With the room filled with representatives from first aid squads and police departments from Ocean County, initial discussions with new providers for Advanced Life Support services are paving the way for a smooth service transition.

“With the announcement that MONOC would no longer be providing Advanced Life Support Services to Ocean County residents, it’s important that information is provided to our municipalities and ultimately our residents on how this will all work in the very near future,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy. “I do believe that many of the concerns raised particularly in the senior communities were addressed during the meeting and will be drastically reduced as a result of ongoing dialogue with the new providers.”

Mastronardy, and the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management facilitated the meeting which included representatives from the new service providers.

On April 1, 2020, the MONOC MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit) program will close, and Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health will assume full operational and administrative responsibility of the program according to a letter from Jeff Behm, president and CEO of the Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corp.

In New Jersey, there are two kinds of emergency medical service: basic life support services, usually run by volunteer rescue squads, fire or police departments; and advance life support services, like MONOC, staffed by paramedics who must complete a two-year training program.

“With such a large county and with the largest senior population in the state, it’s important concerns are addressed before the new providers take over the service,” Mastronardy said. “My office and our Emergency Management staff look forward to a continuing dialogue with the new providers in order to assure our residents they will be taken care of during medical emergencies.”

Mastronardy said various topics were discussed during the meeting including staffing, coverage and compassionate billing.

Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety, noted that Ocean County’s emergency 911 system usually is the first call received during a medical emergency.

“It’s important that any new protocols are closely reviewed and everyone works together for the benefit of our residents and visitors,” he said. “I appreciate the efforts of the Sheriff and OEM to bring everyone together with the representatives of Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health.

“Addressing the concerns of our residents is an important step in making certain they feel confident in the service they are being provided,” he said.