Since 1937 the West Essex First Aid Squad has been providing emergency and non-emergency ambulance service and emergency medical care in the municipalities of the West Essex area including West Caldwell, Caldwell, North Caldwell, Essex Fells and Fairfield. The Squad also provides emergency medical support to other public safety agencies during fire and hazardous material incidents and other emergencies. From its Headquarters on Bloomfield Avenue (near Friendly's), the Squad's volunteer members operate three ambulances and a rescue truck to answer over 2,200 calls per year.

The Squad is constantly working not only to maintain, but to upgrade the training provided to members and the services offered to the residents of the West Essex Area. In 1995, the Squad added Automatic Defibrillators to its ambulances. This new equipment is designed to increase the survival chances of heart attack patients.

Additional members are always welcome, especially when able to answer emergency calls during daytime hours. Membership is open to persons over the age of 16 who live or work in any of the five municipalities served by the Squad. No experience is necessary and all required training is provided by the Squad. Please contact the squad at 226-3716 or see their website at www.westessexfas.org.

Most of the funds necessary to operate the Squad and to purchase new and replacement equipment and vehicles are raised through an annual mail fund raiser.

All services of WEFAS are provided free of charge.

rev. 10/05/07