NJ EMS Squad Fined $180K for Unlicensed Ambulance on Calls
By Anthony G. Attrino
Source NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.
New Jersey officials have issued a $108,000 fine to a Burlington County ambulance squad after finding the crew drove an ambulance to 90 emergencies even though the vehicle was not licensed through the state’s Department of Health.
Shamong Medical Services, which is part of the Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company, responded to those calls between Oct. 7, 2018, and Oct. 9, 2019, according to a Feb. 19 notice from the state to EMS Chief Dave Taylor.
The squad is licensed to provide basic life support within the state and operates two vehicles that are licensed with the state, according to the notice.
However, an audit prompted by an anonymous complaint found a third ambulance “responded to 90 emergency assignments over 72 days, even though (the ambulance) was unlicensed (through the state health department),” the notice states.
The state’s Office of Emergency Medical Services also found that Shamong failed to staff its ambulances with at least two EMTs as required by state law. “Shamong staffed its ambulances with only one EMT on 36 (occasions),” the notice states.
The notice states Shamong must either pay the fine within 30 days or submit a written request for a hearing to contest the state’s findings.
Chief Taylor and Charles Bergin, president of the Indian Mills fire company, did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment on the state’s findings.
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