Summit EMS March 2022
Summit’s EMS Volunteers answered 191 emergency calls in March. These included 124 medical emergencies: 22 falls; 5 motor vehicle accidents, including three on a highway; 37 traumatic injuries; nine cases of overdose or poisoning; three allergic reactions; five responses to a medical alarm, and two pedestrians struck by a vehicle. Squad Volunteers also provided 3 “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
12 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 to provide mutual aid assistance to 4 neighboring towns. Eighteen patients transported to a hospital by Squad members also received advanced life support care from hospital-based paramedics who accompanied the Squad’s ambulance.
Summit’s volunteers also covered the Borough and Township of Chatham for the Chatham Emergency Squad during their annual dinner and another Summit crew covered the Union St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. March responses included 76 to a patient’s home or apartment; 25 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; nine in public buildings; eight at a local business; three at a school; and eleven to a health care professional’s office. There were also nine medical incidents on sidewalks; four in parking lots; 13 at Summit’s Train Station; 19 at a local behavioral health facility; and 4 to an assisted living facility.
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.
