Summit EMS Responses
Summit’s EMS volunteers responded to 194 emergency calls in July.
Responses included 112 medical emergencies; 25 falls, including one from over 10 feet; 14 motor vehicle accidents; 14 traumatic injuries; two allergic reactions; seven cases of overdose or poisoning; one response to a medical alarm; one pedestrian struck by a vehicle, one heat related emergency, one woman in labor, and three responses to a fire scene, including one at a nursing home in New Providence. Squad Volunteers also provided four “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
15 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 15 emergency responses by Summit volunteers to provide mutual aid assistance to six neighboring towns. 17 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 132 patients to 6 different hospitals.
The Squad also provided ambulance coverage at six community events in Summit. On 2 occasions during July, the Squad had all 3 ambulances staffed covering an event or responding to simultaneous calls.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. July responses included 66 to a patient’s home or apartment; 22 for accidents or medical emergencies on streets or highways; eight in a public park or athletic field; one in a recreation facility; two in public buildings; ten at a local business; four at a bar or restaurant, and eight to a health care professional’s office. There were also 11 medical incidents at Summit’s train station; 27 at a local behavioral health facility; two on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center; 22 to an assisted living facility, one in a house of worship; seven on a sidewalk or parking lot, one at a school, 5 in a public building, and one at a private swimming 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.
