Hatzalah of Metrowest sets $250,000 goal to fuel paramedic expansion

In the world of emergency medicine, every second is a measurable unit of survival. For residents of Livingston, Morristown, West Orange, and surrounding townships, the dedicated volunteers of Hatzalah of Metrowest (HMW) are reclaiming those seconds.

Following the successful launch of its Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic program, the organization is now turning to the next phase of its mission through its annual Hatzalahthon campaign.

The expansion to include paramedic-level services, established in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, represents a significant leap in pre-hospital emergency care. Unlike Basic Life Support, which HMW has offered since its launch in 2021, Hatzalah’s teams now bring hospital-grade interventions — including 12-lead cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management, and lifesaving medications — directly to patients. HMW’s patient-centered approach often includes the flexibility to transport patients to their hospital of choice.

Hatzalah’s operational model is designed for clinical excellence and speed. By dispatching both direct responders and ambulances, care begins the moment the first EMT arrives. Because members of its 50-plus volunteer EMT corps are embedded throughout the neighborhoods they serve, they are typically on scene within three minutes, often within seconds. This no-cost, rapid, high-quality medical care is provided 24/7/365 to any resident who calls.

“Ensuring our community’s health and wellness is a critical mission, but it comes at a cost,” said Shael Sokolowski, HMW chief. “The paramedic program in particular is expensive to operate, yet its value to a family in crisis is priceless.”

HMW provides significant mutual aid to neighboring towns and emergency services upon request. As a member of the Essex County EMS Task Force, HMW is a first-call resource for large-scale incidents, including multi-alarm fires and mass casualty incidents.

HMW is also committed to community empowerment and safety, offering free CPR and first aid training, “show-and-share” events at schools, and a medical equipment program that provides free access to wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and canes.

The 2026 Hatzalahthon has set a $250,000 fund-raising goal to ensure the continuity of its emergency medical services. As a nonprofit that receives no government funding, Hatzalah’s ability to maintain its equipment and programs depends on donors’ generosity.

To contribute, go to causematch.com/hmw; to learn more, go to hatzalahmetrowest.org. The emergency phone number for Hatzalah of Metrowest is (973) 604-4000.

Hatzalah of Metrowest