EMS Volunteers Answered More than 2,300 Calls in 2016

The year 2016 ended for the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad much in the same way as it began: with multiple ambulance calls. Squad volunteers rang in 2016 by answering 15 emergency calls between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, 3 of which were covered by off duty members answering a “back-up call” for assistance. A “back-up call” for off duty members is transmitted via radio, pager and phone, when there are multiple emergencies and the on-duty crew needs help. Squad volunteers answered a total of 2,309 calls for help in 2016 and 195 of those were back-up calls.

The Squad bid farewell to 2016 with 3 simultaneous calls early on New Year’s Eve and a total of 9 for the day. Among the calls answered by the First Aid Squad during 2016 were 242 requests for mutual aid from surrounding communities, 46 non-emergency transports and non-emergency stand by at 41 community and athletic events.

Pictured above are 3 Summit ambulances at Overlook medical Center after transporting patients from 3 separate emergency calls on New Years Eve. (photo by Rich Raymond)

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad is always looking for new members to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information, please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at: www.summitems.org.

- submitted by John Staunton