Fair Haven First Aid Squad Seeking Donations for Annual Fundraising

For more than 83 years, the Fair Haven First Aid Squad has been providing dedicated service to the community, and in return, looks to the residents and businesses for its annual fund drive. Just as area residents and businesses depend on the squad to be there when they call 9-1-1, the organization depends on generous donations from the community to survive.

The Fair Haven First Aid Squad annual fund drive letter was recently mailed to all homes and businesses in the Borough. Each year the tax-deductible donations go directly to purchasing medical supplies, equipment and help off-set the cost of keeping members trained to professional standards.

The squad is an all-volunteer unit of the Fair Haven Fire Department, providing around-the-clock emergency medical services, land and water rescue and emergency medical transportation for the residents of Fair Haven.

This year, the Fair Haven First Aid Squad has announced the purchase of the “Stryker Power-Load System” for the squad’s ambulances 1356 and 1357. The total price of material and installation for Power-Load System was $69,000- but it is well-worth the cost, and provides a tremendous relief and service for 1st responders and patients especially. This system automatically loads and unloads the stretchers on the ambulances without strenuous effort by the individual operating the system. There is actually no lifting required and the patient can be safely loaded and unloaded from ambulance by one 1st responder, regardless of his or her stature. Therefore, this system eliminates the chance of injury to both the patient and first aid squad member while performing this task. The addition of this equipment to our First Aid Squad solidifies our mission to provide the best and safest emergency service to the Borough of Fair Haven.

This important purchase could not have been made without the generosity of the community and the support of the fund-raising efforts each year.

According to the Fair Haven Fall newsletter, the Fair Haven First Aid Squad answered 511 emergency calls and donated 3146 man-hours to activities for the community during 2013. Squad members contribute many hours answering emergency medical calls, responding to vehicular accidents and fires, participating in drills, and continuing education activities. They also participate in demonstrations for local schools, scouts and other organizations.

The Fair Haven First Aid Squad does not charge for any of these services. The squad is actively replacing outdated equipment and adding new equipment that meets or exceeds state standards.

No contribution is considered too small. For information on how to donate, call (732) 747-0991, or email fhfascaptain@fhfd.org for more information.