Old Bridge Township EMS

01/26/2026

The storm has passed, but the danger still remains. Icy conditions are prevalent throughout the area. Our public works are still pounding away as quickly as they can to continue clearing roadways and we appreciate all they've done.

We are still in a State of Emergency, which means non-essential travel is not advised. Less vehicles on the road, means more space for plows and salters to get the job done without obstacles. Give them the room they need and don't be impatient and foolish trying to speed past them.

Continue to monitor local weather and Old Bridge OEM for updates in regards to road conditions. Please don't call 911 simply to ask how the roads are because you want to travel (Yes.... people have done this....)

We continue to answer everyone's calls as quickly as possible with road conditions. We thank DPW, and our FDs for assistance with clearing out our stations for our rigs to be able to be unimpeded leaving for your call for help.

Also thank you to Sayreville PD and their 2 officers and a neighbor for assisting in clearing a driveway for us while we tended to a patient on a mutual aid call in their Borough overnight. It was greatly appreciated.

Everyone continue to stay safe during the big clean up/digging out today. Take breaks and hydrate. And remember to check on your neighbors if they need assistance.

01/25/2026

As predicted, "Fern" has begun inundating our area with high levels of snow. Primary "Snow Evacuation Routes" aka the primary roads in and out of neighborhoods and main artery roads are being plowed continuously. Secondary and Tertiary roads will be later. This allows our public works to keep main roads clear for emergency vehicle traffic. Because simply put; we can't help you if we can't get there. So PLEASE be patient before you run to complain on the FB community group about how your street hasn't been plowed yet. Let's be honest, most of you aren't/weren't going anywhere today, anyway.

For anyone who is curious and asks the age-old question of "How are the roads."

The roads are bad. Very bad. That's why OBPD, OEM, us, etc have all said to stay home.

Most of you are. Very good.
Some of you aren't. Not very good.
Some of you are skidding or just sitting in the street because you lost traction after deciding that you wanted snacks from Wawa. It is what it is.

Please continue to monitor the weather and report any outages to your power provider. Do NOT call 911 to report outages or ask when it's coming back on. This ties up dispatchers from answering actual EMERGENCY calls. Please do your part to continue helping us help you.

01/24/2026

As we brace for the upcoming winter storm, we want to remind our followers of simple tips to help keep you and us safe:

- Call 911 ONLY for true emergencies. Such as Motor Vehicle Accidents, sudden onset Respiratory or Cardiac issues, Stroke, Seizures, etc. We want to be available for those who truly need us. Calling 911 because you have "Flu-like symptoms" or for something that's been "Going on for a while" burdens already busy/crowded ambulances and emergency rooms. This only get exacerbated in potential blizzard conditions that we have to drive in to get to you.
- If you DO require EMS, please clear a path up to the front door for our crews, stretcher and other equipment, if possible. This helps us out TREMENDOUSLY.
- The closest appropriate emergency department will be utilized for transport. This is even more practical in bad road conditions. We don't want to have to drive a farther distance any more than you would want to, unless a further hospital is absolutely necessary, based on the current issue.
- If there is a power failure, DO NOT CALL 911 to inquire restoration times. Contact your provider.
- If utilizing space heaters, have them plugged directly into wall outlets, NOT power strips due to risk of fire hazard. And keep them away from flammable materials.
- Generators should NEVER be used in an enclosed space due to CO exposure risks. Place them outside and away from structures/windows.
- Stay home and stay warm. Keep vehicles in driveways and avoid travel. Let our public works and emergency services do their thing without extra obstacles.
-Check on elderly neighbors to make sure they are safe and have what they need.

We hope everyone remains safe during this storm. Your OBTEMS providers will still be here for you as quickly as we can throughout and beyond.

01/24/2026

01/22/2026

⚠️❄️🧊 Our initial snowfall forecast for the weekend winter storm is for a widespread 8-18". Mixing will likely reduce totals near and southeast of I-95, with the lowest totals occurring in this region. Precip falling mainly late Saturday night through early Monday morning, peaking during the daytime Sunday. A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the entire region. Very cold conditions expected starting Friday night through next week.

Updated briefing package here:https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf

01/15/2026

🚑 Ambulance Transport Clarification🚑

There seems to be some confusion regarding patients dictating where our ambulance must transport them. We’d like to clarify how this works.

Under New Jersey EMS standards, ambulances transport patients to the closest appropriate emergency department based on medical need.
Patient preference alone, including “I always go there” or “my doctor is there” does not require EMS to go to a farther hospital. A good example of this is if you fall and hurt your ankle, just because your cardiologist is at a specialty hospital does not mean that is the closest appropriate facility for your current issue.

For most emergencies, that means you will be transported to our area hospitals; Old Bridge Medical Center, Bayshore Medical Center or Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy depending on your geographic location. All three are fully capable, state certified emergency departments.

As the EMS provider for our 42 square mile town, unnecessary long transports can leave our residents without an available ambulance for the next emergency that arises. That could cost someone their life.

🚨 When specialty care is medically required (Certain stroke calls & cardiac calls, major trauma, burns, maternity, etc.), patients are transported to the appropriate specialty center along side Advance Life Support (Paramedic) services. Which are usually Jersey Shore, Robert Wood Johnson, or JFK.

If there is no medical need to go farther, options include:
• Closest appropriate hospital by ambulance
• Private vehicle
• Declining ambulance transport

This is legal, medically appropriate, and standard across New Jersey EMS.

Thank you for supporting your Old Bridge EMS agency in our efforts to provide the best care possible for all our residents.

01/07/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of Mrs. Sereida Kopitskie. Mrs. Kopitskie was a Life Member of the Former Old Bridge First Aid & Rescue Squad Auxiliary. She was well-known for her community service and a life long Old Bridge resident. Our thoughts are with her husband Frank; also of OBFA&RS, her children and the rest of her family during this time. Rest Peacefully.

View Sereida Lila Kopitskie's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/01/2026

2025 was a year of teamwork, adjustment, growth, and advancements within the Old Bridge EMS service. Working hand in hand and building strong relationships with our mutual aid partners, Fire Departments, OBPD and OEM to bring the best to our residents and answering all calls for service. We look forward to continuing this through 2026 and beyond.

Please be careful if out celebrating the new year with family and friends. Be responsible and get home safely.

From all of us at OBTEMS, we wish all of you a healthy, safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!