Holmdel First Aid Squad had a busy October with 139 tone outs that resulted in the Squad transporting 103 patients to various area hospitals for treatment. Injuries resulting from falls were the most common reason the Squad was called into service. Unfortunately, with the weather turning colder, the number of falls reported will undoubtedly increase. HFAS urges every resident to seek appropriate medical care after a fall; often the fall victim’s “adrenaline” takes over and masks potentially serious injuries, which may not become apparent for several days.

Captain Levent Sasmazel recently promoted two of the Squad “proby” EMT members into the rank of full EMT-B. Both Jason Johnson and Spenser Liu are now able to run calls on their own. The Squad continues its training program in vehicle extrication as well as in CEU classes for continued EMS certifications. In November, current and future squad officers spent eight evenings taking the training course ICS300 (“Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents for Operational First Responders”), which deals with successfully managing and deploying resources during large scale incidents such as a major weather event or terrorist attack. On happier notes, the Squad is looking forward to 2009 when it will hold its bi-annual garage sale in June, host a Community Health Awareness Night in May and welcome two new ambulances into its parking bays. 2009 will also see the Squad’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. Residents can check the HFAS website (http://HolmdelFirstAidSquad.Org) for further information and event dates.

The Holmdel First Aid Squad would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every resident of Holmdel a happy and safe holiday season as 2008 wraps up.

MONOC Child Seat Inspection Service

MONOC (Monmouth-Ocean Hospital Service Corporation) will be continuing its free “Child Seat Safety Inspection” service at the Holmdel First Aid Squad’s Centerville Road building. Trained MONOC personnel will be at 11 Centerville Road (adjacent to the RR tracks) every fourth Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 2 PM. No appointments are necessary.

The law requires all children to be in approved car seats, but the type of safety seat and its placement within the vehicle depends on the size of the child. These seats have evolved into devices that are complicated to install and to use. Unfortunately, many are used incorrectly and this can result tragic consequences. The MONOC employees will be happy to instruct parents and any child caregiver on the proper placement and use of these seats. It would be a great way to make sure your child is truly safe and secure during the winter driving season.

MONOC is the supplier of the Advance Life Support (ALS) paramedics in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. They often assist HFAS, which is the volunteer Basic Life Support (BLS) provider in Holmdel, with seriously ill patients.