TRS has multiple administrative and operational membership options for individuals interested in supporting the organization and serving the community. For more information or an application, visit our membership page.

As TRS is an independent non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, tax deductible donations are critical to its success.  You can utilize our secure, online donation form or you can mail your donation to Tabernacle Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2023 Vincentown, NJ 08088.

To access the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) system:

1. Dial 9-1-1 to report the emergency.
2. Stay calm and provide clear answers to the dispatcher’s questions.
   • Describe the nature of the emergency (e.g., injury, illness, fire).
   • Give the exact location and any landmarks to help emergency units find you quickly.
3. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions, which may include:
   • Performing basic first aid or CPR if trained.
   • Assisting the patient safely, without causing further harm.
   • Staying on the line until told to hang up.

Key Reminders:

• Do not move an injured person unless their life is in immediate danger (e.g., fire, collapse).
• Ensure your safety to avoid becoming another victim.
• Provide aid only to the level you’re comfortable and trained for.

For Illness-Related Emergencies:

• Collect the patient’s medications and a recent medical history to give to EMS personnel when they arrive.

This ensures prompt and effective care during emergencies.

When an emergency vehicle displaying flashing red lights and sirens approaches, New Jersey state law requires the following:

1. Pull to the right:
   • Safely and immediately steer your vehicle as far to the right-hand side of the road as possible.
   • Do not block intersections.
2. Come to a full stop:
   • Once you’ve pulled over, stop completely until the emergency vehicle passes.
3. If pulling to the right isn’t possible:
   • Stay where you are and allow the emergency vehicle driver to navigate around you.
   • Avoid sudden movements or blocking their path further.

By following these steps, you help ensure the emergency responders can quickly and safely reach their destination.

If you see a passenger car or private vehicle with flashing blue lights, it indicates that the driver is a member of a first aid squad or fire department responding to an emergency. Here’s what to do:

1. Pull to the right side of the road:
   • Safely move your vehicle to the right-hand side of the road.
   • Make sure to avoid blocking intersections or other critical paths.
2. Come to a complete stop:
   • Allow the vehicle with flashing blue lights to pass.

These members are on their way to respond to someone’s emergency. Your cooperation helps ensure they can quickly and safely reach their destination.

If you want to inquire about the status of a patient transported to the hospital:

1. Understand confidentiality laws:
   • By law, EMS personnel cannot share any information about patients they have cared for, similar to the confidentiality maintained by doctors.
2. Contact for special circumstances:
   • If you believe your situation warrants special consideration or requires additional discussion, you can reach out to an officer by calling (609) 268-0671.

Always respect patient privacy and confidentiality when seeking information.

All members wishing to ride the ambulance must be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician – Basic and have a current CPR Card. Observer members may start riding after completing a Professional Rescuer CPR class.

Special operations members must be certified Professional Rescuer CPR and at a minimum receive training in vehicle extrication. For more information visit our Recruitment FAQ’s page.

The difference between EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and Paramedics lies in their training, scope of practice, and the level of care they provide:

EMTs

• Training: Approximately 280 hours of training.
• Scope of Practice:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS).
  • Skills include:
    • Cardiac defibrillation.
    • CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
    • Oxygen therapy.
    • Splinting and trauma care.
• EMTs are trained to stabilize and transport patients.

Paramedics

• Training: Over 1,200 hours of classroom and clinical education.
• Scope of Practice:
  • Advanced Life Support (ALS).
  • Skills include:
    • Intravenous medication administration.
    • Cardiac monitoring.
    • Endotracheal intubation.
    • Administration of advanced medications under physician direction.
• Paramedics provide more complex, life-saving interventions.

New Jersey-Specific Details

• Paramedic services are restricted to hospital-based systems.
• In Burlington County, Virtua Health provides ALS services.

Both roles are crucial in emergency response, but paramedics have advanced training and capabilities to handle critical, life-threatening situations.