(above) Cranford First Aid Squad cadets brought home 2nd and 3rd place awards during the New Jersey State Cadet competition.
Cranford First Aid Squad Stands Out in NJ State Cadet Competition
Submitted by Michelle Carneiro
Ten Cranford First Aid Squad cadets entered the New Jersey State Cadet competition. Cranford teams came home with 2st and 3rd places. The event was hosted by Keyport First Aid Squad, with teams coming from New York and Pennsylvania in addition to New Jersey.
The Cranford team of Michelle Carneiro, Parth Shah, and Mikaylee Grohol won second place. The team of Caitlin Cook, Ally Licks, Emma DeBole, and Alex Machos won third place. Others competing were Kat Riggins, Gianni Matadial and Amanda Hogan. Advisors for the teams were Abraham Pritzker, Winona Whelan, Sue Lucas and Kent Lucas.
Cranford teams all competed in the Advanced division, where the three to four-person teams were required to have at least one certified EMT. They were judged in three scenarios, including a trauma victim, a cardiac victim and a motor vehicle collision with entrapped victims. Advanced teams were judged on patient assessment and proper equipment use – backboard, traction splint, cervical collar, oxygen and nitroglycerin administration, obtaining vital signs, CPR and airway management. The teams worked with fire department crews during the car crash scenarios with actual vehicles.
The Cranford First Aid Squad cadet program consists of high school members, ages 16-18, with the intent of becoming New Jersey certified EMTs. Cranford has the largest cadet program in Union County with over 20 members.
“We strongly encourage all our high school members to take the Union County College EMT course and become EMTs” said advisor Kent Lucas. “They will get the most out of their time at Cranford First Aid Squad by becoming EMTs. Not all of our members plan to go into a medical field but they still benefit from the experience and will know how to handle any medical emergency when they finish.”
The Cranford First Aid Squad is always seeking new members of all ages, with or without experience. Call 908-514-8858 or visit our Facebook page for more information.
