On April 13, 2013, the Jackson Township First Aid Squad held a 'coin toss' at the Van Hiseville intersection (the corner of East Veteran's Highway and Bennett's Mills Road) to raise money for new stretchers sorely needed by the Squad. Through the efforts of the members and the generosity of the Jackson community, approximately $2,850 was raised in about four hours of fundraising, bringing the Squad a third of the way to affording its equipment upgrades.
The Squad currently uses Ferno stretchers that are approximately 20 years old. While they are well-maintained and safe, they have a lower weight limit than more modern stretchers, and lack many ergonomic improvements that make it easier and safer for EMTs and other Squad members to lift and move patients and transport them in comfort. However, because the Squad is funded solely by donations, re-equipping each of its four ambulances (at approximately $4,800 a stretcher) is an expensive proposition that requires extensive fundraising efforts to accomplish.
"Our members operate every night, without fail." said Chief Al Couceiro, "But we're busier than we've ever been, and with changing demographics in Jackson, new equipment lets us make patients safer and more comfortable. We have already updated one stretcher, and we hope to raise the money for two more this year."
The Squad intends to hold additional fundraisers in June and through the summer to complete their fundraising efforts.
The Squad intends to hold additional fundraisers in June and through the summer to complete their fundraising efforts.
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