August 15, 2011 | Squad’s Rehab Services Pressed Into Action

The Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad’s (PFARS) Rehab Unit was pressed into action at two hazardous materials incidents in one day. The Rehab Unit, which is deployed any time there is a large-scale incident that requires the sheltering and monitoring of emergency services personnel, is comprised of an inflatable shelter, a ventilation system, and medical monitoring equipment.

The first incident began shortly after 11am on Monday, August 15 when an employee of a local business reported discovering a white powdery substance when opening the mail. PFARS established a rehabilitation sector to monitor and assist the hazardous materials technicians while they donned their protective suits. After establishing that the substance was not harmful, the rehab sector provided privacy and shelter for the technicians to remove their isolation suits.

The second incident occurred shortly after the Rehab Unit had returned to quarters. This time, the Unit was dispatched to loading dock of a healthcare facility where an employee had noticed an unusual substance when opening a package. Similar to the previous incident, the substance was found to be non-hazardous.

In total, PFARS responded with 4 units and 10 personnel to the 2 assignments.

The Rehab Unit also doubles as a mass casualty shelter. In addition to these services, PFARS also provides emergency (9-1-1) ambulance services and technical rescue services including motor vehicle extrication, high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and ice rescue. 

July 30, 2011 | PFARS Rescues Entrapped Man

On Saturday July 30, 2011, an out of control vehicle barreled down a street and a pedestrian walkway before slamming into a wall, entrapping the driver. The Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) responded with an ambulance and the technical rescue truck. The first arriving unit found the vehicle with heavy front end and driver’s side damage with the driver still trapped inside the vehicle.

Extrication operations were initiated, but were complicated by the limited access to the vehicle due to the narrow alleyway and buildings. Crews operated for over 45 minutes in extreme heat to remove the roof and driver side doors, and lift the front dash under which the victim had become trapped. After the patient was extricated, he was transported to the trauma center to care for his injuries.

June 1, 2011 | PFARS Announces Opening for Full Time EMT-B

The Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad has announced an opening for a full time EMT-B. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 3 years active pre-hospital 9-1-1 EMS experience with 2 of the last 5 years with a volunteer emergency services agency preferred.

The successful candidate is expected to work 40 hours per week (9am to 5pm, weekdays) with PFARS' paid and volunteer staff. Full details of the job description, hiring process schedule and benefits can be found here. An employment application is provided here.

Applications are due back to PFARS on June 17, 2011.

May 13, 2011 | PFARS Thanks its Everyday Heroes

In times of national and personal crisis, the country's emergency medical service (EMS) personnel respond to help those in need. In Princeton, these services are provided by the men and women of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS). During EMS Week (May 15-21) the officers of PFARS would like to publicly thank the members for their dedicated service to PFARS and, most importantly, the Princeton community.

The EMS Week theme for 2011 is “Everyday Heroes”, which celebrates the exceptional service being provided to countless patients every day, often under incredibly challenging circumstances. PFARS’ members are dedicated to saving lives and limiting suffering on a daily basis. They are selfless professionals who put their own lives on hold, day after day, to respond to the emergency needs of others.

The officers of PFARS are deeply aware of the exceptional talent and commitment of the organization’s members. PFARS’ success as an EMS agency is only possible because of the uniquely talented team of individuals that comprise our membership. We are most grateful for their invaluable contributions to the safety and well-being of the Princeton community.

For those seeking a way to become more involved in the community, PFARS has operational (emergency response) and administrative opportunities available. For more information, please contact PFARS.