The Maplewood First Aid Squad's finances are in such poor shape that the volunteer organization could be forced to shutdown later this year. It is planning to launch a rare second fundraising drive for this year and seek funding for the first time ever from the township.

Captain Bruce Mandel, one of the 20 volunteers who staff the squad five nights per week, said the most recent fundraising effort that occurred in December brought in only $20,000. That is less than half of the funding raised for 2008, and well below the squad's $60,000 annual budget.

"As it stands now, we have to do another funding drive in June to stay in operation, or we will run out by the end of the year," said Mandel, a seven-year Maplewood squad veteran. "That is the short and sweet version."

To top it off, most of the $20,000 raised during a funding drive in December went to vehicle repairs on one of the group's ambulances. Things are so bad, the squad has penned a letter to township officials seeking help; it is likely to go out Tuesday.

Currently, the township does not provide funding for the squad, although it does pay for gas for the vehicles. The first aid squad, unlike the fire department, also does not charge residents for calls.

"We could charge, but it goes against what the mission of the squad is," Mandel said. He said some $25,000 worth of the squad's budget goes to insurance, while it must also pay for utilities, medical supplies and vehicle maintenance.

Interestingly, the first aid squad funding plight comes as the township is considering raising the fee charged to residents for medical calls by the fire department. That is currently at $300 per call, but could rise as high as $400.

The fire department responds to about 1,200 medical calls each year, while the first aid squad averages 400 to 500 per year, Mandel said.

"The biggest impact would be to the fire department if they need additional manpower and doesn't get it," Mandel said when asked what would happen if the first aid squad shutdown. "If you think about it, someone is going to have to pay for it."

Right now, the first aid squad is staffed at night only, five nights per week. Volunteers do not staff it on Saturday and Wednesday nights, he said. Mandel said staffing has actually increased in recent years, with plans in place to add a sixth night soon if funding can be found to continue.

On the other nights and during the day, the fire department handles all medical calls. Mandel said all first aid squad volunteers receive extensive training that includes CPR and full EMT certification.

Township Committee member Jerry Ryan said he did not know of the first aid squad request for funding, and did not know what it would mean: "That is just the way it has been," he said of the township's limited help.

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