The EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) has bestowed its 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award on longtime Allentown First Aid Squad member Ruth Smith Bertagni.
“Ruth was born into a family of volunteers,” said Carol S. Floyd, one of several people who nominated Bertagni for the award. “All of Ruth’s brothers and sisters were involved in the squad one way or another.”
Bertagni’s father, Alvin R. Smith, was a charter member of the first aid squad and her mother, Caroline B. Smith, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary before becoming a squad member, according to a press release from the EMSCNJ.
A licensed practical nurse, Bertagni also was a three-year Ladies Auxiliary member before women were allowed to join the squad in 1963. She was the auxiliary vice president for many years before the group disbanded in 2012 due to lack of members.
Bertagni and her future husband, Syl Bertagni – they met while both were Allentown First Aid Squad members – worked together to provide ongoing training for the squad.
Bertagni has served in many capacities during her decades with the squad, including 15 years as captain. Her focus as captain was improving patient care and looking out for her squad members by acquiring new technology such as pulse oximeters and equipment to help squad members lift and move patients. She has been a first lieutenant, treasurer, secretary and cadet adviser, and she remains a squad trustee, according to the EMS council.
A “staple” squad volunteer for 55 years, Bertagni “has never wavered in her commitment to keeping the agency running and providing the best quality care for the people of Upper Freehold Township and Allentown,” Capt. Ed Gensinger said.
“With her guidance and support, many members have furthered their knowledge in the medical field, all learning to treat people with compassion and dignity, as Ruth did for each of her patients. We would not be here today without her support,” Gensinger said.
“Ruth was a top responder for many years, answering hundreds of calls a year and riding duty crew many nights a week, all while working full-time,” Floyd said. “She still can be found at the squad building almost every day, working on finances or other tasks that need to be done.”
Although she is no longer an active riding member, Bertagni continues to attend all squad functions such as meetings, fundraisers, conventions and drills.
The 89-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, doing business as the EMS Council of New Jersey, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with more than 250 EMS agencies throughout the state, according to the press release.
