Summit EMS Responses
Summit’s EMS Volunteers answered 194 emergency calls in May. These included 116 medical emergencies: 26 falls; 18 motor vehicle accidents, including two on a highway, two into a pole or tree, and one into a building; 12 traumatic injuries; eight cases of overdose or poisoning; one allergic reaction; one animal bite; five responses to a medical alarm, three pedestrians struck by a vehicle, and one woman in labor. Squad Volunteers also provided two “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
On May 2, Squad members staffed 3 ambulances to respond to 3 simultaneous 9-1-1 calls, just as they had done the previous Monday, April 25. Squad members also responded to the Short Hills Mall on May 21 when there were multiple emergencies following a power outage and participated with all 4 vehicles in Summit’s Memorial Day Parade.
Last month, 11 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 four neighboring towns. 16 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. May responses included 77 to a patient’s home or apartment; 33 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; eight in public buildings; two in a public park; one on an athletic field; 19 at a local business; two at a school; one to a health care providers office; and one to an industrial facility. There were also six medical incidents on sidewalks; three in parking lots; 11 at Summit’s Train Station; 15 at a local behavioral health facility; nine to an assisted living facility; and seven on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center.
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.
