Matt Raymond of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad received the Volunteer EMT of the Year award from the EMS Councl of New Jersey. The council repersents about 300 volunteer EMS and rescue ageinceis in the state.
Matt joined the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad in September 2006 as a Junior in High School. He ibecame interested in the Squad after his older brother, Richard joined in 2001. Matt wanted to give back to his community and learn what it is to be prepared for what life throws at you. In 2007, Matt earned his EMT certification. He also became a member of our Bike Team which participates in many events during the year. Matt continued to pull duty during his breaks and summers while attending Widner University. In 2014, Matt became the Equipment Lieutenant and was charged with the management of all the Equipment that goes on the ambulances, making sure we have good stock and that everything is in working order.
Accoding to Squad Chief Kari Phair, who niominated Matt for the award, "During the Squad's new building project in 2015, Matt assisted with the plans of how we were going to move what we needed and how we were going to operate in temporary quarters. We had very tight quarters and parking at Salerno Duane Ford in Summit. He also spent countless hours helping us prepare the new building, moving furniture and laying out the building."
In 2016, Matt became the Co-Chair of the Squad Junior Member Program, a role that includes interviewing all the new applicants, scheduling what shift they will be on, and hosting monthly Junior Training meetings. These meetings tincluded team building exercises, EMS Jeopardy, radio usage drills, finding and using the equipment drills and at the end of each year in June a Mass Casulaty Inncient (MCI) drill and a graduation party. Ms Phair contnued, "Matt is looked upon as a great leader and mentor to our high school members. He sets high standards for them and they gladly meet them. It is important to be a great role model for this kids and teach them some life lessons they may not otherwise get."
In 2017, Matt was appointed Deputy Chief of the Squad and served as Acting for 8 weeks while the Chief was on medical leave. Chief Phair commeneted. "Matt showed great maturity and knowledge when he had a few obstacles thrown at him during that time. And because of this Matt has earn the respect which lead to the development of a great relationship with the Summit Police Department, Summit Fire Department, Union County OEM as well as the surrounding Police, Fire and EMS agencies.".
The all-volunteer First Aid Squad is always looking for new members to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. The Squad is funded entirely through private donations and provides all services free of charge. For information, please call 908-277-9479, or click HERE.
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