A new arrangement between the Lakewood Fire Department and Lakewood First Aid will help expedite the response times of the Lakewood First Aid squad, and ultimately save lives.

The new arrangement will allow for the Lakewood First Aid squad to use part of the Monmouth Avenue Fire Station for the parking of one of its ambulances, giving it quicker access to the north side of town.

Currently, all the LFA ambulances and official emergency response vehicles are parked at the OEM (Office of Emergency Management) building on Pine Street, which is considered the south side of town.

“Often times, members respond with emergency lights from the northern part of town to our First aid building on Pine Street, to then drive the ambulance back north to the location of the call,” Lakewood First Aid squad Captain Moe Heinemann tells TLS. “With the amount of vehicular traffic that our town currently sees, this can sometimes be timely and hazardous. This change will decrease our response time, be safer for our members and ultimately be better for the patient when every second counts.”

The Lakewood First Aid squad, comprised of approximately 40 members, responds to approximately 1,000 calls annually. The squad also provides extrication, and operates a water rescue team in conjunction with the Lakewood EMS and Lakewood Police Department.

Heinemann adds, “we are very thankful to the Board of Fire Commissioners for allowing us to station an ambulance at station 74-1. The relationship between both agencies shows once again the commitment and understanding we have for the Township and its residents.”

[TLS-45/TLS-CCP]