As a result of the rapid geographic expansion of Monsey, which now extends North of 202 and to the New Jersey border, Hatzoloh of Rockland County has increasingly found itself in need of crossing over the New Jersey border. In addition, Hatzoloh responds to calls in New Jersey on the Palisades Interstate Parkway and Route 17 and transports patients to New York City hospitals and New Jersey hospitals, requiring travel on roads in New Jersey.

Although Hatzoloh is allowed by the law of mutual agreement to respond in New Jersey, there were often law enforcement officers unaware of this law who gave Hatzoloh volunteers a hard time when they were trying to respond to an emergency. Thus, it was just easier all around for Hatzoloh to become licensed to answer calls in New Jersey as well as Rockland County, so no conflicts arose over such situations. After much effort, in mid-May, Hatzoloh finally acquired a New Jersey license.

Hatzoloh is the only EMS ambulance corps in Rockland County to have received the license to operate in New Jersey. Many thanks to the Hatzoloh members and askanim who spent so many months pursuing this goal and bringing it to a successful conclusion.

“This will greatly facilitate Hatzoloh’s work during times such as when there are calls due to motor vehicle accidents on the Palisades or the Garden State Parkway,” said Simcha Klein, executive director of Hatzoloh. “The accreditation will make Hatzoloh’s life-saving endeavors that much smoother and enhance patient care—the ultimate goal of our Hatzoloh.”

By M. C. Millman