Frequently Asked Questions About GRVAS
How do I access the EMS system?
Where can I find out about CPR classes?
How do I find out about the status of a patient you transported to the hospital?
What is the training required to become a riding member of GRVAS?
Does GRVAS accept high school students as members?
How much are GRVAS members expected to ride?
When I called for the ambulance, why did the police also come?
I was transported by GRVAS, but have not received a bill. Why?
I would like to borrow (or donate) crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair
GRVAS welcomes new members. Get more information on how to join, or contact us.
The GRVAS is an independent non-profit organization, and tax deductible donations are critical to its success. Here’s how to donate to GRVAS.
How do I access the EMS system?
Dial 9-1-1 to report any emergency. Remain calm. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will ask you questions, dispatch appropriate emergency units, and provide information and instructions to assist you in reacting to the emergency and providing aid to the patient. Remember not to move an injured person unless their life is in immediate danger. Equally important, don't become a victim yourself. Offer only the level of aid that you are comfortable with providing. Finally, if your request for assistance is for an illness, gather all medications the patient is taking, along with a current medical history, to pass on to the emergency medical personnel when they arrive.
Where can I find out about CPR classes?
GRVAS conducts CPR classes for the community. Contact us for details.
How do I find out about the status of a patient you transported to the hospital?
By law we are not allowed to give out any information regarding patients we have cared for, in the same fashion as a doctor cannot give out information about his or her patients. If you believe you have special circumstances, or would like to speak with an officer regarding a call, please contact the Captain at (973)-748-7721.
What is the training required to become a riding member of the GRVAS?
- All GRVAS members receive American Heart Association CPR training certification.
- Many GRVAS members complete Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training within their first year. New Jersey EMT programs require approximately 250 hours of classroom, online, and in-hospital training. EMTs are required to take continuing education (CEU) courses to keep their skills and expertise up-to-date.
- Adult members who wish to become ambulance operators complete CEVO (Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator) and on-road training.
- Emergency First Responder training, the same training received by many police officers and other first responders, is also available to adult members.
Does the GRVAS accept high school students as members?
GRVAS accepts Glen Ridge residents who are high school students. EMT training requires students to be at least 16 years of age. Upon successful completion of training and passing the state exam, high school age students ride as provisional EMTS, under the supervision of an adult EMT, until they turn 18.
How much are GRVAS members expected to ride?
GRVAS members generally ride 8-12 hours per week on a regular basis, along with an additional two 12-hour weekend shifts per quarter.
When I called for the ambulance, why did the police also come?
Glen Ridge police officers are trained as medical first responders. In the event that they arrive before the ambulance, they are able to initiate medical treatment. They are also there as a precaution for the safety of our members.
I was transported by the GRVAS, but have not received a bill. Why?
The GRVAS is all-volunteer and community supported. We don’t bill for our services. If a call requires paramedics, you or your insurance company may be billed.
Atlantic Healthcare and MONOC provide ALS services in the Glen Ridge area.
Please contact us if you have more questions.