When St. Clare’s Denville Hospital experienced a power outage on Monday, May 12, officials at the Morris County, New Jersey, facility turned to the NJ EMS Task Force for assistance.

The NJ EMS Task Force immediately activated its Incident Advance Team to assess the emergency, evaluate the risk of escalation, and determine what personnel and equipment were needed to mitigate the challenges faced by St. Clare’s Denville Hospital.

Nineteen team members were deployed, along with GateKeeper1—a specialty response vehicle equipped with HVAC systems to provide cooling for areas of the hospital—and a two-room mobile medical tent structure in case patient evacuations became necessary.

“This was another glaring example of just how valuable the NJ EMS Task Force is to this state and beyond,” said NJ EMS Task Force Leader Michael McCabe. “The versatility of this group cannot be overstated. I am honored to serve alongside such an incredible team. Whether it’s mass care or supporting healthcare facilities with portable HVAC equipment and logistical support, the team steps up and gets it done—always.”

The response at St. Clare’s Denville Hospital came just days after NJ EMS Task Force co-founder and president Michael J. Bascom told team members that the organization needs a sustainable form of funding to continue providing these critical services to the state.

“Future emergency responses will be contingent upon available funding to maintain our capability to provide this support,” Bascom said.