Team members trained to save people who have broken through the ice, or fallen into the cold water, using special cold-water rescue uniforms and a new ice rescue sled that allows members to safely move on dangerous, unsafe ice to reach victims who are in the water.

“It went very well,” said AHFD Chief Brian Sheehan. “We learned a few things.”

The drill was coordinated by Sheehan, AHFD Deputy Chief, Beau Marolis and AHFAS Chief Lance Hubeny.

Traditionally, team members use the Atlantic Highlands harbor for such training. However, Sheehan said the Long Branch Ice Boat & Yacht Club had a perfect setting for the drill and the club has a tie to the AHFD through Ex-Chief Tim Gaffey. Gaffey’s uncle is a long-time member of the organization.

Sheehan said the club’s area had flat, six-inch thick ice, which provided a realistic setting the training. It’s also similar to the kind of settings in which people could venture onto the ice thinking it’s safe only to fall through.

During the drill, team members incorporated special ice rescue equipment, which allows them to go onto unsafe ice, get into the water, and then safely remove people from life-threatening situations. Members got into the water to portray victims, while others executed the rescues using ropes, floats, and the ice rescue sled. They also shared ice rescue skills and techniques with members of the Long Branch Ice Boat & Yacht Club, who in turn shared some of their knowledge with the first responders.

“This is important training because of the resources we have available and our location to the harbor and the shoreline,” said Sheehan. “We were able to practice for something that could happen here.

The Atlantic Highlands Fire Department, which has 50 members, and the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad, with 45 members, are both volunteer organizations.  For information on how to become part of the fire department, call the non-emergency number 732-291-2002 or find it on Facebook. For information on the AHFAS call the non-emergency number 732-291-8118 or find it on Facebook, or online at www.ahfirstaid.org.

The food drive was part of the all-volunteer organization’s annual Santa Runs event, which began in 1998, and since 2008 has included a food drive collection outreach as a way to help members of the community help each other.

“It was a complete success as the community really enjoyed the updated Santa sleigh,” said AHFAS Chief Lance Hubeny. “The faces on the children were priceless as Santa arrived on their street.”

For four nights, Santa and his elves from the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad visited parts of the borough using a newly updated sled powered by one of the squad’s ambulances. Santa stopped to visit with families, take pictures and listen to wish lists from the children. Along the way, the team collected non-perishable food items to go to the local food pantry at the United Methodist Church. Squad members then delivered the goods to the food bank Dec. 9.

There, former Atlantic Highlands Mayor Helen Marchetti, who manages the food pantry, gave the members of the squad a tour of the facility and told them that they serve 14 to 18 families of the three days each week it operates. And even with the donation from Atlantic Highlands residents through the Santa Runs, the shelves still need restocking.

“For me, it made me proud to be the chief of the squad and represent the all the members as we delivered the over 1,800 items,” Hubeny said.

To that end, the squad has also launched an internal food drive to help support the food pantry mission. Anyone wishing to help contribute to this additional push can call the squad’s non-emergency number at (732) 291-8118 or call the food pantry at the United Methodist Church directly at (732) 291-0485.

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer organization that provides free emergency medical and rescue services to borough residents around the clock, 365 days a year. The organization operates on generous donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic organization, how you can help financially, or in any other way, please call our non-emergency number at (732) 291-8118. You can also follow the squad on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ahfirstaid, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ahfirstaid or by visiting the squad’s website at www.ahfirstaid.org.

The Santa Runs will get underway Dec. 4 and, weather permitting, run through Dec. 7. Each night between 6 and 9 PM, Santa and his team of elves from the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad will visit a section of the borough in a specially designed sleigh pulled by an ambulance. Santa will stop to visit with the children and families, pose for pictures and listen to holiday gift lists.  During the runs, Santa and the crew will use flashing lights, ambulance sirens and music to alert neighborhoods to his pending arrival.

Keeping with tradition, the squad will use this opportunity to collect non-perishable food items to be donated to the food pantry at the United Methodist Church. Since incorporating a food drive into the Santa Runs in 2008, the AHFAS has collected thousands of food items, store gift cards and cash that have all gone to directly help the food pantry.

This year, Santa will be riding in an updated sleigh, which has been fully overhauled under the guidance of Chief Lance Hubeny. The sleigh has new, bright LED lighting, a fresh coat of paint, a super sound system and a handmade blanket to keep Santa warm during his travels throughout the borough.

“There is an excitement in the building,” says Hubeny. “The team has been working night and day on the sleigh in preparation for this week. They’re excited to get the Santa Runs underway. And they look forward to visiting with friends and neighbors along the way.”

Hubeny also says there is a renewed focus on the food drive this year, and the squad is looking to top all previous collection efforts.

“Collecting food for the local food pantry has been an additional benefit of the Santa Runs and it has been a runaway success,” Hubeny says. “We’ve spoken to the folks at the food pantry and they’re as excited as we are to get the Santa Runs started. We’re asking everyone coming out to see Santa to donate whatever they can spare – a can or two of food goes a long way in helping others.”

Residents can also track where Santa will be each night by following the squad on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ahfirstaid, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ahfirstaid or by visiting the squad’s website at www.ahfirstaid.org. A map with the AHFAS zones – which are different from the borough services zones – will be on all social media platforms and the squad’s website. Anyone with special needs or those who want to check on where Santa is headed can call the AHFAS’ non-emergency number (732) 291-8118 before 6 p.m. each night.

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical and rescue services operation that operates on the generous donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic organization call our non-emergency number at (732) 291-8118.

“This year’s Santa Runs are going to be great,” says Hubeny. “The crew is ready. Santa is ready. And we’re ready to share some holiday cheer with the community.”

The all-volunteer emergency services organization relies on generous donations from residents and the borough to operate. Indeed, nearly half of the AHFAS annual operating budget is derived from the annual fund drive letter, which should have recently arrived in local mailboxes.

Now, however, residents wishing to use a credit or debit card to make their payment can visit the AHFAS website for a simple, instant transaction. Adding the secure, online donation system to the process stems from resident requests to use credit cards to show their support of the squad.

Every dollar raised during this direct outreach goes to purchasing medical supplies, to maintain our response equipment and to provide training so that our members are trained to the highest standards. Through the first three months of the year, the Squad had responded to 150 calls and is on track to hit 600 before year’s end.

The AHFAS is a 501c3 non-profit organization so there are a variety of ways in which residents can demonstrate their support, including the annual fund drive, or by considering planned gifts, family trusts, corporate donations and work-place matching programs.

For information about how you can help the AHFAS by becoming a member, or through a donation, please call the non-emergency number, (732) 291-8118, or visit www.ahfirstaid.org. Also follow the Squad on Facebook at @ahfirstaid and on Twitter at @ahfirstaid.

The community CPR class developed through a conversation between AHFAS Captain Tom Hayden and resident Colette Umar, who asked about being trained in the critical, life-saving skill as part of her studies as a preschool teacher. From there, Umar put out a call for participants on Facebook. More than 40 people responded and 14 were able to attend a program delivered by AHFAS members who are American Heart Association certified CPR instructors.

“The class was a great refresher since it has been a few years since the last one I took,” Umar said. “The class was both informational and a lot of fun!”

“The idea for the class was Colette’s and it mushroomed into something quite nice,” said Hayden. “This was a great way for us to connect with the community we serve, while also building the number of people who can provide CPR in times of emergency. Together, we are making the community stronger.”

Residents gathered on a Sunday morning to go through the class, which included learning CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), how to help choking victims, and how to handle the same situations with infants and children. In addition to Hayden, the instructors included AHFAS Chief Lance Hubeny, Richard Huff, Shannon Martiak and Tim Barnes.

“The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad presented one of the most professional and effective child and adult CPR classes that I have ever attended,” said Dawn M. Greenleaf, owner of A Child First at Miss Dawn’s Cottage, a childcare program for infants and young children. “As safety is a top priority of mine, it is important to me to both stay current in my infant-child CPR skills and to give parents reassurance with a formal certificate and to be able to help in any emergencies with family members, or the general public, as well.”

Over the course of four hours on a Sunday morning, the residents, using training manikins and AED units, participated in hands-on training they can use in case of an emergency in their homes or workplace. The AHFAS instructors told attendees they will play a key part when encountering someone suffering from sudden cardiac arrest and that what they do immediately could save a life.

“The squad members were lovely people and the presentation style was clear and thorough, yet concise,” says Greenleaf. “The large number of instructors who participated was impressive and provided us students with very helpful individual attention. It was refreshing to participate in a class where I truly felt like the focus was on ensuring the class learned the skills successfully, rather than a rush for staff to see how quickly they could get through the class material so that everyone could leave as soon as possible.”

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical services organization that responds to emergency calls around-the-clock, 365 days a year. The organization operates only on generous donations from the borough and residents. For more information on the AHFAS or how to help by becoming a member, or through financial support, call the non-emergency number of (732) 291-8118. Follow the AHFAS on Facebook and Twitter, and online at www.ahfirstaid.org.

“I know all of the instructors had a lot of fun teaching the class and meeting our neighbors,” Hayden said. “Plans are already underway to hold another session in the spring. The more people we can train to perform CPR the better it will be for everyone in the borough.”

In keeping with tradition, the Squad asked residents to donate non-perishable food items when they visited with Santa during the week-long event. The donations, hundreds of items, a pair of jeans, and cash, were delivered to the AACC Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands.

For nearly two decades, Santa and his elves at AHFAS have been visiting with families throughout the borough. Over four nights, Santa and a fleet of emergency vehicles go block by block in an effort to reach everyone who wants to visit with the jolly fellow. Along the way, Santa stops to meet with children and their families, pose for pictures, listen to holiday wish lists, and distribute candy canes.

Throughout the week, which was delayed one night for rain, Santa met huge crowds of people. And, as in the past, residents were able to track Santa’s whereabouts on Twitter and Facebook.

Because of the residents’ generosity this year, many other families will have a better holiday season. The food donations will assure others have a holiday meal and more, and are a clear indication of how a small donation can have a major impact.

Santa got a special assist this year from Borough councilmen Lou Fligor and Roy Dellosso, former mayor Fred Rast, and AHFAS life member Walter Curry. Also assisting each night were members of the AHFAS Cadets, a group of young, future EMS providers, who helped hand out candy canes and coordinate getting children into Santa’s sleigh.

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical service providing around-the-clock EMS care to the borough and occasionally surrounding towns. The Squad is funded only by donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic, award-winning organization call (732) 291-8118, check out the Squad website atwww.ahfirstaid.org or follow the AHFAS on Facebook and Twitter. And for information on how you can help the AACC Food Pantry call (732) 291-0485.

While many of their counterparts were still sleeping, the Cadets were up early learning how to perform a variety of patient assessment skills, including how to measure vital signs such as blood pressure, breathing and pulse rates. They also learned how to document their initial assessment, and afterward, several went on to complete a CPR class.

“It's important for young folks to get involved with the first aid squad because they are the future of our town,” says AHFAS EMT Ali Maddock, who heads up the Cadet group and led the training. “The squad already has a great group of people who we can all trust to take care of our town. It is important for young members to get involved so we know that we will always be in good hands.”

The AHFAS Cadets is an organization for students between the ages of 14 and 18 who want to become involved in emergency medical services. Members meet monthly, participate in drills and training. Once they turn 16, Cadets can join adult members on a variety of real EMS calls.

Maddock, who began her EMS work as member of the AHFAS Cadets when she was a sophomore at Henry Hudson Regional High School, this fall has focused on boosting the Cadets ranks by getting new members to join and providing them with more educational and social experiences. One of her goals is to get a team ready to participate in a skills competition organized by Keyport First Aid next June.

“I hope that the cadets were able to see that getting involved with first aid has many benefits,” Maddock says. “The cadets were able to have a good time, meet new friends, all while learning skills that could potentially save someone's life one day.”

No experience is necessary to join the AHFAS Cadets, which is a division of the all-volunteer AHFAS. Training is provided. In addition to learning CPR and skills involved with EMS work, Cadets participate in fundraisers such as an annual car wash, the town wide garage sale, and are a key part in the Squad’s annual Santa Runs event in December, when the organization brings Santa and his sleigh to each part of town over the course of four nights.

Ultimately, AHFAS leaders look to the Cadets as the future of the organization. Several current members began as cadets and have continued to volunteer with the Squad, which provides around-the-clock emergency medical services to Atlantic Highlands and occasionally the surrounding areas. The organization operates on donations from the borough and the community.

“The cadets’ training is a vital component to our community because it shows that they truly care about helping others,” Maddock says. “Our community is so close-knit and it is because we all care about the town and everyone in it. Their training will benefit not only themselves, but Atlantic Highlands as a whole.”

For information about how to become a Cadet call the AHFAS non-emergency number at (732) 291-8118 or visit the AHFAS website at www.ahfirstaid.org. Follow the AHFAS on Facebook and Twitter.

Santa will head out to Zone 4 on the AHFAS map Thursday, Dec. 8, and on Friday, Dec. 9, he will be in Zone 2, which was rescheduled because of rain on Tuesday. Santa and the crew start their visits at 6 p.m. and remain on the streets until approximately 9 p.m.

As many have experienced already this holiday season, Santa is travels throughout the borough in a specially designed sleigh powered by an AHFAS ambulance. The ambulance and additional emergency vehicles use flashing lights, holiday music and the occasional siren to alert residents they’re on the way. Along the way, Santa stops to meet with children and their families, pose for pictures, listen to holiday wish lists, and distribute candy canes.

The AHFAS is also continuing tradition of collecting donations of non-perishable food items during the Santa Runs and has already gathered hundreds of items to be donated to the AACC Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands to help those in need. But more is always needed.

Residents can track where Santa will be each night by following the squad on Twitter and Facebook, where Santa’s helpers will provide real-time updates of the nightly trips. They can also see a map of the areas Santa will visit at www.ahfirstaid.org. Those with special needs or who want to check on where Santa is headed each night can call the AHFAS’ non-emergency number (732) 291-8118 before 6 p.m.

For nearly two decades, the AHFAS has been delivering holiday cheer to area residents by bringing Santa to visit them at their homes through the Santa Runs. While also spreading holiday greetings, the annual visits give Squad members a chance to visit with friends and neighbors throughout the borough in a non-emergency setting.

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical service providing around-the-clock EMS care to the borough and occasionally surrounding towns. The Squad is funded only by donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic, award-winning organization call (732) 291-8118, check out the Squad website, or ask any member during the Santa Runs.

Members of the Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad have prepared Santa’s sleigh and everything is set for the organization’s 2016 Santa Runs and food drive, which begins on Monday.

Weather permitting, the Santa Runs will be held Dec. 5 through Dec. 8. Each night, starting at 6 p.m., Santa and his team of AHFAS elves will visit one section of town until approximately 9 p.m. Should bad weather get in the way – Santa needs good weather to travel  – an additional day will be added to schedule.

Santa will travel throughout the borough in a specially designed sleigh powered by an AHFAS ambulance. The ambulance and additional emergency vehicles will use flashing lights, holiday music and the occasional siren to alert residents they’re on the way. Santa will stop to meet with children and their families, pose for pictures, listen to holiday wish lists, and distribute candy canes.

The AHFAS will also continue its tradition of collecting donations of non-perishable food items during the Santa Runs. Since incorporating the food drive into the Santa Runs in 2008, the AHFAS has picked up thousands of food items. Items collected each year are immediately donated to the AACC Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands to help those in need. The AHFAS elves traveling with Santa each night will gladly gather donations of whatever items residents can spare and share.

Residents can track where Santa will be each night by following the squad on Twitter and Facebook, where Santa’s helpers will provide real-time updates of the nightly trips. They can also see a map of the areas Santa will visit at www.ahfirstaid.org. Those with special needs or who want to check on where Santa is headed each night can call the AHFAS’ non-emergency number (732) 291-8118 before 6 p.m. (Editor's note: Because of the time it takes cover each part of town, the Squad uses a slightly different zone map for the Santa Runs than the normal borough outline.)

For nearly two decades, the AHFAS has been delivering holiday cheer to area residents by bringing Santa to visit them at their homes through the Santa Runs. While also spreading holiday greetings, the annual visits give Squad members a chance to visit with friends and neighbors throughout the borough in a non-emergency setting.

The AHFAS is an all-volunteer emergency medical service providing around-the-clock EMS care to the borough and occasionally surrounding towns. The Squad is funded only by donations from the borough and its residents. For information on how you can become a part of this dynamic, award-winning organization call (732) 291-8118, check out the Squad website, or ask any member during the Santa Runs.

The donation of the life-saving device has immediately made the all-volunteer first aid squad better equipped to respond to cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

“We’re volunteers, so there is satisfaction in being able to give back to our community,” said Atlantic Highlands Lions Club President Penny Hofman-Morris. “If we can help our own community everybody wins.”

The concept of donating the device came after Lee Hofman, a long-time member of the Lions Club read about use of the equipment by Monmouth Beach EMS to save a life. The agreement to make the donation came when members of the Lions Club and the AHFAS spoke while on duty at the Atlantic Highlands Fireman’s Fair earlier this summer.

“This was something we could do for our community and we said, ‘why not,’” recalled Hofman-Morris. “We voted on it over making funnel cakes.”

“This is a great example of two local community organizations teaming up to help make the community stronger,” said AHFAS Chief Bill Mount. “Thanks to the Lions Club, our members have a device designed to improve their efforts in true life or death situations. We’re very grateful for this donation from our friends and neighbors at the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club.”

The ResQCPR system from Zoll enhances the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and is the only device with an FDA-approved indication to increase the likelihood of survival.

While the Lions Club is well-known for collecting and donating used eyeglasses, Hofman-Morris said the organization does so much more ranging from buying bulletproof vests for police officers to acquiring equipment to assure school children in the community can see properly.

“We do a number of other things in community service other than collect glasses,” said Hofman-Morris.

For information on the Atlantic Highlands Lions Club visit:  AHNJLIONS.ORG

The Atlantic Highlands First Aid & Safety Squad provides free EMS and rescue services to the borough of Atlantic Highlands and occasionally the surrounding communities. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relies on donations from the borough and the community to provide those services. For information on the various ways to help the AHFAS follow the squad on Facebook and Twitter, visit the squad’s website at www.ahfirstaid.org, or call the non-emergency number (732) 291-8118.