Teaneck has an incredible volunteer ambulance corps that is composed of a widely diverse group of people from all walks of life, including a large representation from the Jewish community—many of whom are Orthodox Jewish women. This column will be highlighting some of these women, who all selflessly dedicate their time and energy towards one goal—to help their community, and to make a difference.
Kayla-Rachel Singer, an 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers Business School, has been a member of Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC) for almost three years, and has now gained the title of ”lieutenant of personnel” there. As an active member of TVAC, she covers a weekly shift whenever she is home from school, as well as as many pager calls as she can. She is also very involved in many of TVAC’s committees. In her capacity as personnel lieutenant, it is her responsibility to manage the weekly duty roster and to ensure that the ambulances are properly staffed at all times.
Singer knew that she wanted to be an EMT from a very young age. “I have always been fascinated by the way the human body works,” Singer said. “There are so many intricate parts and processes that happen every second. I find it fascinating how well the body functions when everything works properly, as well as how the body is impacted when certain parts don’t.”
Due to the timing of her probationary period, however, her training wasn’t straightforward.
“I submitted my application at the very beginning of the pandemic,” she explained. “I began my training a few months before enrolling in EMT school, as most EMT courses had been suspended due to Covid. My crew chief, as well as the regular member on my shift, spent hours training me and helping me prepare for the start of my EMT course. Once I began EMT school, they helped me study and improve my skills during our weekly shifts, which helped me to excel in the class. After I had completed enough of my EMT school curriculum, they began to train me to serve as the primary patient care provider on calls.”
Since completing her training period and becoming a full member at TVAC, she has been on hundreds of emergency calls. But there was one that was particularly memorable.“One that has stuck with me the most was when I responded to a call for a woman in labor,” Singer said. “We transported her to the hospital, and she ended up giving birth to her baby within a minute of our bringing her to her hospital room. I will never forget the sound of her baby crying for the first time. While most of the calls we respond to are because someone is sick and injured, it is amazing to have been able to assist a patient during such a happy occasion.”
Of course, TVAC is not only about work. Singer reported having made many friends throughout her years there. “TVAC has a very close-knit community,” she said. “Since joining, I have made a number of close friends, and I spend a large amount of time in the building with other members. We all enjoy our time together at TVAC headquarters when we are not on calls. Many of us also appreciate each other’s company doing other activities away from TVAC.”
In addition to providing a social outlet, Singer reported that being involved in TVAC has impacted her life in many realms. “Riding has changed my perspective on a lot of my everyday actions, especially due to Covid,” she said. “It has made me more prepared for not only medical situations, but a lot of other life experiences. TVAC has taught me how to remain calm in high-pressure situations. This has been invaluable for me. I really appreciate everything that I have gained from my experiences at TVAC.
“If you’re thinking about trying it, do it!” Singer continued. “You have nothing to lose by giving it a chance. You can learn so much as an EMT. I have found TVAC to be a very welcoming place for everyone, including the many young Jewish women who volunteer there.”
Abby Cooper is a lieutenant of personnel at Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (TVAC).
