The all-volunteer Fair Haven First Aid squad, members of which are pictured here performing an emergency procedure drill, has put out the call for men and women to join the ranks of the community first responders.

According to an alert circulated recently by the Fair Haven First Aid Squad, Getting an ambulance crew together during weekdays especially has gotten tough. Several of our members have retired and moved away; others have taken jobs outside of town.

The all-volunteer organization, a satellite unit of the Fair Haven Fire Company, is in particular need of “daytime members” — and it’s looking for men and women, 18 years of age or older, to join a crew that “respond(s) to roughly 500 calls each year, as well as supporting community events like Fair Haven Day and Harvest Fest.”

From a press release:

We are known for the expertise of our members, the quality of our equipment, and our personal concern and compassionate response to everything from a stomach ache to a life-threatening emergency.  We are much in need by the community, too: on average, about one Fair Haven household in twelve calls us every year.   

If you are age 18 or older, we would like you to volunteer for the Fair Haven First Aid Squad.  You will also be part of the Fair Haven Fire Company, our parent organization, which has a long and proud history of service.  

Belonging to the Fair Haven First Aid Squad is enormously satisfying.  You are helping your neighbors when they need you most.  You are acquiring lifesaving skills that can help you and your family.  You will join a community of caring, generous, enthusiastic people. 

Contact us at fhfasmembership@fhfd.org. Becoming a first aider requires 40 hours of training, split up over evenings or weekends.  You are expected to attend a monthly organization meeting, a monthly drill, go on about a quarter of all calls annually, help out on fire department calls, and support local special events.  While there is room for everyone on our squad, occasionally calls do require some lifting effort, which is shared by the crew. 

The Investigating Committee of the Fair Haven Fire Company coordinates an approval process, which includes a background and fingerprint check conducted by the Fair Haven Police Department. Once you have been approved and sworn in, you will receive a pager, a link on your smartphone, and horns will blast (three times) from the firehouse to tell you that you are needed.  

Do it.  You will be glad you did. We are.