3-Car Crackup, Man Falling Off Roof Keep Summit Responders Busy

SUMMIT, NJ - The rush to get home from work turned into a rush to get to work for the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad last Friday as the squad was summoned to a three-car accident on Route 24 and a person falling off a roof all in the 5 o'clock hour.

According to EMT John Staunton, all three ambulances were staffed and responding to multiple calls.

"The first call for help came just before 5 p.m.," Staunton said. "For a three-car accident on Route 24. Two ambulance crews from Summit and another from Millburn-Short Hills responded and transported multiple patients to Morristown Medical Center."

Staunton said that a few minutes later Summit received another call for a report of a person who fell from a roof.
"Two off-duty members who live in the area responded directly to the scene while a third went to the Squad’s
headquarters to pick up an ambulance to drive to the scene," Staunton said. "That patient was also transported to Morristown Medical Center."

Staunton said the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad has at least one ambulance crew on duty 24/7. When
additional help is needed off-duty members are summoned by radio, text and a phone app. It’s not uncommon
for all three of Summit’s ambulances to be out on simultaneous calls and it generally happens at least once a
month, Staunton said.

Since 1962, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad has been providing 24-hour emergency ambulance response at no cost to the patients they serve or the City of Summit. Mayor Nora Radest said that it is important to remember that no tax dollars are expended on the squad. According to Radest, each fall the squad reaches out to the community for support to continue this vital mission. The annual fund drive appeal is mailed to each home and business in Summit.

But those who did not receive a mailer also have the option to donate, tax deductible, through the squad's website.
"When people call 911 in Summit they expect to receive the assistance of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad," Radest said. "And they get it."

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service. The Squad has 90 members, including 20 junior members and 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: www.summitems.org.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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