Mel Harari, an Emergency Medical Technician with the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad was honored last week by Overlook Medical Center with the EMT Excellence Award.
Mel joined the squad in 2008, earned certification as an Emergency Medical Technician and has become one of the squad’s most reliable members. She serves as Records Lieutenant and also manages staffing of extra crews for the many community events the squad is asked to cover. In addition, Mel is always among the first to volunteer to cover a shift whenever needed. She has been a tremendous help in filling openings in the schedule, particularly on weekdays; all in addition to her regular Wednesday day shift. Most importantly to a volunteer organization, Mel leads by example. She takes her responsibilities very seriously, is always eager to learn the latest equipment and patient care techniques and ensures that members on her crew do as well.
EMS runs in the Harari family as 2 of Mel’s sons, have also served on the squad. One is now a doctor and the other currently attending medical school.
According to Squad Captain John Staunton who nominated Mel for the award, “The Summit First Aid Squad is blessed with many dedicated volunteers. This year, I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Mel.”
The award was presented at the Overlook Medical Center EMS Week dinner held to recognize area pre-hospital emergency medical providers.