The Allentown First Aid Squad was organized on March 13, 1943 in Allentown, New Jersey.
At the time of the organization, the Squad was under the leadership of William Williams. The squad got its start as an integral part of Allentown Borough’s Fire Department. Conflicting responsibilities and overlapping administrative details soon made it clear that a separate organization was needed. Even though some members continued to serve both organizations, the Squad separated in 1944.
Dr. Walter D. Farmer gave the Squad its first vehicle, “The Henny”. It was so named to identify its manufacturer. The ambulance was reliable and trustworthy even though its members sometimes had to push it to get the engine started. The ambulance was replaced in 1947. Since that time, we have increased our fleet to three ambulances and have continued to improve the equipment on-board. The Squad has a Hummer Special Purpose Vehicle designated 82-63. The Hummer is specialzied for rough terrain and foul weather operations. The Hummer is capable of transporting a patient on a stretcher in addition to a crew of two EMT’s and two passengers. Keeping up to date with government regulations on vehicles, tools and education is a never ending task. In order to ride an ambulance today, a member must be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B).
In the beginning, Chris & Eva Theoharris, owners of the local candy store, were our first dispatchers. They would take phone calls and set off the town siren. In 1967, the Squad was dispatched by the Hightstown State Police, then in 1977 by the Hamilton Township Police Dispatchers. Since 1992, the Squad has been dispatched by Monmouth County EMS Dispatchers.
The Squad serves the Borough of Allentown, Upper Freehold Township and sections of the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Highway 195. The Allentown First Aid Squad provides mutual aid to our surrounding communities including Millstone, New Egypt, Roosevelt, Robbinsville and Hamilton. Our call volume has increased from a few calls in 1943 to 700+ calls per year.
We moved our headquarters in the fall of 1990 to 70 Rt. 526. The building provides office space, a bunk room, restrooms equipped with showers and a full kitchen in addition to the ambulance bay for the ambulances and Hummer SPV. The squad building serves as home to two voting districts in our community for elections and is used by several community organizations as well.
Allentown First Aid Squad serves as an emergency shelter to the community. The shelter program provides refuge, food, shelter, restroom facilities and access to local, county and state services. The shelter is available for weather emergencies, power failures and local disaster conditions. The shelter can be used to assist those with special needs in our community. The Squad building alone can provide beds for more than fifty people.
Recent years have brought a reduction in the operational funding from our local governments as well as limitations placed upon the Training Fund managed by the State of New Jersey. Our expenses to manage and maintain the Squad’s operations have increased. Vehicle & facility maintenance, medical supplies and training expenses in addition top per diem staffing increases to offset the decreased volunteer coverage have impacted the Squad. The Allentown First Aid Squad, Inc. maintains its status as a government recognized 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. The squad relies heavily upon charitable donations and the annual fund raising campaign to meet expenses.
Since organizing, the Squad has had some 250 volunteers maintaining operations. The squad provides emergency medical services to the communities it serves 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Currently, the Squad uses a per diem staff to supplement the volunteer coverage. The Squad is always looking for new members. The Squad will provide training for those members seeking to become NJ Certified EMT’s. The squad also has Cadet and Associate membership categories.
The purpose of this Squad is the immediate, temporary treatment and care of the sick or injured person(s) until they can be transported to a medical facility or the release of a person or persons from an undesirable environment.
Emergency Medical Services
