Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Overview

Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS services the Township of Pennsauken, a community of 12.5 square miles, with a resident base of 38,000. During the daytime hours, that number rises to over 60,000 people, due to the 12 industrial parks that call Pennsauken home. Pennsauken is bordered by Camden City, Cherry Hill, Maple Shade, and Merchantville and is 5 minutes from Philadelphia. It is surrounded by 5 State highways (Rts.130, 38, 73, 70, and 90.) Pennsauken is also surrounded by the Delaware River on the west side with 5 miles of riverfront property and the Cooper River on the east side, home of one of the best rowing regatta venues on the East Coast of the United States.

Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS dates back to 1955 when a handful of concerned citizens volunteered many hours to their neighbors in need of transport to the hospital in times of illness or injury. Volunteers proudly served the community until 1995.

With the increasing demands for sophisticated training, members sought to organize as paid full time. In 1995 Pennsauken Township granted the Pennsauken First Aide squad the distinction of being a fully licensed, professional emergency medical service, renaming the organization "Pennsauken Emergency Medical Services."

In December 2020, Pennsauken's EMS was incorporated into the Pennsauken Township Fire Department.

Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS handles over 8,500 emergency calls a year, along with numerous standbys for regattas and concerts on the Cooper River, as well as public events throughout the Township. We have four Horton Type 3 ambulances with two in service 24 hours a day. On-duty supervisors utilize Ford Explorers, outfitted with numerous EMS supplies, including oxygen; numerous medications Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS can administer with our expanded scope of practice; and a LUCAS mechanical CPR device. This vehicle is also set up as a command vehicle for large-scale incidents. Additional ambulances are put in service as needs arise. Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS also has a bike team to serve details along Cooper River and other large outdoor events. All bike team members must attend an eight-hour training class that covers all the latest techniques for riding a bike in large crowds and emergencies. We also operate a John Deere Gator, which has been outfitted with EMS supplies and equipment to be able to transport patients to an awaiting ambulance for transport.

Along with the state-required EMT-B and CPR training, yearly training topics include "Right to Know," blood-borne pathogens, and the latest HIPPA regulations, along with numerous trainings provided by our medical command, Cooper Hospital. All of this training assures Pennsauken EMS has some of the best-trained EMTs in South Jersey.

Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS works closely with the town's first responders. Fire Department personnel are trained as emergency medical responders, along with some EMTs in the Police Department, as well as each officer being trained in CPR. Each ambulance and fire engine, along with some patrol cars, is equipped with an AED, furnished by Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS.

Training Opportunities

Pennsauken Fire Department - Division of EMS will offer training opportunities for First Aid and CPR certification at a later date.

Job Postings

Emergency Medical Technician, Full Time

The Township of Pennsauken has announced an employment opportunity for a full-time Emergency Medical Technician. These positions are classified with the NJ Civil Service Commission as Emergency Medical Technician. 

Duties will include the operation of and attendant position of an ambulance, providing emergency medical care as outlined in the requisite job title https://info.csc.state.nj.us/jobspec/01724.htm. The applicant should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills and be able to work both independently and within a group. 

Interested applicants can apply for this position by visiting https://www.primepoint.net/Recruitment/#/PENNSA/index.html?job=1005403. This job posting will remain open until all position(s) are filled.