First-aid squad welcomes volunteers

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

In a given year, the 200-member Huntington Community First Aid Squad can have a turnover of up to 50 volunteers. For some groups, that might be an overwhelming figure. But for Huntington’s emergency medical technicians (EMTs), it comes with the territory.

“People are always on the move and relocating,” said Andrea Golinsky, public information officer for the first-aid squad, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. “As many new recruits as we take in, we lose the same amount. It’s always a challenge.”

In an emergency, EMTs are typically dispatched to the scene by a 911 operator and determine the patient’s condition while assessing any preexisting medical problems. Depending on tenure, volunteers are divided into four ranks: dispatchers, ambulance riders, first-aid technicians and crew leaders. Each level requires a period of observation, training and tests, which are offered at the Huntington Station headquarters at 2 Railroad Avenue.

Currently, some 170 of Huntington’s squad are ambulance riders and dispatchers with most EMTs working four-hour shifts in the morning, midday, afternoon or evening. For prospective members, the squad also hosts a casual open house on the third Sunday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m.

“Sometimes we’ll get two people at an open house, and other times we’ll get 10,” said Golinsky, noting that volunteers should be in good health and 18 years of age or above.

Another highly fluctuating aspect of the EMT job is the number of emergency calls, which depends on the time of day and year, Golinsky said.

“In the summertime, we get a lot of bike, skateboarding and pedestrian accidents, while winter brings more falls and respiratory calls,” she said. “Still, the ones that affect me the most are cases with children. The best thing to do is hold their hand and comfort them.”

Squad member Gina Angevine agrees, adding that EMT crew is “like family.”

“We work as a team to save lives,” she said.

Volunteers are also eligible for life insurance, supplemental pension and tuition assistance, as well as a 10% reduction in property taxes after five years on the squad.

For more info on the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, call 631-421-1263.