First Aid Squad Seeks Volunteers

The Red Bank First Aid and Rescue Squad is hosting an upcoming open house in an effort to reintroduce itself to the community and encourage civic-minded residents to help lend a hand.

The entirely volunteer organization, part of the Red Bank Volunteer Fire Department, annually responds to roughly 800 emergency calls each year but recently has had trouble putting together full crews during the day. As many of its volunteers work during the day, many of them in multiple jobs, it’s become increasing more difficult to run at full strength.

“We are fortunate to have neighboring first aid squads respond to assist us but that puts additional work on their volunteers,” Squad publicist and Chaplain Shean Obie wrote in a release. “We especially have trouble answering calls during the day when all of our volunteers are at their regular jobs.”

The open house is being held Sept. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Aid Squad Building at 151 Spring St. The event is an opportunity to meet the volunteers, tour the facility and its equipment, and learn about what it takes to be a first aid volunteer. The open house will also feature a free BBQ.

Eligible volunteers should be at least 18 years old.

“If you have doubts, just give it a try,” Obie wrote. “If you find that it’s not for you, you walk away with some first aid knowledge and maybe some newfound friends.”

First Aid Squad Volunteer Melissa Lauterwasser said joining the organization gives residents the chance to not only help Red Bank residents, but ensure the continued existence of the exclusively volunteer squad.

"We are here to help the community," she said. "Help us keep this going. Help us survive."