What are the minimum requirements to join?
All new members must submit an application, undergo a background check, and be interviewed by our membership committee. All riding members must also have valid CPR and First Aid certifications. If you do not have these when you apply we can help you obtain them.
How often are members required to ride?
Adult riding members are expected to be on duty with a regular evening crew, one evening per week, from 6pm to 6am. Cadet (high school) members are expected to be on duty one night per week, 6pm to 10pm. All members also volunteer on a crew one weekend day shift per month.
In addition to riding, all members must attend regularly scheduled business meetings on the second Monday of each month.
Associate members are not expected to ride on the ambulance, but are expected to attend meetings and community events.
Are members compensated?
All members are volunteers and are not compensated for their service. If you would like more information please see our Divisions page.
How do I become an EMT?
After joining, we will assist you in locating an accredited program that suits your needs and schedule requirements.
Is MJFAS part of the Monmouth Junction Fire Department?
No. We are a separate organization, but work closely with the fire department during emergencies where medical service may be needed. Some members of the first aid squad are also firefighters.
Are members of the First Aid Squad South Brunswick Township employees?
No. We are strictly volunteers. South Brunswick Township provides dispatching of all 9-1-1 calls from a central location. South Brunswick police are also dispatched for medical emergencies.
Aren’t there some paid Emergency Medical Technicians?
Yes, but MJFAS is not one of them. A separate organization provides two paid EMTs Monday through Friday, 6am to 6pm and all day Sunday. This organization is called “South Brunswick EMS” or SBEMS. This paid service is necessary as most of the volunteers have daytime employment or school. However, even during the workday, locally working volunteers provide backup to South Brunswick EMS.
What are with the various uniforms I see people wearing?
Our volunteers wear a navy blue short-sleeved polo shirt with dark pants, along with a pullover during the colder months.
If I join, how soon will I be able to ride on the ambulance?
The basic training required will be provided by the squad — CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens as well as online courses required by the federal government. Then, there are three internal training modules you must pass before you can function as a crew member. The entire process can be completed in about two months. At this point, you will be able to ride as a trainee on the ambulance. The squad will require you to enroll in a class to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) as soon as possible. More experienced members will work with you as you learn throughout this process.
When I call 9-1-1, the police show up. Can’t I just get MJFAS without the police?
South Brunswick Township police are trained to assist with many medical emergencies. They are also present for the safety of everyone on the scene including the ambulance crew.
I was asked to sign a document when I didn’t want to be transported to the hospital, why was that?
When a person dials 9-1-1 for a medical emergency, it is assumed that the injury or illness is severe enough that the person requires transport to the hospital. If during the assessment the patient decides not to go to the hospital, it is his or her decision to do so as long as they are medically competent to make that decision. We ask patients to sign a Release from Medical Assistance (RMA) form to release the MJFAS crew from future liability associated with the patient’s decision. However, if the patient changes his or her mind, we will transport them to the hospital at a later time.
Will I be seen by a doctor sooner if I am transported by ambulance?
No. Priority is always given to those with life-threatening illnesses or injuries, regardless of the means of arrival. If the emergency room is busy, the hospital staff may ask you to wait in the waiting area prior to being seen.