Just last week, members of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad used all 4 of their ambulances at once to answer different calls; a first time event for the squad. Yesterday afternoon, it happened again.

At 3:20 PM, squad volunteers responded to a motor vehicle accident at Glenside Ave. and Henry Street. On arrival, the duty crew requested a 2nd Summit ambulance. 2 injured occupants were transported by the Squad to Overlook Medical Center. At 3:36 PM, the squad received a report of a medical emergency at the Spring Meadows assisted living residence. Off duty members answered that call for help with Summit’s 3rd ambulance and transported the patient there to Overlook.

Then, at 3:49, the Fire Department requested the Squad to stand by at the scene of a house fire on Twombly Drive. Additional off duty members responded to that incident with the Squad’s 4th ambulance and their 5th vehicle, a Scene support/EMS command truck to provide on scene “rehab” of firefighters. This is standard practice for any working fire. As Squads 1 and 2 cleared from Overlook, they responded to the fire scene as well. While there were no injuries from the house fire, the squad did evaluate and provide rehab services to firefighters from Summit, Union, Westfield, Springfield and Millburn. One firefighter was held for a brief period until vital signs fell within acceptable limits.

Meanwhile, the off duty members who had staffed the 3rd ambulance, returned to the Squad headquarters and remained to cover the town in case there were any additional ambulance calls. At 5:28 PM they received a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries accident on route 78 and responded immediately. On arrival, they found 4 patients and requested another ambulance. By this time the duty crew was no longer needed at the fire scene and responded to the highway. All 4 patients from that accident were transported to Overlook.

Squad Captain Kari Phair received compliments from Fire Department and County Emergency Management officials. On many such fire scenes, mutual aid ambulances from other towns are called to provide coverage. The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad is often called for such duty, including recent major fires in Elizabeth and Plainfield. But, for this fire, the Summit Squad was able to provide more than amble coverage and in a timely manner. “Once again, I am honored to represent this squad and its great people that step up to the plate over and over again”, said Ms. Phair. In all, 14 squad volunteers used 5 vehicles to cover the various emergencies.

The First Aid Squad is an independent non-profit corporation and does not receive any tax dollars. All operations are funded through private contributions and grants.

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.