MADISON — In desperate need of volunteers, the ambulance corps is seeking residents who could cover a 12-hour shift once a week, or two six-hour shifts, preferably during weekdays.
About 15 residents are needed to volunteer as EMTs and ambulance drivers to restore the squad to acceptable coverage levels, a group of longtime volunteers said in an interview at the squad building. Several EMTs stopped volunteering when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and never returned. A number of volunteers left for various reasons in 2022, but unlike in previous eras, the corps has been unable to find new volunteers to replace them.
The volunteer shortage is presenting significant financial problems for the ambulance corps, which in turn affects residents. Reliance on professional, per-diem EMTs is sapping the MVAC’s limited budget and threatens the stability of its longtime funding model.
All new members who want to become EMTs are taught and certified in CPR and are enrolled in an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course taught by professionals in emergency medicine. Tuition is fully paid by the Corps, once you pass the course. Upon successful completion of the course, a member is certified as an EMT by the State of New Jersey.
“Serving the citizens of Madison since 1954, Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps. mission is, “To save human life, relieve the suffering of the injured, promote safety in all its branches, and provide ambulance service for those in need, principally in the Borough of Madison, New Jersey”.
It is easy to join our Corps and we welcome inquiries as to how to join. To volunteer as an EMT member, please e-mail our membership team at join@madisonems.org. To download a membership application, click here. Email us! We would love to hear from you!
You can call the non-emergency line at (973) 377-2229 for additional details.
