The Cranford First Aid Squad held their annual dinner recently to recognize the volunteer work of their members.
EMT Jessica Brown was named the 2017 Outstanding Cadet. As a 2017 Cranford High School student, Jessica obtained her New Jersey State EMT certification and volunteered one night every week, taking 9-1-1 calls as a crew member on Thursday nights. Jessica is now in her first year at Quinnipiac University in the Nursing program.
EMT Justin Goncalves was awarded the 2017 EMT of the Year. A graduate of New York University, Justin is working to become a Physician’s Assistant. As a Crew Chief, Justin responded to 209 of the 9-1-1 calls during the year. He now serves as the Training officer.
EMT Daniel Gomez and EMT Sue Lucas were named Life members. Both Daniel and Sue are long-term volunteers with over seven years at the First Aid Squad.
Daniel Gomez has served in a variety of roles, including two years as Captain and three as Treasurer. Dedicating half of every weekend to volunteering for his full seven years. Daniel is the Saturday Crew Chief and has responded to more than 1000 calls during his tenure.
Sue Lucas has served as an officer in each of her seven years. She has many years as Recording Secretary and has also served as acting Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. Sue worked diligently and was instrumental in the rebuilding effort after the devastating flooding CFAS suffered from Hurricane Irene. Sue also teaches courses in babysitting safety and ambulance driver safety.
For 2017, the Cranford First Aid Squad received 1134 emergency calls, with 735 patients transported to 11 different hospitals. The top call types were: falls (207), motor vehicle collisions (116), breathing problems (95). The average response time, which is the time between receiving the call and departing in the ambulance, was less than two minutes. Twenty-five percent of the calls (279) were received between midnight and 5:30 a.m.
The non-profit, all-volunteer Cranford First Aid Squad is always seeking to add to their ranks. They are especially in need of older members. No experience is necessary, and even those with no interest in the medical field are welcome.
(above) Justin Goncalves
(above) Jessica Brown
(above) Daniel Gomez and Sue Lucas
