NJ EMS Task Force co-founder and president Michael J. Bascom told members of the groundbreaking statewide emergency medical services organization that it is fighting for long-term survival and is pressing state officials for sustainable funding.

At the organization’s annual meeting held May 6 at the Hamilton Fire Company in Neptune, New Jersey, Bascom said there was “no way that New Jersey could be considered prepared without our resources and our structure.”

The organization, founded in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, consists of more than 200 career and volunteer EMS providers from 60 host agencies across the state who respond to large-scale disasters statewide. Since its founding, the NJEMSTF has been funded by donations, grants, and the New Jersey Department of Health.

The NJEMSTF launched as a mass casualty response team 21 years ago but rapidly expanded into developing statewide plans for evacuating healthcare facilities, supporting the NJ Forest Fire Service, coordinating EMS for the Super Bowl and a papal visit, distributing vaccines and tests during the COVID pandemic, and preparing for upcoming FIFA World Cup tournaments.

During 2024, Bascom said the team contributed more than 11,000 people hours across 420 critical responses and over 200 deployments. The team added over 50 new members, certified more than 260 Mental Health Resilience Officers, and rolled out Large Scale Incident Awareness training. He also said the NJEMSTF added 15 new physicians to the team and updated port security, passenger rail, and staging management plans.

“But despite the success, we are, quite frankly, fighting to survive,” Bascom told attendees. “The enemy? Not a person or a group, but the ever-slippery concept of sustainable funding. There’s plenty of support from the Department of Health and our legislators, but turning that support into long-term dollars? That’s where things have been tricky.”

Bascom said federal cuts are making the situation even more complex discussion to navigate. He said the NJEMSTF board, module managers, and a consultant are working hard to find funding.

“What we do know is this: We remain the national model program,” Bascom said. “Other states are taking notes and working off our model to secure funding. This gives us hope for the future.”

The dinner meeting included presentations by New Jersey State Police Col. Patrick J. Callahan, Dana Johnson, assistant commissioner at the NJ Department of Health, NJEMSTF Vice President Jennifer McCarthy, and NJEMSTF board members Dr. David Adinaro and Dr. James Pruden.

Callahan praised the NJ EMS Task Force, saying it stands for renewal and hope.

“You know what people do around the country? They look to NJ, they look to the EMS Task Force, they look to OEM, they look to women and men, who put others before themselves,” Callahan said.

“If tomorrow, the most atrocious tragedy happens in the state of New Jersey, or around the world, you know who is going to raise their hand? Every single one of you in this room, including me,” Callahan said. “For the sustainability of this Task Force, personally and professionally, I will back that until I no longer have a breath to do that, and I trust that 30 years from now, we’ll be at this dinner, touting what we’ve done in the last 30 years because of you – and the women and men you pass that torch onto.”

Bascom told the team they were the best of the best.

“You are tested, trusted, and totally unflappable,” Bascom said. “You come from all different backgrounds, but share core traits – professionalism, dedication, loyalty, and an uncanny ability to be where you’re needed most, exactly when you’re needed.”