Courtesy photo
Summit EMS Responses – July 2024
Submitted by John Staunton
Summit’s EMS responded to 196 emergency calls during the month of July.
Calls for the month included 119 medical emergencies; 23 falls; 7 motor vehicle accidents; 21 traumatic injuries; two allergic reactions; three cases of overdose or poisoning; two cases of heat exhaustion; five responses to a medical alarm; two pedestrians struck by a vehicle; and 1 response to a fire scene. Squad Volunteers also provided two “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital as well as 2 non-emergency transports of Summit residents.
12 emergency calls were answered by an off-duty “back-up crew” of volunteers responding from home or work when the on-duty crew was busy. Summit volunteers also provided mutual aid assistance five times to three neighboring towns. 20 patients transported to a hospital by Squad members also received advanced life support care from hospital-based paramedics who accompanied the Squad’s ambulance. During July, Squad volunteers transported 142 patients to three different hospitals.
On 2 separate occasions during July, the Squad had all 3 ambulances responding to emergency calls or stand-by events. The Squad also hosted two CPR classes at their building and provided EMS coverage at 4 community events, including Summit’s Independence Day activities, Summit Community Night, and the Mt. Carmel Festival in Berkeley Heights.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. June responses included 80 to a patient’s home or apartment; 19 for accidents or medical emergencies on streets or highways, including 4 on route 24 or 78; seven in a public park; two at Summit’s City Hall; three at Summit’s Public Library, and six at other public buildings; nine at a local business; seven at a bar or restaurant, and eight at a health care professional’s office. There were also 11 medical incidents at Summit’s train station; three at a bus stop; 12 at a local behavioral health facility; three on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center; 13 to an assisted living facility, two at a house of worship; seven on a sidewalk; two in a parking lot; and two at a public pool.
The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service. The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at: summitems.org. P.O. Box 234 Summit, NJ 07902-0234, Emergencies: dial 9-1-1, Business & Transportations: (908) 277-9479 Email:info@summitems.org, Web site: summitems.org
