Summit EMS Responses – November 2022
Summit’s EMS Volunteers responded to 199 emergency calls during November. Responses included 113 medical emergencies; 30 falls; 22 motor vehicle accidents, including two into a pole or tree, one off the road and one overturned vehicle; 10 traumatic injuries; seven cases of overdose or poisoning; two responses to a medical alarm; one burn injury; once case of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure; and six pedestrians struck by a vehicle. Squad Volunteers also provided four “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
On November 14, several off duty Squad members joined the on-duty crew to staff all 3 ambulances and answer simultaneous emergency calls, with one patient transported to the trauma center at Morristown Medical Center, another to the pediatric unit at Morristown and the third to Overlook Medical Center.
24 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 18 emergency responses by Summit volunteers to provide mutual aid assistance to six neighboring towns. 20 patients transported to a hospital by Squad members also received advanced life support care from hospital-based paramedics who accompanied the Squad’s ambulance.
Squad members also provided EMS stand-by coverage at two fire scenes, including a commercial structure fire, as well as non-emergency coverage of an event at Kent Place School.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. November responses included 89 to a patient’s home or apartment; 24 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; one in a public park; six in public buildings; 14 at a local business; and seven to a health care professional’s office. There were also eight medical incidents on sidewalks; four in parking lots; eight at Summit’s train station; 15 at a local behavioral health facility; 10 on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center; five to an assisted living facility, one in a house of worship; two in a day care center; and two at a school.
The all-volunteer First Aid Squad responds to emergency calls 24/7 and 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 are provided. For information on becoming a volunteer or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479 or visit their website at summitems.org.
