TOMS RIVER, NJ – If you’re experiencing a critical emergency in Toms River, you probably don’t want to wait for an ambulance. You might be able to get your loved one to the hospital before an ambulance actually arrives at your home.
Last week, Councilman Kevin Geohegan, who also serves as the business administrator of the now for-profit Silverton First Aid Squad, said there just aren’t enough workers to provide adequate coverage in the town.
Geoghegan, whose family operates the former volunteer squad that is now a paid business, said the state of the EMS service in Ocean County is ‘a disaster’.
“An hour is not uncommon for EMS,” Geoghegan said. “For paramedics, it’s even worse.”
He said there aren’t enough workers, and people have been entering the field at a lower rate in recent years.
He said there are only two paramedic units that cover all of Toms River, Berkeley Township, the barrier island, and the small boroughs around Toms River.
“When you call 911, it’s the biggest crisis in your life,” Geoghegan said.
He said lately, the township EMS squads have relied on the Hatzolah EMS service for coverage.
At this time, the Toms River EMS also doesn’t have a dedicated ambulance on the Barrier Island.