FAQ's

EMS Star of Life

Highlands First Aid Squad
Highlands, New Jersey

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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Question's (FAQ's)

What kind of training do I have to attend?

Initial training consists of a 8 hour CPR class. Then new members attend the 120 hour Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.

How long is the training?

The CPR class is one day long. The EMT class is conducted over a 4 month period with classes held on week nights or week ends.

Who pays for training?

The Borough of Highlands pays for CPR training and the State of New Jersey pays for EMT training.

How old do I have to be to join the First Aid Squad?

In order to be a member of the Highlands First Aid Squad you must be at least 16 years of age to be a cadet and 18 to be a Regular Member.

What is expected of me once I am on the First Aid Squad?

Once you have received the necessary training to allow you to respond to calls it will be expected of you to respond to all calls that you are capable of responding to. You will also be assigned a Duty Crew and one night a week your Duty Crew will provide any necessary coverage for First Aid call received from 11pm to 6am.

The Highlands First Aid Squad also participates in several parades, festival and events, and fundraisers that you will be expected to assist in.

What would happen if our town did not have a volunteer First Aid Squad?

The Borough of Highlands would need to hire Emergency Medical Technician's and charge for services or increase taxes. Current estimates for 1 fully manned ambulance on a 24/7 basis is around $350,000 per year. Another option would be to have a paid ambulance service. This contractor would have to charge to cover the cost of operating the ambulance. Either way, the residents of Highlands would end up paying for a service that they currently receive for free.

Can I be just a driver for the First Aid Squad?

No. We do not have driver only status. To be a member of our Squad you have to become an EMT.

Why do I see First Aid Squad’s from other towns in our town from time to time?

The Highlands First Aid Squad is an all-volunteer EMS provider and because of that there are times when there are not enough members available to provide service to the community. There are also times when more than one EMS call takes place at the same time or an EMS call has more patients than our Squad can provide care for.

If any of these situations happen then one of our neighboring towns First Aid Squad’s are contacted to assist and the same service is provided to those neighboring towns that help us when they need help.

Does the HFAS get paid for the services it provides?

The short answer is NO.

The detailed answer is that no member of the Highlands First Aid Squad receives compensation for services provided. The Highlands First Aid Squad does however receive some funding from the Borough of Highlands but because the Highlands First Aid Squad is a private non-profit corporation most of our funding comes from contributions made by borough residents.

Why when I called the HFAS did I get a bill?

Depending on the type of call (i.e. Cardiac, Respiratory, etc.) a Paramedic Ambulance may have been dispatched in addition to the Highlands First Aid Squad to provide a higher level of Life Support care. These MICU’s (Mobile Intensive Care Units) do charge for their services rendered but this should not be a reason to not call 9-1-1 if you are ill or injured. You always have the right to receive care from the Highlands First Aid Squad even if you choose to refuse care from the Paramedics.

Does the HFAS have an auxiliary membership so I can support the squad in their endeavors without being a responding member?

We absolutely do and would appreciate any help the community residents are willing to provide. To inquire please contact the HFAS at (732) 291-5414.