By Jessica Wexler
In 1950, the 100 percent volunteer Watchung Rescue Squad (WRS) started with 15 men as members. They responded to their first call on December 31, 1950 in a 1929 Buick they purchased for $1 from the Borough of North Plainfield.
Today, Watchung Rescue Squad is still all-volunteer, but they are now 40 members strong, men and women, with two state-of-the-art ambulances and a First Responder Vehicle. Their members range in age from 16 to 90, and many of them are Watchung residents; neighbors helping neighbors. Whether it’s an allergic reaction, cardiac emergency, accident-related injury, or other medical issue, WRS is on call seven nights a week, holidays, and weekends, providing high-quality service and compassionate care.
Members of the squad pride themselves on being professional, knowledgeable, and hands-on. The EMTs, drivers, and cadets, ages 16 to 18, are trained to quickly assess what needs to be done, and then do it without hesitation. This professionalism and confidence comes from training, experience, and genuine caring for each patient.
During the last major snowstorm, Life Member and past Captain Adam Wexler got out of the ambulance and walked in knee-deep snow up an exit ramp to Route 78 to reach a patient that had a medical emergency while stranded in his vehicle. During the month of January 2018, WRS EMT Emma Reedman performed CPR at Watchung Hills Regional High School, successfully saving the life of a fellow student who experienced sudden cardiac arrest while in class. These are only two examples of many where the squad’s quick action and knowledgeable decision-making under pressure made all the difference.
WRS’ members come from all backgrounds, and walks of life, but it is their passion for what they do and their sincere desire to help others that brings them together and makes it work. Former President Lysandra Plotkin says, “I initially joined the squad as a high schooler looking for community service hours, but the squad has become a part of my life. Being a member of the rescue squad gives you the opportunity to save lives, help out your neighbors, and to feel more like you’re a part of the community. After the first time I saved a life, I felt a huge sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.”
In our small Borough of Watchung, it hardly seems possible that the Squad responded to 316 calls last year, but they did. Residents Angel Quiros and Denise Wilson were last month’s top responders to calls, with 62 and 61 calls, respectively, under their belts as of the end of March. While most calls occur in Watchung’s residences, stores, and other businesses, and on the highways that run through the Borough, WRS also lends a hand to neighboring towns whenever the need arises.
All Watchung Rescue Squad’s members are certified in Healthcare Provider CPR. Those that successfully complete the course to become state-certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) put in over 200 hours of classroom training, which is in addition to any member’s day job, school schedule, family time, and other responsibilities. Monthly in-house training drills, membership meetings, and seminars and workshops offered by neighboring squads and local hospitals are all in a day’s work for WRS members.
Past President, Life Member, and Watchung resident Don Monetti notes that the great relationship that WRS has with the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works (DPW), the Borough Council, Mayor, and employees are what helps keep everything running smoothly even when the going gets tough.
Watchung Rescue Squad always responds free-of-charge, but donations are needed to purchase and maintain ambulances; buy medical supplies and equipment; provide training, protective clothing, and uniforms for volunteers; and, last, but not least, maintain their building on Watchung Circle at 10 Stirling Road. The majority of their income is derived from Watchung residents’ donations. They are fully tax-deductible and greatly appreciated, in any amount. Donations can be made online through PayPal by visiting their website at watchungems.com, and you can reach them by telephone at 908-755-1297. Please look for their Fund Drive letter in your mailbox and stop by and say hello at the Memorial Day Picnic on May 19, 2018.
(above) WRS and Watchung Fire Department in action at a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill.
(above) WRS at Memorial Day Picnic. (top row, l-r) Freddie Hayeck, Michael Erickson, Matt King, Victoria Solon, Admin Sgt. Angel Quiros. (bottom row, l-r) Vice President Ali Diecke, and 2nd Lieutenant Nick Greico.
(above, l-r) WRS at Harvest Festival: Paula Moszczynski, Kiera Vrindten, Treasurer Charles “Piv” Pivnichny, Adam Wexler, Denise Wilson, Liana Sa, Vice President Ali Diecke, Francis Teixeira Campos, and Sarah Haddican.
(above) WRS Members at Annual 9/11 Ceremony.
