The approach of national EMS Week (May 18-24) provides a timely opportunity to remind the public of the need for EMS volunteers. Every day illnesses, New Jersey's aging population and congested roads tax our already-overstretched emergency health-care system, and the demand for frontline responders will only increase. Now consider the nationwide shortage of EMS responders - paid and volunteer - and the ever-present terrorism threat.

EMS volunteers played a huge support role during and after Sept. 11 and Hurricane Katrina, as well as during repeated flooding that plagued areas throughout New Jersey in recent years.

On Sept. 11, New Jersey volunteer squads dispatched more than 400 ambulances to help in New York City and northern New Jersey, all while continuing to staff ambulances in their own communities.

Our newest recruitment tools include a 13-minute video and three 30-second public service announcements created professionally using real volunteers and a grant obtained through the state Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Visit www.njsfac.org to view the video. Call (732) 988-9110 for information on volunteering for a local first aid squad.

Sue Van Orden

President N.J. State First Aid Council

Allenhurst