Cadet Program

Our Cadet program is for teenagers between the ages of 16 to 18. During their time on the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad, they will be taught how to perform various actions safely, effectively, and quickly, in that order. If accepted into our program we will assist Cadets first in the basics, various equipment, lifting and moving, etc. As their time goes on they will be taught various life saving and life preserving measures. All the while taking on the responsibility of being a responder on the ambulance under the supervision of a Crew Chief. It is important to keep in mind, that while we do have Cadets respond to emergencies with the primary care givers (EMTs and Crew Chiefs) that our Cadets are heavily restricted on what types of calls they are allowed to go on. E.g. Drug use, Motor Vehicle Collisions, potentially unstable persons, etc.

The primary responsibility of the cadet is to learn and understand the role of the 911 system, begin understanding the anatomy of a patient, communication ability and application of medical care with the use of basic equipment. Job functions will include, learning location of equipment, basic radio operations, stretcher operations and progress into a hands on role to include assessment. The Line officer or Senior member will direct all actions of the cadet to ensure all aspects of appropriate interactions are followed. There may be times, based on patient care that a patient will have to be exposed to bare skin, all attempts are made to maintain the patient’s dignity. Cadets will be shielded from this to the best of our ability but no guarantee can be made during the care of a patient.

During this time Cadets are expected to attend monthly business meetings, monthly Squad training, and monthly Cadet training as well as attend their weekly 4 hour duty shift and a rotating Saturday shift. Cadets are also expected to maintain a valid Healthcare Professional CPR card and First Aid certification during their time on the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad which we can help members to obtain.

After approximately six months to one year, we will assist our cadets in finding an EMT education program that fits their individual needs. And through this program not only will we support and assist any Cadets in various programs, but they will fine tune all their skills they have learned up until this point, including proper patient assessment and medical and traumatic patient treatment.