Aid squad gives teens a chance to contribute
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - In addition to providing first aid service to residents, the Jackson Volunteer First Aid Squad runs a cadet program.

"The cadets are members of the squad's cadet corps," First Lt. Gary E. Nokes said. "They have to be a minimum of 14 years old and they go up to just before age 18. The cadets are a vital part of our program. We had to expand the program from 20 to 30 cadets. We actually had kids on a waiting list."

Cadets may be trained beginning at the age of 14, and from ages 14 to 16 they are considered non-running members.

Once a cadet turns 16 and has had basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator certification and blood- born pathogen training, and has successfully met the certifications, he or she is assigned to a crew. They are given a pager and become running cadets from that point on.

At the age of 18 a cadet becomes eligible for regular membership in the first aid squad.

"Several of our current members have came up through the cadet program," Nokes said.

He noted that the squad's highest ranking executive officer, Sharon Creter, is a former cadet and the highest ranking line officer, Capt. Al Couceiro, is also a former cadet.

On Aug. 7 the cadets provided simulated CPR demonstrations at the National Night Out community event.

"They are also trained to do standing backboard, package a patient for transport and cervical precautions," he said. "The cadets go into Jackson Memorial High School several times a year to give demonstrations. We don't teach first aid there, but we do give demonstrations."

Nokes said the squad members inform the students about basic first aid assistance and let them know that New Jersey has one of the finest Good Samaritan laws in the nation and that they should not to be afraid to act in an emergency.

"If you are in a parking lot and you see [a person] drop their packages and fall to the ground, take the lead," he said. "Get in there and see what you can do to help. Step up to the plate and don't wait for somebody else to do it. Call 911 and see what you can do to help."

Cadets who ride along on a rig are important members of the crew, Nokes said.

"They are as important on that rig as I am," he said.

The first aid squad cadets help with record keeping and several have successfully completed their first responder training, while others are completing their emergency medical technician training at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, he added.