Monday, December 10, 2007 3:37 PM
Toms River Police Department
DEPT. OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
The Police Department took on the added responsibility of Emergency Medical Services back in July of 2002. At that time the objective was to “back up” the volunteer first aid squads during the daytime, when the volume of calls was overwhelming them. The police department program began with the hiring of eight full time Community Service Officers who, with two ambulances, would cover the township during the daytime, seven days each week.
Now, 5 ½ years later, the Community Service Officers have expanded the EMS program, providing coverage 24/7 presently for the entire township. A full-time compliment of sixteen employees, assisted by sixteen part-time relief staff remains fully committed to the programs focus on providing prompt and professional emergency medical care. The majority (>90%) of EMS calls during the daytime are now being handled by the Community Service Officers. Our night time service began in Sept. ’05, and we now are the primary responder on approximately 70% of those calls for service.
The Police Department has six ambulances, all equipped identically, four of these are in service each day, two are reserve units. The units have become well known to the public as they are quite distinctive appearing. It is not uncommon to be asked by the citizens; “How many of those ambulances are there? I see them all over the place!” Statements such as this are a testament to our being visible and our ability to offer a sense of ready confidence to the general public. Each of our ambulances averages almost 110 miles a day.
There are approximately 10,000 calls for emergency medical aid within the Township of Toms River each year. The Police Department EMS now handles almost 2/3 of those requests for emergency aid. These calls are for emergency first aid, assistance in lifting or moving an invalid, and response to medical alarms. The units routinely transport patients to the three local hospitals; Community Medical Center, Kimball Medical Center, and Ocean Medical Center (Brick Hosp.). Patients requiring the services of the regional shock/trauma center are transported to the Jersey Shore University Medical Center. On an average daily shift we are transporting between 20 and 28 patients into the hospital, with the four on-duty EMS crews.
One of the greatest benefits of having this program in place obviously is the assurance of prompt and professional emergency medical care, however on a side note is the return of considerable revenue to the township from the billing for the ambulance service. Since the programs inception, just over $2 Million dollars has been returned to the township general fund, thru the service generated by EMS calls. Remember too, that as a resident of the township, you will never be billed personally for this service. The program was setup to take only the monies that are paid thru the patient’s health insurance, if they have any. If they do not… Oh well! Can you think of any other township service that generates money back into the township coffers?
Our staff of Emergency Medical Technician’s, many of whom are state certified Paramedics take pride in doing their job well, and get satisfaction knowing that they are able to help people in a time of crisis. The Community Service Officers have joined with the New Jersey Fireman’s Benevolent Association (FMBA local #383) as their collective bargaining agent and continue to hope for the township leaders to ratify their fair and equitable service agreement. This would assure that these people could move ahead with a career focused mindset, and act upon the goals of the future in providing emergency medical services within the Township of Dover. Some of these goals for down the road include; expansion of the current program, providing Advanced Life Support (Paramedic) service, providing emergency medical training in-house, and a host of other nationally recognized EMS trends. Our program has quickly risen to being known statewide as one of the! most progressive municipal based EMS programs, and for those “in the know”, all eyes are on Dover EMS!
Car Seat Programs and Contacts
Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children over the age of six months in the United States. The proper use of child safety seats is one of the simplest and most effective methods available for protecting the lives of our young children in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
Please make sure that children are properly protected while traveling in a motor vehicle. Only the correct use of child safety seats will offer the protection your child needs. So please be aware of the facts listed on this web page regarding the proper use of child safety seats, and drive sober, safe and buckled.
There are over forty different types of car seats on the market today. Each one must meet federal standards and all provide good protection for your child when used correctly. The "right" seat for you is largely a matter of personal choice. Choose a seat you feel comfortable with, read the instructions carefully, and use the seat correctly on every trip. Correct use is easy if you follow four simple steps:
1. Read the manufacturer's instructions for your car seat.
2. Select the correct seat for your child and utilize seat correctly
• Newborn – infant carrier or (rear-facing) convertible
• Toddler (over 1 year and 20 lbs.) convertible seat (forward-facing) or forward-facing only seat
• Children (to 8 years old or 80 lbs.) booster seat (highback, backless or integrated) per NJ law.
3. Properly secure child restraint with seat belt or LATCH system (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children)
• Harness straps should be “snug” (no slack in harness) and retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level.
4. Secure the safety seat with a safety belt.
• Anchoring the seat properly with a seat belt is critical.
A seat that is not buckled securely to the car can tip over, slide sideways, or, in a crash, be ejected from the car completely. Check your instructions to find out how to route the seat belt properly and fasten it tightly.
Cars with passenger Side Airbags
If your car has a passenger-side air bag and your baby is under 20 pounds:
1. NEVER put your baby in the front seat. The back of the rear-facing safety seat is located very close to the dashboard, where the airbag is housed. If the air bag inflates, it may hit the back of the car seat very hard, and the impact could seriously injure your baby.
2. ALWAYS put your baby in the back seat, still facing the rear. Read your vehicle owner's manual for instructions about children and air bags.
Dynamic Claims Management
1000 Washington St Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 240-3031
Toms River Police Department
255 Oak Avenue
Toms River, NJ 08754
732-349-0150