Cranford First Aid Squad Selects 11 Cadets for 2026

The Cranford First Aid Squad has selected 11 cadets for its 2026 cadet class, chosen from more than 50 applicants across Union County. Four of the 11 new cadets are Cranford residents. The new class began orientation on August 1, 2026, and will officially begin riding on ambulances during the first week of September, marking the start of their hands-on emergency medical service training.

Union County Life covers Cranford volunteer services, community programs, and emergency response across all 21 Union County municipalities.

The Selection Process: Cadets Leading Cadets

What sets the Cranford First Aid Squad's cadet program apart is that cadets themselves run much of the selection process. Cadet Captains Chloe Martin (Senior) and Natalia Reguera (Junior) scheduled and conducted the interviews, set the selection criteria, and made the final decisions about who would join the 2026 class.

The squad's Membership Committee reviewed applications first. Interviews ran approximately 45 minutes to an hour and covered applicants' interest in emergency medical services, previous experiences, basic medical knowledge, and questions tailored to each applicant's specific activities and interests. Applicants also submitted high school transcripts, personal statements, and references.

Vice President Kent Lucas, MICP, EMT-I, explained the reasoning: "The cadet program is largely run by the cadets themselves, with ultimate oversight and advice provided by our adult officers. Our Cadet Captains scheduled and conducted the interviews, set the criteria for selection and made the decisions. No one knows better what we require of CFAS cadets than the current cadets."

Orientation and Initial Training

New cadets completed CPR certification and blood-borne pathogen certification during orientation—both required before cadets can ride in an ambulance. Throughout August, cadets attended approximately two-hour training sessions during assigned shifts, covering vital signs, equipment, technology, and other response skills essential to emergency medical care.

From Observers to Caregivers

Cadets do not simply observe calls. As they progress through the program, they take an active role in patient care under supervision. "As cadets, they are not simply observers who go on calls and watch," Lucas said. "They take part in actual patient care. We start them off slowly with basic tasks such as performing rig checks, obtaining patient information and getting equipment, but eventually they will start taking vital signs, performing actual patient assessments and providing care under the supervision of an adult EMT."

When cadets officially begin riding ambulances in the first week of September, their training will continue. "Training is an ongoing part of being a cadet and continues during their shifts each night they ride," Lucas said.

EMT School Requirement

As part of the cadet program, members are required to attend EMT school. Some members of the 2026 class are already enrolled in EMT coursework; others are enrolled in or plan to begin courses in the coming months. This educational requirement ensures cadets are working toward certification and professional development.

Competitive Excellence

The Cranford First Aid Squad's cadet program has earned recognition for competitive achievement. At the annual tri-state Keyport cadet competition, Cranford teams consistently place at the highest levels. This year, Cranford teams placed first and fourth out of 44 teams competing.

Lucas emphasized the program's high standards: "Year after year, Cranford cadets place high at the annual tri-state Keyport cadet competition. Again this year, Cranford teams placed first and fourth out of 44 teams. The expectations for our cadets are high, but the rewards are even greater."

Youth Leadership and Succession

The cadet program also develops young leaders who take on increasing responsibility within the organization. Natalia Reguera, current Cadet Captain and Junior, is positioned to take over as program leader when the senior class graduates, ensuring continuity of leadership and program quality.

About the Cranford First Aid Squad

The Cranford First Aid Squad is a volunteer, independent nonprofit founded in 1953. The organization has approximately 90 active members and provides emergency medical care and transportation to Cranford residents. The squad does not bill patients for basic life support services, reflecting its commitment to community health and safety.

The squad relies entirely on community donations to cover operating costs, including medical supplies, ambulance equipment and maintenance, member training, and building upkeep.

Supporting the Volunteer Mission

Community members interested in supporting the Cranford First Aid Squad can make donations through multiple methods: PayPal or Venmo via the squad's website, or by mail to Cranford First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 1771, Cranford, NJ 07016.

The cadet program offers young people—ages 16 and up—an opportunity to develop skills, serve their community, and potentially pursue careers in emergency medical services. Application windows generally open in May each year.

Find more Cranford volunteer services, emergency response, and community programs on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Cranford First Aid Squad cadet program?
A: A volunteer emergency medical services training program for young people ages 16+ that teaches CPR, emergency response skills, and patient care under supervision. Cadets work toward EMT certification and eventually ride ambulances with adult supervisors.

Q: How many cadets were selected for 2026?
A: 11 cadets were selected from more than 50 applicants across Union County. Four of the 11 are Cranford residents.

Q: When did the 2026 class begin?
A: Orientation began August 1, 2026. Official ambulance shifts start the first week of September 2026.

Q: What do cadets learn during training?
A: Cadets learn vital signs monitoring, equipment operation, patient assessment, basic patient care tasks (performing rig checks, obtaining patient information), and advanced skills like taking vital signs and providing patient care under EMT supervision.

Q: Do cadets just observe calls?
A: No. Cadets actively participate in patient care, starting with basic tasks and progressing to more advanced responsibilities as they develop skills and experience.

Q: Is EMT school required?
A: Yes. All cadets are required to attend EMT school as part of the program. Some are already enrolled; others are enrolling or plan to enroll in the coming months.

Q: How is the cadet program led?
A: Cadets lead much of the program themselves under adult oversight. Cadet Captains Chloe Martin (Senior) and Natalia Reguera (Junior) conducted interviews, set selection criteria, and made final decisions for the 2026 class.

Q: How competitive is the Cranford cadet program?
A: Very. Cranford teams regularly place highly at the annual tri-state Keyport cadet competition. This year, Cranford placed 1st and 4th out of 44 teams.

Q: How can I support the Cranford First Aid Squad?
A: Make a donation via PayPal or Venmo through the squad's website, or send a check to Cranford First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 1771, Cranford, NJ 07016.

Q: When does the next cadet application window open?
A: Application windows generally open in May. Check the squad's website or social media for 2027 application details.