Crystal Van de Zilver
EMS Chief
The Township of Lakewood's Emergency Medical Services Department was established in 1979 providing emergency care to the Lakewood residence and those that travel through. The EMS department is staffed 24 hours a day and equipped to respond to the need of the 100,000 plus residents and their guests, as well as the commercial and industrial park. Locations of interest in Lakewood include the Lakewood Municipal Airport, Monmouth Medical Southern Campus, 7 nursing facilities, Ocean County Park, Georgian Court University, Pine Park, Ocean County Police Academy, Lake Shenandoah, Beth Medrash Govoha University, Northern Ocean County Recycle facility, Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood Country Club, Woodlake Country Club, and Lakewood Blue Claws.
In 2020 the Lakewood EMS Department responded to 8,000 emergencies. The department operates with 3 Horton ambulances with each equipped with Light Rescue capabilities utilizing the Hurst E-Draulic Combi tool, Halligan tool and various hand tools. All ambulances are licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. The ambulances are equipped with the Stryker Power Pro Cot, which allows for upwards of 700 pounds of carrying weight and hydraulic lift capability. On board equipment include the Cardiac Science Defibrillators, Autopulse (Automated Cardiac Compression devices), Panasonic CF-19 Tough book computers and Stryker Stair Chair. First responder units consist of a Ford Explorer that provide first response capabilities to include Defibrillation, Incident Command and patient care. In 2008, the EMS department added (3) three GT Aggressor Bicycles to its fleet through a donation from Anchor Auto and SC Action Sports. These bicycles will be used during times of Mass Gatherings and township events, where the responder units and/or ambulances may have delayed access to begin patient care. The bicycles are equipped with Oxygen, a Defibrillator and various Medical supplies. In addition, bicycle units have supported the New Jersey State Task EMS force on mass gatherings throughout the state.
The EMS department went to electronic patient charting reports in 2008, utilizing the Zoll EMS charts documentation program. This charting program, allows EMS personnel to be able to have continuity of care for patient who may have previous ems contact in ensuring the most up to date medical information possible.
The EMS department is equipped to provide MCI Rehabilitation services which operates out of the 1989 Ford L-8000 Walk in Ford Ranger for Fire, Hazmat support, Police support, Mass Gatherings which are a few examples of EMS support for these events. The Lakewood First Aid Squad (Volunteer Agency) provides the heavy extrication, as the EMS department provides light extrication with 2017 Hurst E-Draulic Combi tools.
Along with providing the daily 911 calls, the EMS department has select staff that are trained to provide specialized service with Lakewood Police SRT, the township Water Response team, and NJ State EMS task force. Staff that are assigned to the specialized units are given specific duties and are granted additional training to be a part of the select unit.
The Department of Emergency Medical Services is also affiliated with the American Safety and Health Institute as a training agency. Our training site located at our EMS quarters can assist with training in CPR, Basic First Aid, Defibrillator training, Right to Know, Blood borne Pathogens, Incident command, Babysitting safety, Emergency Medical Response, NIMS training and consultation. For additional information of training opportunities - email - Cvandezilver@lakewoodnj.gov
All EMS Staff are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and/ or Paramedics providing Basic Life Support along with Professional CPR, Incident Command 100, 200, Basic Hazardous Materials awareness, Right to Know, Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support, N-95 Fit Testing and NIMS 700 compliant.
The Emergency Services Building is located at 1555 Pine Street Lakewood NJ, if you have any questions about the EMS Department please contact Crystal Van de Zilver, EMS Chief at 732-901-8487 or by filling out the contact form below.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR FOR THE NEED FOR AN AMBULANCE, CONTACT 9-1-1 OR THE LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 732-363-0200.
