Community Corner
Ambulance Corps Seeking Drivers
The Washington Township Ambulance Corps is looking for volunteers to drive ambulances on weekdays.
The is currently seeking volunteers to drive its ambulances on weekdays.
According to Brian Doherty, the Ambulance Corps' president, the group has been having trouble recruiting new vounteers since the state increased the number of hours required for EMT training from 110 to 230 last year.
"They made it twice as hard to become an EMT," Doherty said.
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Volunteer drivers are only required to take two days' worth of driving courses and a few hours of CPR classes. Anyone who is available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at least one day per week could help, Doherty said.
The change has caused some ambulance corps, including nearby Emerson, to switch from volunteers to paid staff, who charge residents for their services. The township's volunteer group charges nothing for care. They also work with EMTs in Hillsdale and to cover each other when needed.
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Doherty said the knowledge that one is helping the community makes volunteering worthwile.
"It makes you feel good," Doherty said. "You're actually helping people, and they appreciate it."
Anyone interested in joining the Washington Township Ambulance Corps should call (201) 664-3784.
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