Faced with mounting concerns over delayed emergency response times and a decline in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners is exploring solutions to address the growing issue.
“It’s important that as a Board we do something,” said Gary Quinn, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “Anyone can need an ambulance at any time. No one should have to wait an hour for that life-saving service.”
A 133-page report commissioned by the Board highlights the critical need for a county-wide EMS support system. The study, conducted by RB Emergency Consulting LLC, concluded that “a sustainable, reliable, strategically deployed prehospital ambulance service” would significantly benefit Ocean County residents and visitors.
Quinn pointed out that EMS service gaps are particularly pronounced in the southern parts of the county and on the barrier islands. The northern region, however, benefits from several paid squads and the non-profit rescue squad Hatzolah.
The proposed county-wide service would not replace local EMS operations but rather support areas struggling with coverage. “Far too often our emergency dispatchers are spending time trying to find mutual aid rigs to respond to calls,” Quinn explained.
The report noted that volunteer shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have worsened the strain on first aid squads. Recognizing these challenges, the County commissioned the study to assess the current EMS landscape and recommend actionable solutions.
“Ocean County has the largest senior and veteran populations in the state,” Quinn emphasized. “We have a population of more than 650,000, which more than doubles during the summer months. We have to start looking at this situation and addressing it now.”
National EMS response times average about eight minutes, but in Ocean County, some residents have waited up to an hour. “I know four families that have lost loved ones because they had to wait that long,” Quinn said.
Cost is a key consideration as the Commissioners deliberate next steps. Still, Quinn expressed confidence in public support for enhancing EMS services. “If we can save one life, it’s worth the money,” he said. “Every elected official in this County should realize this is a crisis.”
To build a pipeline of trained EMS professionals, the County is collaborating with the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools to offer EMS courses to high school students. Additionally, EMS training continues at the Ocean County Training Center in Waretown, where interest from the public remains strong.
“These are stepping stones to help get us to the future,” Quinn said.
Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea underscored the importance of robust EMS services. “Where would we be if EMS was not available to us?” she asked.
With over 600 square miles of land to cover, Quinn and the Commissioners recognize the urgency of addressing the EMS crisis. “Just as we have an obligation to maintain our infrastructure and provide other essential services, this too is our obligation,” Quinn said.
As the County prepares for a transition in leadership, Quinn urged the incoming Commissioners to prioritize solutions to the EMS challenges. “This is about saving lives,” he concluded.