Summit EMS Responses
After answering 201 calls in August, Summit’s EMS Volunteers responded to 204 emergency calls during September and 182 in October. Responses for the two-month period included 258 medical emergencies; 33 falls; 24 motor vehicle accidents, including five on a highway and two into a building; 20 traumatic injuries; 17 cases of overdose or poisoning; eight responses to a medical alarm; one case of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure; four pedestrians struck by a vehicle and one cyclist struck by a vehicle. Squad Volunteers also provided 12 “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital.
In September, Squad volunteers successfully revived a patient who had been in cardiac arrest; their 3rd such save this year.
Twenty-eight 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 34 emergency responses by Summit volunteers to provide mutual aid assistance to four neighboring towns. Thirty-seven 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, three September 11 events, and four varsity football games.
The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. September and October responses included 148 to a patient’s home or apartment; 40 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; five in a public park; one on an athletic field; 33 at a local business; and 11 to a health care provider’s office. There were also 13 medical incidents on sidewalks; 8 in parking lots; 15 at Summit’s train station; 30 at a local behavioral health facility; 4 on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center; 13 to an assisted living facility; 2 on a playground; 2 on athletic fields; and 5 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 is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit their website at: summitems.org.
