A Message from our Captain
An update from your ALL VOLUNTEER First Aid Squad: As a reminder the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad provides 911 Emergency Medical Service to ALL of North Beach, Harvey Cedars, Loveladies, Barnegat Light, and High Bar Harbor 24/7/365 free of charge. Founded in 1952 we are approaching our 75th Anniversary in 2027. We are an independent non-profit 501c3 corporation.
In 2025 we responded to 548 calls which is the most in our history and represents a 15% increase to our 5-year average. We also provided mutual aid support to our surrounding neighbor Squads throughout Southern Ocean County. We have 45 members of which 25 are EMTs. However, more than half are seasonal members. Our biggest need is year-round EMTs. The EMT class is a 300-hour program held in 8-week intensive courses or 5-month standard courses. There are also options for hybrid / online self-paced national courses. You do not have to go far to find an article or a story of Volunteer First Aid Squads shutting down, converting to a paid system, or towns having to contract with external paid services. As Captain of the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad, I feel strongly that we can be a "survivor squad". I attribute this to 4 things:
Sufficient volunteers to cover our call volume
A manageable call volume for our members
Generous financial support from the community
The support of our political leaders.
However, I speak often that if any of these 4 points were to break down, we may struggle to continue to deliver the high-quality, compassionate care that we do now as neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we can purchase and maintain top tier equipment and facilities and train our members to the highest standards and provide this service free of charge.
I invite you to visit our website https://www.barnegatlightfirstaidsquad.com/ or reach out to me to discuss your interest in the squad and schedule a tour of our facilities and equipment.
Thank you for your support, Captain Mark Pojednic 201-320-0698
