Monday, the first aid squad said that after “careful consideration and extensive discussions,” the first aid squad will operate as it has been. In other words, residents will continue to not have to pay for its services.

“Billing residents for emergency care has never been part of our mission or our values,” said First Aid Squad President Deb Johnston. “Our motto has always been ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’—not ‘Neighbors Billing Neighbors.’”

Earlier this year, Chester Township approached the first aid squad, proposing that it change its all-volunteer, municipality-funded model into a billing model. This would mean that services provided by the squad would be billed to residents’ health insurance.

Additionally, the Chester First Aid Squad would become an entirely new entity known as the Black River EMS, of which its EMTs would still not be paid. Not only would the fee-based remodel change the billing processes and name of the squad, but it would also change its entire operation model, officials said.

According to first aid squad officials, the remodel would limit trained drivers and EMRs from running calls, since two EMTs would be required per response. Squad members say that the shift could "create staffing challenges and undermine the system that has worked so well for generations,” all while EMTs would remain uncompensated.

Any funds gained from the billing model would go back into Black River EMS, but not towards EMT payroll.

The Chester First Aid Squad thanked the residents it serves for coming out and supporting the EMTs who have been helping the community for 80 years.

“The people of Chester have made it abundantly clear that they value and support our no-fee volunteer model,” Johnston said. “We’re deeply grateful for that trust and encouragement.”

The Chester First Aid Squad provides services to both Chester Township and Borough, as well as mutual aid to Mendham Township and Borough, Washington Township, and Harding Township.

See Related: Major Changes On The Table For Chester's First Aid Squad: See Details