We’re excited to announce new life-saving equipment and medications have been added to every Whitehouse Rescue Squad Ambulance. Our EMT’s have been trained and authorized to administer these new procedures.
Whitehouse Rescue Squad maintains licensure with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Medical Services (NJ OEMS). A recent waiver was issued that allows an expanded scope of practice for EMTs with the intent of preserving public health by improving access to a higher level of care, and evidence-based medicine for vulnerable populations with limited access to medications or medical care. Effective October 1st, all of our Ambulances and EMTs will now have the ability to administer the following medication and perform the following procedures:
1. Albuterol Sulfate administered via metered dose nebulizer, for patients experiencing wheezing.
2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for patients experiencing shortness of breath secondary to pulmonary edema.
3. Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) valves for all patients requiring bag valve mask ventilation.
4. Glucometers for patients exhibiting signs of altered mental status, including lethargy, unconsciousness, or other symptoms that may be consistent with a diabetic emergency.
Our team has been undergoing training and revising procedures for the last few months, to ensure we are ready to place this new medication and equipment into service. With an average transportation of greater than 8 miles to the closest hospital, this expanded scope will greatly enhance our services to our community.
We would like to thank our medical director, Dr. Prendergast from Hunterdon Healthcare for supporting our agency in this journey. The NJ OEMS waiver requires a significant amount of support to develop an education program, developing policy and reviewing patient medical charts when these medications or procedures are administered. A lot of behind the scenes effort had to take place to make this possible for our patients.
This past weekend, FF/EMT Ryan Levison and EMT Ankit Choubey attended the Swift water rescue operations level course through Hunterdon County Emergency Services Training Center.
We had a great time supporting our neighbors at Tewksbury First Aid and Rescue Squad during their Tewksbury Harvest Fest. Our Heavy Rescue and two BLS units attended for the display and EMS coverage during the event.
In addition to the higher call volume we’re continually experiencing, Whitehouse Rescue covered three standby events today:
- Shoprite “Race for Hunger” which is a 5K run and 3K walk at Deer Path Park. Proceeds go towards benefitting the Norwescap Food Bank which distributes nearly 2 million pounds of food to local food banks in Northwest New Jersey
- Fundraising walk to bring awareness to the treatment of Muscular Dystrophy at the Holland Brook School
- St Ann Elizabeth Church annual picnic for their parishioners.
We appreciate the opportunity to participate in these events and engage with the community!
Last week, the rescue company had its monthly drill. The focus being rapid intervention teams. Members practiced various ways of extricating firefighters via breeching, the fast board and through walls with obstacles. Members finished the evening by going over firefighter down CPR.
We are actively seeking new members to join our team! Send us a DM to learn how you can help!