Courtesy photo
Summit EMS Responses January 2024
After answering 2,379 calls in 2023, Summit’s EMS volunteers began the new year by responding to 210 emergency calls in January.
Responses included 122 medical emergencies; 27 falls; 19 motor vehicle accidents, including 4 on routes 24 or 78; 21 traumatic injuries; four allergic reactions; 12 cases of overdose or poisoning; three responses to a medical alarm; two pedestrians struck by a vehicle, and three responses to fire scenes. Squad Volunteers also provided four “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
Seven 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 to neighboring towns nine times. 12 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 January, Squad volunteers transported 156 patients to three different hospitals.
Squad mutual aid responses included the January 5 major warehouse fire in Elizabeth where a crew was on scene for 8 hours. On 2 occasions during the month, all 3 Summit ambulances were responding to simultaneous calls. The Squad also provided 2 non emergency ambulance transports for Summit residents and hosted 3 public CPR classes.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. January responses included 78 to a patient’s home or apartment; 24 for accidents or medical emergencies on streets or highways; one in a public park; five in public buildings; 15 at a local business; eight at a bar or restaurant, and 10 to a health care professional’s office. There were also 20 medical incidents at Summit’s train station; 13 at a local behavioral health facility; three on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center; 13 to an assisted living facility, two in a house of worship; 15 on a sidewalk; five in a parking lot; one at Summit’s Public Library; and two at a school.
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.
