Summit EMS Responses
Summit’s EMS Volunteers closed out a very busy 2021 by answering 179 emergency calls in December. These included 100 medical emergencies: 10 falls; 20 motor vehicle accidents, including one on a highway, one into a tree and two overturned vehicle accidents; 16 traumatic injuries, including one assault; four cases of overdose or poisoning; four allergic reactions; five responses to a medical alarm, two pedestrians struck by a vehicle, and one woman in active labor. Squad Volunteers also provided 9 “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital and six non-emergency ambulance transports of Summit residents.
In December, 17 emergency calls were answered by an off-duty “back-up crew” of volunteers responding from home or work when the on-duty crew is busy. There were also 17 emergency responses by Summit to provide mutual aid assistance to 6 neighboring towns. 14 patients transported to a hospital by Squad members also received advanced life support care from hospital-based paramedics who accompanied the Squad’s ambulance.
The Squad answers calls for help 24-hours a day and at a variety of locations. December responses included 83 to a patient’s home or apartment; 25 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; five in public buildings; one in a public park; ten at a local business; one at a school; and nine to a health care professional’s office. There were also four medical incidents on sidewalks; three in parking lots; nine at Summit’s Train Station; 16 at a local behavioral health facility; seven to an assisted living facility; and five on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center.
The Squad answered a total of 2,221 emergency calls in 2021, with the duty crew clearing from the final call at 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
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 website: summitems.org
