News and Events

Passaic Hatzolah Member Lectures at Kutsher's Country Club on July 17, Shabbos Devarim

One of our members, Moshe Stareshefsky, was invited to be a guest speaker at Kutscher’s Country Club this past Shabbos. While Moshe spoke about many different Hatzolah related topics, the primary lecture was entitled, “From call time to the arrival; what you can do while waiting for Hatzolah to arrive.” “

Basic First-Aid skills (ie. bleeding control, when it is appropriate to move a patient helping patients with chest pain, patients having seizures, and a push for people to learn CPR) were discussed, as well as ways that people can help (ie. turning on a porch light, clearing a path for the members to the patient, staying calm and help keeping the patient calm)), until the arrival of Hatzolah members.

Moshe also spent some time answering questions about the need for Hatzolah and the other services Hatzolah provides, such community education through lectures, screenings and health fairs. .

Third Annual Passaic - Clifton Community Wide Health and Safety Fair - June 6, 2010

On Sunday, June 6, 2010, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS and the Bikur Cholim of Passaic-Clifton once again hosted a Health and Safety Fair for the community. Crowd estimates ranged from 1500-2000 attendees. Attendees were able to browse more than 30 booths relating to their personal health and safety. Many health screenings were provided free of charge, such as vision, glucose, dental, scoliosis, blood pressure and more. There were even booths dealing with computer/internet safety! Children received balloons and everyone was able to enjoy free healthy snacks- bottled water, fresh fruit and hot popcorn. For a full report and photos, click here.

Pharmacalogy Class Given by Hackensack University Medical Center

On Thursday April 29th, the Members of Hatzolah had a continuing education class on Pharmacology presented by a Paramedic from Hackensack University Medical Center.

The goal of the class was to help our emergency responders better identify a patient's medical history based upon their currently prescribed medications which in turn, would likely create a better understanding of presenting symptoms during an emergency call for help. The class presenter reviewed a myriad list of Prescription Medications and their associated uses. The class was very well received and appreciated by the Hatzolah membership.

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton would like to thank Mr. Glenn MacDonald of Hackensack University Medical Center for arranging this particular class at no cost to Hatzolah. Hatzolah would also like to thank Mr. Breyer of Kosher Konnection for donating refreshments for the class.

With the recent changes to the State of NJ EMT Training Fund, many of our Continuing Education Classes will no longer be covered by the State. Please visit www.hatzolahpassaic.net/support.html to donate online or call our office at 973-685-4911 to help fund future training classes. Dedication opportunities are available for classes to be sponsored in Honor/Memory or L'Refuah Sheleima of a loved one.

Hatzolah and Bikur Cholim Host Bone Marrow Drive

On Thanksgiving 2009, Hatzolah and Bikur Cholim hosted a local drive (there were many other simultaneous drives in other communities)from 7AM until 12:30PM to help find a bone marrow donor for a community member suffering from leukemia, in need of a transplant. Three large tables were set up in the lobby of Ahavas Israel to accommodate the men leaving davening after each Shacharis minyan. Women began arriving for testing from 10:30 until 12:30PM. Hundreds of community members availed themselves of this opportunity to potentially help save someone's life. Much thanks to the Ahavas Israel for graciously hosting the event and to Bagel Munch for providing free donuts and coffee to the volunteers and people who came to be tested.

Hatzolah visits Yeshiva Ktana of Passaic Pre-School Again

Hatzolah visited the Yeshiva Ktana of Passaic's Pre-School division to help the kinderlach learn about the letter "Hey." The children, accompanied by their Morahs, came out and received a grand tour of the ambulance (P-01) . On hand from Hatzolah were Heshy Cohen and Boruch Jaffe. The members took the opportunity to provide some safety tips to the children in addition to handing out Hatzolah water bottles.

Simchas Bais Hashoeivah for the Members of Hatzolah

Rabbi Moshe Perlmutter (P-8) once again hosted a Simchas Bais Hashoeivah for the members of Hatzolah in his Succah on the 3rd night of Chol Hamoed. Rabbi Ron Yitzchak Eisenman Shlita said Divrei Brocha and Divrei Torah. Also attending were Rav Menachem Spira Shlita, Rav Menachem Zupnik Shlita and Hatzolah's Medical Director, Dr. Michael Rosen.

Once Again Hatzolah Pitches In

Once again, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS was proud to participate in the weekly Yiddle League games which took place most Sunday's and sometime on weekdays throughout the summer at the Clifton Y. As hundreds of youngsters participate, it is important that medical assistance be readily available if the need CH"V arises. Hatzolah provided members (and some coaches!) as well as an ambulance on call for each game.

Hatzolah Members Train for Pediatric Emergencies

On Sunday, July 26, 17 members of Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS along with our Medical Director, Dr. Michael Rosen, gathered at Bais Torah Utefilah for a full day of hands-on intensive learning. The course given is entitled PEARS. The PEARS neumonic stands for Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization. The course was designed for health care providers that infrequently see critically ill children. PEARS prepares EMTs to assess, categorize, decide and act early to stabilize the child.

Not only do Hatzolah members continuously give of their free and busy time to respond to medical emergencies, they also regularly give up their time for training and continuing education to enhance the level of care provided to the community.

The class was arranged by Hatzolah Coordinator (P-8) Rabbi Moshe Perlmutter and given by a trio of instructors from Newark Beth Israel Hospital (part of the St. Barnabas Medical System). The instructors were Joe Barra, Ed Wheat & Mark Cohen.

Hatzlah of Passaic / Clifton EMS Attends Pediatric Spinal Immobilization Class

On Wednesday, June 10, 2009, Bais Torah U'Tefilah once again provided the location for a very important and informative class on Pediatric Spinal Immobilization. Unlike a regular municipal EMS system, a large percentage of calls that Hatzolah responds to is for pediatric patients. Many of those calls involve falls and immobilization. Dr. Michael Rosen, Director of Pediatrics at Newark's Beth Israel Hospital and Hatzolah's Medical Director, gave the class.

Second Annual Passaic - Clifton Community Wide Health and Safety Fair - June 7, 2009

On Sunday, June 7, 2009, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS and the Bikur Cholim of Passaic-Clifton once again hosted a Health and Safety Fair for the community. Crowd estimates ranged from 1500-2000 attendees. Attendees were able to browse more than 30 booths relating to their personal health and safety. Many health screenings were provided free of charge, such as vision, glucose, dental, scoliosis, blood pressure and more. There were even booths dealing with computer/internet safety! Children received balloons and everyone was able to enjoy free healthy snacks- bottled water, fresh fruit and hot popcorn. For a full report and photos, click here.

Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS attends full day EVOC Course

On Sunday May 3rd, all the members of Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS completed an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course. This training course, offered and mandated by our insurance company, provided our members with valuable guidelines, rules, and procedures in how to safely operate vehicles in emergency mode, when responding to calls for help. The lessons learned will be applied by the members, both when responding in their private vehicles as well as with the ambulances. The classroom lecture portion was followed by hands-on driving of the ambulances through multiple maneuvers. Everyone came away with valuable lessons, tools and knowledge that will help us better serve our community safely.

Hatzolah would like to thank the following individuals for ensuring this course be as successful as it was:

Rabbi Binyomin Kessler gives a Shiur on Hilchos Shabbos

Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS members attended a Shiur on Motzei Shabbos Parashas Ki Sisa on Hilchos Shabbos. Rabbi Kessler is a Coordinator of Queens Hatzolah, a member for more than 15 years and the official Halachik liasion for Queens Hatzolah to the Poskim of Hatzolah in New York City. While the Piskei Halacha that Queens Hatzolah follow are not always the same Piskei Halacha that Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS follows, almost all of the scenarios are the same.

Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS is committed to constantly enhancing the Halachik knowledge of our first responders, as well as ensuring that our level of care is in line with the latest techniques in emergency medicine.

Photos are the Shiur are available here.

Hatzolah attends comprehensive course in Burn care from St. Barnabas Burn Center

Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS members, together with a number of Union County Hatzalah members, gathered on February 10, 2009 for a lecture on burn care given by Ilene Byrne RNC, WCC, Community Burn Educator for St. Barnabas. Unfortunately, burns are somewhat more prevalent in the Jewish community because of the many times that we use candles (Shabbos, Yom Tov and Chanukah). Hatzolah's Operations Committee determined that it was prudent to provide this additional training due to the number of times that Hatzolah has had to treat burn victims in Passaic and Clifton (as recently as Chanukah, when a child suffered severe burns from a Menorah). If Chas V'Shalom there is a need, Hatzolah members are ever more prepared to assist a burn victim. Dr. Michael Rosen, Hatzolah Medical Director and Dr. Elliot Samet, a prominent Passaic pediatrician who also serves on Hatzolah's Board of Directors attended the class as well.

Much thanks to Daniel Strimber of The Main Ingredient for sponsoring dinner for the class attendees. Pictures of the class are available here.

Hatzolah of Passaic / Cifton EMS First Annual Melava Malka

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS held its 1st Annual Melava Malka on Motzei Shabbos Parshas Beshalch-Shirah, February 7, 2009. For a full report on the Melava Malka click here.

Website Photos

Hatzolah apologies for watermarking all the photos on the site. Some unscrupulous individuals were harvesting photos and using them illegally for nefarious purposes.

Plane Crashes on the Hudson River - Everyone Survives - Miracle on the Hudson!

On the afternoon of January 15, 2009, Hatzolah of Passaic / Clifton EMS received word (as did everyone else) of a plane that went down on the Hudson River near the Intrepid. Immediate reports indicated that it was a small personal plane. Upon receiving confirmation that it was a commercial airliner with the possibility of over 150 passengers on board, and that every Hatzolah in the immediate area (including West Side, East Side, Upper East Side, Washington Heights, Riverdale, Flatbush, Boro Park, Staten Island, Union City) was participating in the rescue effort, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS contacted Central Hatzalah and was requested to proceed in as well. After ascertaining that there was adequate coverage in Passaic and Clifton, P-01 with 3 members on board headed into the city. A fourth member was picked up in the city at the Lincoln Tunnel. Together, they proceeded to staging areas (the staging areas kept changing, as the plane floated downriver) and eventually ended up at the ferry terminal at 41st. and the West Side Highway. At the end Boruch Hashem, while very few patients needed transport, Hatzolah did transport one or two patients, and all Hatzolah members returned to their regularly scheduled day. Click here for photos.

Fireman Moshe

One of Hatzolah's members doubles as a volunteer firefighter for the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department and is therefore well "suited" to teach the children of Passaic and Clifton (as well as outside of Passaic and Clifton) about fire safety. For the last few years, Moshe Stareshefsky has been making the rounds to Yeshiva K'Tana of Passaic's pre-school as well as the pre-school at YBH-Hillel teaching about fire sefety and demonstrating his fire fighting equipment. Many children in the community fondly refer to him as Fireman Moshe. Recently, Fireman Moshe visited YKP and YBH-Hillel. Click here for pictures.

Hatzolah Chanukah Safety Mailing

Recently, Hatzolah sent out a Chanukah Safety mailing, sponsored by Bergen Regional Medical Center. Nearly every household in Passaic and Clifton received a Safety Coloring Book. The coloring book was produced jointly by the Torah Safety Commission and Hatzolah (Central) and provides valuable lessons to youngsters about safety while at the same time providing a wholesome fun and safe activity. Included in the mailing was a letter from Hatzolah which included some very valuable safety tips related to Chanukah and year round. Unfortunately, instances of burns and fires are more prevalent in the Jewish community as many of our religious activities involve candles and cooking. Hatzolah hopes to help avoid such tragedies by sending out this mailing, thus raising awareness in the Jewish community. Hatzolah respectfully requests that you help us continue our lifesaving activities by utilizing the enclosed return envelope to send in your end-of-year tax deductible donation. We thank you for your ongoing support.

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS Continuing Education - Missing Persons Searches

Hatzolah members gathered this past Motzei Shabbos, December 13, 2008 to hear a lecture on procedure and technique for conducting searches for missing persons. The class was given by Akiva Klein, a longtime member of Flatbush Hatzolah and Flatbush Shomrim. Mr. Klein is the official search coordinator for both organizations and has conducted searches for many years. The class was well attended by Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS members as well as members from Hatzalah of Union County (Elizabeth area). Refreshments / Melava Malka were sponsored by 8th Day Caterers. Pictures of the lecture are available here.

Hatzolah visits Yeshiva Ktana of Passaic Pre-School

Hatzolah visited the Yeshiva Ktana of Passaic's Pre-School division to help the kinderlach learn about the letter "Hey." Kain Yirbu, approximately 180 children - 9 classes, accompanied by their Morahs, came out and received a grand tour of the ambulance (P-01) . On hand from Hatzolah was Moshe Azer, Moshe Raider and Moshe Stareshefsky. The members took the opportunity to provide some safety tips to the children in addition to handing out Hatzolah keychains and phone stickers. Photos of the event are available here.

Change the Clocks - Check Your Smoke Detectors

Hatzolah urges all to remember to check their smoke detectors in conjunction with the changing of the clock this past Motzei Shabbos. This Public Service Message brought to you by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Touch a Truck

As in past years, YBH hosted a "Touch A Truck" which provided wholesome Chol Hamoed activity and allowed the community's children to get up close and personal with many various heavy duty vehicles that they see on a regular basis. Along with the Passaic Police and Fire Departments, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS was proud to participate in this event. Many children (and adults!) enjoyed the opportunity to get inside the ambulance and to see the equipment that Hatzolah members use on a daily basis. Many took this opportunity to get new Hatzolah stickers for their home and cell phones (if you need stickers, call the office at 973-685-4911). Pictures of the event are available here.

Simchas Bais Hashoeivah for the Members of Hatzolah

Rabbi Moshe Perlmutter (P-8) hosted a Simchas Bais Hashoeivah for the members of Hatzolah in his Succah on the 2nd night of Chol Hamoed. In attendance was Hatzolah's Executive Director, George Matyjewicz, Hatzolah's Medical Director, Dr. Michael Rosen as well as other members of the Executive Board of Directors. Rabbi Menachem Zupnik Shlita of the Hatzolah Rabbinical Committee said Divrei Brocha and Divrei Torah. Click here for photos of the Mesibah.

Union City Hatzolah to the Rescue

On Erev Shabbos Vayeilech, October 7th, at approximately 4PM, all traffic entering and exiting the Lincoln Tunnel ground to a halt as the Port Authority Police Department investigated what was later identified as a bomb hoax. The closing of the Lincoln Tunnel created a commuter nightmare, and even more so for the many Passaic residents trying to get home in time for Shabbos. With Shabbos fast approaching, those still in New York City made arrangements to stay there for Shabbos. There were many who were stuck on buses in the tunnel and on the Rt.495 Helix, who had nowhere to go. In desperation, many of them called local Rabbonim for advice, and Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS was also called for help. Since there was no time for a trip to the Lincoln Tunnel and return to Passaic before Shabbos, Avi Koplowitz, Hatzolah Coordinator, put in a call to Yanky Askal, Director of Union City (UC) Hatzolah for assistance. He advised Mr. Askal that many were stuck on buses with drivers who would not let them get off, and to prepare for the very high likelihood of hosting stranded travelers in Union City over Shabbos. UC Hatzolah, with assistance from Rabbi Yanky Meyer, Chaplain of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD), contacted NJ Transit to ask the drivers to permit passengers to disembark the buses. UC Hatzolah with the cooperation of the PAPD, immediately began sending buses and ambulances to pick up the stranded passengers. Many were brought to Passaic in time for Shabbos with minutes to spare. Many others enjoyed the gracious hospitality of the Union City Kehilla over Shabbos. It is imperative that we recognize the Mesiras Nefesh of Mr. Yanky Askal who together with UC Hatzolah and other dedicated residents of Union City, ensured that most, if not all, were able to enjoy Shabbos in a most meaningful way.

New Executive Director

The Board of Directors and the Rabbinical Board of Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton is pleased to announce the appointment of George Matyjewicz as Executive Director, effective August 1. 2008. George brings with him a wealth of business management experience having served as an executive and as an advisor to many organizations worldwide. He will apply his formidable skills learned in the business world to managing Hatzolah, helping us grow and continue to focus on serving our community. We would like thank the outgoing interim Executive Director, Heshy Cohen, who, at the very beginning, volunteered for the position and gave Hatzolah the management it needed to get off the ground. Heshy will now focus his skills as a valued EMT with Hatzolah.
On behalf of the Hatzolah Rabbinical Board, Executive Board, Operations Committee, First Responders and Dispatchers, welcome to the Hatzolah family.

City Certification

Maintaining our excellent relationship with various government agencies in Passaic and Clifton in general and specifically the Police, Fire and EMS departments is a very integral part of our daily routine. Currently Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS is certified by the city of Passaic to operate. Our members are authorized to utilize blue emergency lights, to provide emergency care and our ambulances are inspected by the OEMS of the State of New Jersey annually (in addition to other requirements) as outlined in the city ordinance.

Teddy Bear Saves Lives

How do you get an oxygen mask on a child who is having trouble breathing? You bring Teddy to the rescue. Teddy is a friendly, toy-like bear that is bubble-gum scented, squeaks and is designed with the ability to deliver oxygen with or without nebulization. The child holds Teddy and when the bear is squeezed oxygen flows. "It has worked wonders" said Senior EMT Moshe Stareshefsky. "Before we had to struggle to get an oxygen mask on a child. Now Teddy comforts them and saves them." This is another example of how Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS goes out of its way to provide comfort and safety to its patients. Photos of Teddy being demonstrated are available by clicking here.

Epinephrine (EpiPens) Administration

Hatzolah is a volunteer, life-saving organization, composed of neighbors, co-workers, fellow Shul members and acquaintances always there when you need them and always willing to provide assistance. One of our priorities is ongoing Halachik and Medical Education training. Recently, New Jersey allowed EMT's (Emergency Medical Technicians), to administer Epinephrine in certain scenarios to victims of Anaphylactic Shock (Allergic Reaction). In the past EMT's had to wait for ALS (Advanced Life Support) to provide this life saving intervention. New Jersey required an intensive full day course on Epinephrine's administration. Hatzolah jumped at this new opportunity to save lives, and the course was set up immediately. Photos of the training can be viewed by clicking here.

A Second Ambulance Is Put Into Service!

On August 5, 2008 a second ambulance (known as P-02) was put into service. This ambulance is a very much needed addition which will ensure that the community of Passaic and Clifton will always have an ambulance available when the need CH"V arises as there are often simultaneous calls being handled by Hatzolah. This addition also allows Hatzolah to provide some much needed service to the heavily used P-01. As not every ambulance is exactly the same, it is important that all members are familiar with the location and function of the equipment stored on it. Click here to see photos of both ambulances and the members attending an orientation session at Yeshiva M'Kor Boruch.

Free Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Screenings!

On July 30, 2008 and in conjunction with Dr. Rozanski's lecture the day before, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS and the Bikur Cholim of Passaic-Clifton offered free cholesterol and blood pressure by appointment only. All results were available on the spot.The screenings were held at Bais Torah Utefila (BTU).

While all available appointments were filled in advance, all who came with or without appointments were accomodated in a timely fashion. Much thanks to Racquel Houpt from the Bikur Cholim for getting everyone in, to the volunteers of Hatzolah and Dr. Jill Butler for providing the blood pressure screenings and to the wonderful staff of Mountainside Hospital for attending the event, providing the cholesterol screenings and staying ovetime to accomodate all who came. Click here for the event flyer. Photos of the event are available here.

Many thanks to Dr. Yaacov Weiss, Drs. Rosy Joseph and Zalman Suldan and Dr. Pearl Korenblit for their generous sponsorships.

Managing Stress, Diet, and Exercise Lecture

Dr. Alan Rozanski spoke about his approach to promoting health and vitality in today’s stressful, fast-paced world. This lecture was arranged by Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS and the Bikur Cholim of Passaic-Clifton. Photos of the lecture are available here.

The lecture took place on Tuesday, July 29, at 8 PM, at Bais Torah Utefilah (BTU) and was attended by a large crowd. Dr Rozanski provided a very educational and entertaining lecture which held the audience spellbound.

Dr. Rozanski,a noted cardiologist, is on the faculty of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and is an attending cardiologist at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital. Dr. Rozanski has published extensively in the field of nuclear cardiology, and has been the principal investigator in numerous major national and international trials. He is involved in ongoing research regarding the effects of the regression of coronary artery disease through diet and/or lipid lowering drugs.

The lecture is part of a regular program of health initiatives, presented jointly by Bikur Cholim and Hatzolah, to the Passaic and Clifton communities.

Hatzolah Pitches In

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS is proud to participate in the weekly Yiddle League games which take place every Sunday throughout the Summer at the Clifton Y. As hundreds of youngsters participate, it is important that medical assistance be readily available if the need CH"V arises.

YBH of Passaic Hachnosas Sefer Torah

Yeshiva Beis Hillel of Passaic (YBH) recently completed the writing of a new Sefer Torah, and held the Hachnosos Sefer Torah on Memorial Day, May 26, 2008. Many community members attended.

To ensure the health and safety of parade participants, YBH officials requested assistance from Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS. Hatzolah was pleased to have a standby ambulance on-site throughout the festivities, and two members to monitor the crowd, in cooperation with the Passaic Police Department. Pictures of the Hachnosoh, and Hatzolah at the event, are available by clicking here.

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS Participates in NCSY Toronto Shabbaton

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS was proud to participate in NCSY of Toronto's Annual Shabbaton in Erie, Pennsylvania over the weekend of May 16 - May 19, 2008 - Parshas Bhar. Two Hatzolah members were on premises throughout the entire weekend. Hatzolah members provided immediate first aid and response during medical emergencies and transferred care when neccesary to local EMS in Erie PA.

First Passaic - Clifton Community Wide Health and Safety Fair

On Sunday, May 18, 2008, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS in conjunction with the Bikur Cholim of Passaic-Clifton hosted a community wide Health and Safety Fair. The fair was be an exciting oppurtunity for community members of all ages to learn about health and safety. There were many booths and demonstrations for all participants, car seat safety inspections, glucose, dental, blood pressure and vision screenings. (Event website). Pictures of the event have been uploaded to the event website. Click here to go directly to the photos.

April 2008 - Pre-Pesach Awareness Campaign

On Erev Shabbos Parshas Metzora, April 11, 2008, Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS distributed over 2000 keychains, stickers, a memo from the Board of Directors and a flyer for the upcoming Health and Safety Fair to all school children in Passaic and Clifton. Many Hatzolah dispatchers and members worked alongside community members to put together the packages. Click here to see some pictures of everyone working hard on getting the job done! Thanks once again to all volunteers who helped out!

First International Hatzolah Convention

Over the weekend of Parshas Shmini, March 27, 2008, Hatzolah volunteers gathered for the first Hatzolah International Convention in Long Branch, New Jersey.  Hatzolah volunteers from all over the world, including Israel, Europe, Australia, and of course from the New York Tri State area attended this three day convention.  Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS was proud to be part of this historic event. Click here to see pictures of this amazing event.

Purim Awareness Campaign

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS placed ads in numerous online and print venues (Around Town and Jewish Local Pages) to promote awareness about safety on Purim.

Shiurim and Training

Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS volunteer responders and dispatchers gather on a regular basis for Shiurim in Hilchos Shabbos, Continuing Education and dispatching classes. Additionally the Executive Board of Hatzolah of Passaic/Clifton EMS meets on a continuing basis. Below are links to photos of recent Shiurim, training sessions, and Board Meetings and more.