NJ, NY EMS Cadets Take Part in Skills Competition

KEYPORT, NJ—More than 100 youth from 16 New Jersey and New York volunteer emergency medical organizations competed in the June 10 Bayshore EMS Cadet/Youth Competition here. The EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ), which represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 rescue squads throughout the state, sponsors the contest each year.

The 4^th annual event challenged cadet teams with basic and advanced skills in various patient-care situations.

Twenty-three basic teams tested their skills at CPR, defibrillator use, hemorrhage control, splinting, bandaging and vital signs stations.

Advanced-team scenarios included a trauma victim, a cardiac victim and a motor vehicle collision with entrapped victims. Twelve advanced teams were judged on patient assessment and proper equipment use—backboard, orthopedic/scoop, KED, traction splint, cervical collar and accessories, oxygen, assisting with nitroglycerin administration, obtaining vital signs, CPR and airway management. The teams worked with local extrication groups during the car crash scenarios. 

Winners of the basic-level competition:

1^st – Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance and Rescue Squad

2^nd – High Bridge Emergency Squad

3^rd – Mahwah EMS

Winners of the advanced-level competition:

1^st – South Orange Rescue Squad (also won the “Grand Champion” award for highest overall score)

2^nd – Glen Oaks Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NY)

3^rd – Mahwah EMS
 

Other New Jersey squads that competed:

Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad

Cranford First Aid Squad

Glen Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Squad

Hazlet Township First Aid & Rescue Squad

Keansburg EMS

Keyport First Aid Squad

Middletown First Aid & Rescue Squad

Millburn-Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad

Tinton Falls EMS

Other competing New York squads included:

Bravo Volunteer Ambulance Service (Brooklyn)

Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps