Frequently Asked Questions
MEMBERSHIP
DO YOU NEED TO BE AN EMT TO BE PART OF THE RFAS?
NO, you can contribute without being an EMT. You can be a Responder or Driver who is trained in basic first aid by the Squad and assists the EMTs on emergency calls. Each call must be staffed by an EMT, but there is a lot one can do to contribute beyond that, including operating the ambulance, lifting and moving patients, making sure the EMT has all of the necessary supplies and gear to treat the patient, and more.
I AM INTERESTED IN TRAINING TO BECOME AN EMT - HOW DO I DO THAT?
The RFAS will find a suitable training class for you, typically based out of an area hospital although also available partially on-line, and reimburse you for your training once it is complete. In the meantime, you will get real-life experience on emergency calls prior to and during your training. An EMR is an Emergency Medical Responder, a level that requires less training than an EMT but allows the EMR to be more active in an emergency scene and provide certain types of treatment.
I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP! HOW DO I JOIN RFAS?
Outstanding!!! Click on the "join" tab on this site and that will walk you through the process.
Can I join RFAS if I do not live in Rumson?
YES, as long as you live within 10 miles.
CAN I JOIN RFAS IF I AM UNDER 18?
YES. Â We have an active Cadet Program that trains high school students. Â Cadets ride on calls with other RFAS members. Those over the age of 16 are eligible to become an EMT.
WHAT BENEFITS DO MEMBERS OF RFAS RECEIVE?
You will be part of a great team, build new friendships and learn new skills. You can attend squad functions and training, and you receive clothing identifying you as EMS and allowing you to operate safely on 911 calls. There are many other benefits as well. See section on "Why Join?"
I WORK FULL/PART TIME. CAN I STILL JOIN?
YESÂ Â Most members are involved in careers or school. You volunteer your time when you can.
AFTER I JOIN THE SQUAD, HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
We will put an app on your phone that tells you when there is an emergency, where it is, the nature of the call, and enables you to inform the squad if you are responding.
SUPPORTING RFAS
HOW DO I CONTRIBUTE TO RFAS?
You can contribute on our donate page, respond to our annual appeal or send a check to our address.
ARE DONATIONS TO RFAS TAX DEDUCTIBLE??
YES We are a qualified 501(c)(3) organization and upon donation, you will be issued a receipt for your tax-exempt gift. In addition to monetary donation we accept appreciated stock as a form of donation.
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE MONEY THAT IS CONTRIBUTED?
The money you contribute to RFAS goes to capital equipment such as the two LUCAS chest compression devices we purchased last year at a cost of over $16,000 each, EMT certification training classes, continuing education classes for the Squad, CPR and lifesaving courses, outfitting our crew with proper uniforms, and making repairs and improvements to the station house. Members are volunteers and are not paid.
RFAS AROUND TOWN
WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE YOUR AMBULANCE ON THE ROAD WITH LIGHTS FLASHING BUT NO SIRENS ON?
PULL OVER - we don’t always use sirens, in order to keep the noise to a minimum, but if the flashing lights are on, we are going to an emergency or transporting a patient to the hospital and need a clear path.
HOW CAN I BE BEST PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY?
There a few things you can do to make our job easier:
Having a printed page that can be handed to the RFAS crew with the patient’s date of birth, gender, surgical history, current medications and current health conditions saves a lot of time and allows us to provide the best care;
Have your house number clearly marked so it can be seen from the road in daylight and at night.
IS RFAS AVAILABLE TO WORK SPECIAL EVENTS?
YES, we send crews at athletic events, fireworks displays, parades and other community events. E-mail us at xxxx if you have an event that could benefit from the presence of a RFAS crew.
CALLING 911/ COMING TO YOUR HOUSE
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF YOU COME TO MY HOUSE IN RESPONSE TO AN EMERGENCY CALL?
Somebody at the scene, whether the patient or someone else, should be able to tell us what precipitated the call, any medications the patient is on and any other relevant information, such as recent surgeries and health problems.
Try to make sure we have a clear path to where the patient is so we can get to them and get them safely out of the house, particularly if there are stairs involved.
Tell the 911 dispatcher if there is anything special about accessing your home, such as where not to park the ambulance, which door to use, etc.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO IF YOU COME TO MY HOUSE IN RESPONSE TO AN EMERGENCY CALL?
Only the patient and RFAS crew are permitted in the back of the ambulance. If there is space and subject to lead-EMT approval, a loved one may ride in the passenger seat in the cab of the ambulance.