Ocean County Leader

Increasing concerns over response times and a shortage of volunteers in Ocean County's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have prompted the Board of Commissioners to explore potential solutions. Deputy Director Gary Quinn emphasized the urgency, stating, "It's important that as a Board we do something. Anyone can need an ambulance at any time. No one should have to wait an hour for that life-saving service."

A 133-page report by RB Emergency Consulting LLC highlighted the benefits of a county-wide EMS gap service. "There is a clear need for a sustainable, reliable, strategically deployed prehospital ambulance service," the report stated.

Quinn noted disparities in service across the county, with southern areas and barrier islands more affected than northern municipalities, which are served by paid squads and the non-profit Hatzolah rescue squad. The county aims to support rather than take over services for all 33 municipalities.

"Far too often our emergency dispatchers are spending time trying to find mutual aid rigs to respond to calls," Quinn said. He also mentioned that the pandemic has worsened volunteer shortages.

Ocean County has significant senior and veteran populations, which complicates the EMS situation. "We have a population of more than 650,000 which more than doubles during the summer months," Quinn explained. "We have to start looking at this situation and we have to start addressing it now."

The primary issue is response time; nationally, it's around eight minutes, but some residents have waited an hour. "I know four families that have lost loved ones because they had to wait that long," Quinn said.

Cost considerations will influence future decisions, but Quinn believes residents would support improved services: "If we can save one life, it's worth the money."

Efforts are underway with Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools and other training centers to prepare students for EMS roles. "These are stepping stones to help get us to the future," he said.

While Quinn will not serve as Commissioner next year, new Commissioners-elect will address these EMS challenges. Barbara Jo Crea, Director of the Board of Commissioners, stressed EMS's importance: "Where would we be if the EMS was not available to us?"