PARSIPPANY — Jennifer Sikora, a member of Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad spent many days during National Fire Prevention Week in October visiting elementary schools and giving the students a tour of the ambulance.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad visited Lake Parsippany Elementary School, East Lake Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Intervale Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, St. Elizabeth Nursery and Montessori School and Parsippany Christian School, along with Fire Districts 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Sikora had the opportunity to bring “The Ambulance” to show the students. Her goal was to get the students around the Ambulance in a positive way and teach them that it’s not scary, and that like the fire fighters, the EMTs are there to help.
On Tuesday, January 16 that all paid off. They received a call involving a local ten-year-old. When they arrived on scene Sikora immediately went to assess the child.
As she walked into the bedroom and introduced herself to the child, the child opened her eyes and said “I know you, didn’t you bring the Ambulance to my school?” I asked where she went to school, and she said, Intervale School, and Sikora confirmed that she did bring the Ambulance there.
After Sikora talked to her for a few minutes and explained that they were going to take her to the hospital in the Ambulance she got up and walked out with me. When mom asked if she wanted her to come she replied that she could come but that she wasn’t scared because she knew the Ambulance wasn’t scary and the EMT Jenn and her friends were going to take care of her.
She sat on the stretcher and Jenn explained that they were going to put the seatbelts on her, like they talked about at her school, she replied “to keep me safe” (Sikora had shown the students the stretcher and that they would always wear all the seatbelts to keep them safe).
They had a nice ride to the hospital, with no fear and no tears. Jenn said “This is why I do this. This is why I put in extra time going to the schools and to events in Parsippany and talking to the children, trying to educate them and the parents.”
“I said when I started to work on the program, that if it helped even one child be more comfortable should they ever have to go in the Ambulance that I would be happy,” continued Jenn. Her wish came true on Tuesday, January 16.
Jenn would like to thank the Parsippany Fire Prevention. Their support really helped make it happen! Brian Ricci and Joe Serrecchiafrom The Fire Prevention office were among my biggest supporters (and they are at the schools with the Fire Trailer and the Fire Departments the whole time too).
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance participates in the Parsippany Fall Festival, Parsippany Kiwanis Annual Touch-A-Truck, Parsippany Trunk or Treat as well as many other opportunities to demonstrate the functions to the residents of Parsippany.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad has been serving the community since 1942. They are your Neighbors helping Neighbors.
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad has been providing quality Emergency Medical Services since our founding in 1942. It is our mission to provide FREE emergency care to the sick and injured. They believe the best way to achieve this goal is to keep members active, trained and the best possible equipment.
HISTORY
- The squad initially served the entire town of Parsippany until 1952 when Fire District 5 started the Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad; currently they serve all areas except Lake Hiawatha section of Parsippany.
- The squad house, located at 397 Parsippany Road was originally only a two bay building. In 1975 the building was expanded to have a third bay. In the late 80’s the front bays were dug down to allow for the bigger ambulances.
- All of the members, some of who may be your neighbors, dedicate their time to helping the community. All are certified in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and most are EMT (Emergency Medical Technicians) and defibrillator certified.
- Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad has three fully equipped ambulances and a 1st Responder Truck. Each of the ambulances can accommodate up to three patients, two lying down and one sitting. The 1st Responder carries a sub-set of the ambulance equipment but does not carry patients. It is used to provide support to our ambulances and transportation for our members.
To volunteer call Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad Monday to Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at (973) 887-3003.
For all emergencies dial 911.
