The Township of Lakewood's Emergency Medical Services Department has been providing the residents of Lakewood and those who work and travel through our town with emergency care from its inception in 1979. Staffed 24 hours per day equipped to respond to the need of the 80,000 plus residents and guests in our residential, commercial, and industrial park. Well known locations in Lakewood include the Lakewood municipal Airport, Kimball Medical Center, Ocean County Park, Georgian Court College Police Academy, Beth Medrash Govoha University and Lakewood Blue Claws Stadium.
The EMS Department in 2009 handled 6,202 calls while operating one 2009 Road Rescue type II E-450 and two 2006 Road Rescue E-450 Type II ambulances, equipped with Light Rescue capabilities utilizing the Hurst Omni-Tool and a 5 HP portable Honda generator, Halligan tool and various hand tools. Each ambulance is licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and inspected every other year. The ambulances are equipped with the Stryker Power Pro Cot, which allows for upwards of 700 pounds of carrying weight and hydraulic lift capabilities which helps reduce staff injuries while lifting and moving. Additional equipment includes the Phillips FR 2 Defibrillators and Stryker Stair Chair. Two 2006 Ford Crown Victoria emergency response units utilized to provide first response capabilities to include Defibrillation, Incident Command and patient care.
In 2008 - The EMS department added (3) three GT Aggressor Bicycles to its fleet through a donation from Anchor Auto and SC Action Sports. These bicycles will be used during times of Mass Gatherings and township events, where the responder units and/or ambulances may not gain access to deliver patient care. The bicycles are equipped with Oxygen, Defibrillator and various Medical Supplies along with a 2001 Crown Victoria response unit assigned to transport the bicycles, provide additional communication and a command post as needed for other responding agencies. This unit is also used to promote bicycle safety, helmet awareness and education to the public. A Ford Expedition was added to the fleet to replace the 2001 Supervisor unit. The Supervisor unit is outfitted as a first responder unit, with patient transport capabilities for off road access and terrain, severe weather (Snow and Flooding), Primary Incident command unit with wireless communications and a Panasonic CF-19 Tough book system.
In 2008 – The EMS department went to paperless charting of patient care records, utilizing the EMS charts documentation platform. This charting platform, allows EMS staff to gather patient information and compare with previous patient interactions to ensure the most up to date medical information possible.
In 2009 - The EMS Department restored a 1978 GMC rescue unit which was initially the Volunteer First Aid Squads Extrication Unit. This vehicle is to be used as an incident support unit for all aspects of Emergency Services. Including Rehabilitation services for Fire, Post Hazardous-Materials support, Police special services unit, any prolonged on-scene events and a Mass Gathering Station for medical support. The interior of the patient care area allows for a refrigerator, Microwave, hose adapted sink, along with an area to seat 4 individuals for warming and cooling. On board generator will allow for lighting and electrical power into a remote area. This Incident support unit is designed to be adaptable to a variety of events which could face the residents and guests of Lakewood Township.
Heavy Extrication is performed along with the Lakewood Volunteer First Aid Squad utilizing a Smeal freightliner outfitted with three sets of Hurst Tools (Spreaders and cutters), three sets of Rams, plasma cutter, air bag capabilities and lighting.
The Department of Emergency Medical Services is also affiliated with the American Safety and Health Institute as a training agency. Our training site located at our EMS quarters can assist you in all aspects of medical training. Classes can be performed at your place of business and can consist of CPR, Basic First Aid, Defibrillator training, Right to Know, Blood borne Pathogens, Incident command, Babysitting safety, Emergency Medical Response and NIMS training. For additional information of training opportunities – email - EMStraining@lakewoodtwpnj.org
