The West Essex First Aid Squad's 85 active volunteer members serve Caldwell, West Caldwell, North Caldwell, Essex Fells and Fairfield. The crew has four ambulances and one rescue truck to provide 24-hour emergency medical service and rescue with the Jaws of Life at no cost to the patient. In 2007 and 2008, the squad received more than 2,600 calls each year.
The squad works with Paramedic Mobile-ICU units based out of local hospitals, including Mountainside, St. Barnabas and others. The squad also works with local fire departments to provide medical care to firefighters as well as civilian patients at fire scenes.
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 16 who lives or works in any of the five municipalities. No experience is necessary and all required training is provided by the squad.