First in a series of articles
Through many years of work with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, I led an effort offering emergency medical volunteers and firefighters more opportunities for the services they provide our towns. At one time this work has almost always on a volunteer basis. I worked with the NJ LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Program) to give these hard-working local volunteers a sense that they would have a pension or benefits waiting for their many dedicated years of service without a major impact on the taxpayers.
The times have changed dramatically with twenty three towns in Atlantic County. Buena Vista Township was amongst the very last to maintain volunteer medical services in our community. But the time has come when major decisions had to be made when you need help in a time of emergency, someone will be there to answer your call. The average rate for these EMT’s (Emergency Medical Technicians) involves a great deal of schooling and follow-up education and the average salary is pushing $15.00 per hour and will likely go higher. A year ago, Township Committee started to make a plan in conjunction with our own Buena Vista Township EMS to keep the ship floating. We are finding that is becoming a major difficulty to attract an employee at $15.00 an hour for a volunteer if they are already in a two income family and also have a great opportunity to be hired by a professional organization, such as a hospital or other medical services. Our local ambulance does not remain in the same status once the organization became a paid service where maintenance and rules for the EMT’s become more stringent under State regulations.
After a years’ worth of studying and putting together new fund raising efforts, and the Township and Fire Districts stepping up to contribute a larger share of taxpayer dollars to provide these services, we are finding it is still one of the most hardest decisions to make. In the months to come Buena Vista Township EMS, led by Chief Soren Hudyma will begin this new program with their newly approved state vehicles under a new paid service which allows them to collect money from insurance companies, where applicable, in order to contribute towards the overall expenses.
It is a very complex issue and the Township will continue to share information with our residents well into 2020. So, when the ambulance arrives to help you in an emergency, it will be operating under different conditions and the Township will continue to provide updates as we go along.
See further details in next month’s issue.