Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton (HoPC), along with virtually every other EMS organization in New Jersey, is run by EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) who treat and transport patients in need to the hospital. Their training includes vital monitoring, bleeding control, some medication administration, and other lifesaving measures. EMTs fall under the BLS, or Basic Life Support, category.
Paramedics have additional training that allows them to perform and interpret EKGs, secure advanced airways (such as intubation), perform electrical therapy, and carry over 40 lifesaving medications. In New Jersey, paramedics work under the supervision and direction of hospitals and fall under the ALS, or Advanced Life Support, category.
About 3.5 years ago, Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton began working with a local hospital to create an ALS division. At that time, and still today, only one other organization in New Jersey has a similar program. Four paramedics underwent a program that included two years of schooling, labs, training, and a year gaining experience as licensed NJ paramedics. This long process took three years, thousands of hours, and tens of thousands of dollars. Over the last year, these paramedics worked with St. Clare’s Hospital’s EMS department, further strengthening the relationship between HoPC and St. Clare’s.
Additionally, several other New York paramedics living and working in Passaic-Clifton are joining HoPC’s team through the reciprocity process. HoPC collaborated with St. Clare’s Hospital over six months to create this program, including obtaining approval from the entire St. Clare’s and Prime Healthcare teams. The contract was recently signed, making it the only agreement of its kind in the state in the last 15 years.
HoPC has purchased a vehicle, uniforms, cardiac monitors, ALS equipment, and supplies, totaling over $400,000, mostly raised through private donations. Operations began at the start of Succos, and HoPC is excited to embark on this new endeavor, with gratitude to everyone involved in making it a reality.
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3 Responses
Are you going to allow Hatzulas Nefashos to advertise here as well?
@ Chuchim Fin Ma Nishtanu. As your name indicates, you don’t seem to understand the difference between the legitimate / official local Hatzolah branches such as the one mentioned in this article, and the dangerous break offs such as Hatzulas Nefashos.
@ Ramchas: I may be a chuchim fin ma nishtanu, but I am careful not to be Moitzi Shem Ra – an Isur d’Oraysa – even though I have some firsthand knowledge of the truth.