(Courtesy of Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton) Three and a half years ago, Hatzolah of Passaic-Clifton set out on a journey to partner with local hospital St. Clare’s to create an Advanced Life Support (ALS) division of its organization.

This collaboration created opportunities for four paramedics to join the staff at St. Clare’s Hospital after undergoing a rigorous training program with two years of schooling and labs, and one year gaining valuable experience as licensed New Jersey paramedics. This innovative program further strengthens the amazing working relationship HOPC has shared with St. Clare’s for the last five years, and is generating increased interest from others in the field.

Multiple New York paramedics in the Passaic-Clifton area are now going through the reciprocity process to join the team of HOPC paramedics working at St. Clare’s, benefiting from this unique partnership, the only one of its kind in the state in the last 15 years.

HOPC has invested heavily in equipment for their paramedics, purchasing a vehicle, uniforms, cardiac monitors, ALS equipment and supplies — mostly raised with private donations — and have recently begun operations through St. Clare’s.