The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad answered a request for mutual aid from Newark during the chemical leak in on April 18th. The Summit ambulance crew was on stand-by to attend to any injuries and transport any injured parties to local hospitals. As it turned out, the chemical leak was relatively minor and few injuries resulted. The Summit crew remained on scene until released by the local EMS commander at 5:00 PM that afternoon.

In order to maintain coverage to handle any incidents in Summit while the crew was in Newark, a call was issued for off-duty members to respond to the squad building. 3 members responded to staff this back-up crew. The off duty members were pressed into action when a motor vehicle accident occurred on River Road. A second crew consisting of 2 off duty members was also assembled and responded to the accident scene to assist in caring for the driver of one of the vehicles, who was transported to Overlook Hospital. Meanwhile, as Summit's first crew was returning from Newark, they answered another request for mutual aid; this one from Millburn. As a result, all 3 Squad ambulances were in service simultaneously. Off duty members handled a call at the Summit Medical Group later that afternoon as well.

Squad President John Staunton stated, "Part of our mission at the Squad is to provide emergency assistance other communities whenever asked. With one crew assigned to Newark for a significant period of time, it was imperative that we continue to provide coverage for Summit. Our membership showed another example of its dedication and responsiveness by staffing our 2 additional ambulances."

The First Aid Squad is always looking for new volunteers and provides all needed training and equipment. For information, please call 908-277-9479, or visit them on the Internet at www.summitems.org.