Sarah Bonnefoi finds her service as EMS Captain of Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 to be a satisfying way of giving back to Bernards. The all-volunteer effort provides EMS Basic Life Support (BLS) service to emergency calls between the hours of 6pm-6am on weekdays and throughout the weekend. These evening and weekend shifts are covered in conjunction with one Atlantic Health BLS ambulance.

The past several years have presented volunteer EMS with particular challenges: changing demographics in Bernards Township has meant fewer volunteers available during weekdays so Bernards Township contracted with Atlantic Health BLS to provide emergency medical response during weekday hours. The pandemic exacerbated an existing shortage of EMTs and the other EMS service in Bernards Township, the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad – also volunteer – was forced to close their doors.

Basking Ridge EMS has a junior program for kids between the ages of 16 to 18 who live in town, and the agency can facilitate the process of getting EMT training. The agency accepts college students who are already EMT certified. “Becoming an EMT is a path to becoming a nurse or hospital tech, or even a physician,” said Bonnefoi. The agency is especially interested in recruiting adults who are residents who are seeking a meaningful way to give back; the EMS officers can provide guidance for EMT certification classes. “It’s a very fulfilling way to serve the community.”

Sarah and her team are hoping to make a presentation to the public this fall explaining EMS in Bernards Township, with the aim of driving volunteerism and clarifying the difference in care levels and billing practices between BLS and ALS (Advanced Life Support).

For more information about becoming a volunteer or donating, please visit: https://www.brfco.com

— Jen Aaron