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EMS is a coordinated system of people, equipment, and facilities developed to meet the emergency health care needs of the community. It begins with access - recognizing the need for help and contacting 9-1-1. Dispatchers then gather information and dispatch resources, which can include police, fire, ambulance, and paramedic services. After providing initial care, patients are transported to the emergency department. Collectively, these services make up the EMS system.

In New Jersey, EMS is classified as a two-tier system:

Basic life support care and transportation to the hospital are usually provided by your local volunteer rescue squad. These ambulances are usually staffed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who complete a 120-hour training program in basic life support care, including basic airway management, CPR, automated defibrillation, control of bleeding and splinting. Your local volunteer rescue squads are always in need of volunteers; for more information click here.

Advanced life support care is provided by hospital-operated mobile intensive care units (MICUs), such as Somerset Medical Center’s MICU. Like an Emergency Department on wheels, our MICU is staffed by paramedics and specially trained registered nurses, and responds directly to the scene with state of the art equipment and technology.

After examining the patient, the team initiates emergency treatment while in contact with an emergency care center physician at Somerset Medical Center. Care may include advanced airway management, intravenous therapy and the provision of lifesaving medication. Once the patient is stabilized, the MICU team works with local police officers and the volunteer rescue squad to transport the patient to the hospital’s emergency care center. During transportation, the MICU team continues to provide advanced life support care under the direction of the physician.

If you experience a medical emergency, simply call 9-1-1. A dispatcher will answer your call and determine the level of care your emergency requires. A basic life support unit will always be sent, along with an advanced life support unit in more serious cases.