The township will be more prepared for life-threatening emergencies as it now has four automated external defibrillators available.
The Tabernacle Rescue Squad has purchased four new AEDs for the township to use at its parks and buildings. The Tabernacle Rescue Squad gave a quick presentation on the new AEDs to the Township Committee last week.
“As the chief, I am here to say here are your defibrillators because we think it is important we have them,” Tabernacle Rescue Squad Chief George Jackson III said.
Mayor Stephen Lee IV reached out to Jackson about getting AEDs for Patty Bowker Park and Pricketts Mill Park. Jackson thought it was a great idea and went to the squad to ask for its thoughts.
The Tabernacle Rescue Squad officers and board felt this was a project the squad should take on. The squad discussed the price of two, but as the AEDs in the Town Hall and Community Center were older, the squad decided to buy four.
“It was a great idea, and our organization was able to take (Lee’s) idea and run with it,” Jackson said.
The AEDs cost about $1,000 apiece and were paid for out of the rescue squad’s budget, according to Jackson.
The AEDs are Defibtech brand, the same as the ones the rescue squad and Tabernacle Fire Company use. The Defibtech AEDs are easy to use with two buttons, one to turn it on and off and one to shock, and with instructions voiced out through the AEDs.
“For someone who is not trained, they make it easy to follow the instructions,” Jackson said. “Once you activate the unit, it tells you step by step on how to (use the AED).”
The Tabernacle Rescue Squad will be responsible for maintaining the AEDs.
The two AEDs at Patty Bowker Park and Pricketts Mill Park will be inside of the snack stands, where Tabernacle Athletic Association coaches will have easy access to them. However, during off season, the AEDs will be locked away. The other two AEDs are replacing the older ones in the Town Hall and Community Center.
Committeeman Joseph Barton asked the AEDs be moved while not in sports season so they may be available to use, as they are a valuable asset. Jackson said he would look into it, and the suggestion of keeping one or two at Public Works during the winter may be a good idea.
George also said he would love to give a presentation on the new AEDs to the TAA members and coaches so they know the AEDs are there and how to use them.
In other news:
• According to committee, the ordinance for residential chickens is planned to be on the November meeting agenda. The Land Development Board communicated there will be action taken on the ordinance at its Nov. 2 meeting.
Lee also said the township was interested in getting the Rutgers Cooperative Extension to come to the township and have an informational session for residents about keeping residential chickens. The hope is to have it sometime in November before the meeting.
• Committee also approved a resolution for the disposal of surplus property. The township is selling various items such as vehicles, mowers, snow plows and furniture at Government Deals. To see the agenda with a list of items being auctioned, visit the township website at www.townshipoftabernacle-nj.gov. The surplus property will be up on www.govdeals.com seven to 14 days after it is advertised and will be there for about two weeks.
• The next Township Committee meeting is scheduled for Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
