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. Each fall, they ask the community for support to continue this vital mission. The annual fund drive appeal is mailed to each home and business in Summit. Donations are also accepted online . Like all Squad efforts, the fund drive itself is run by volunteers. No outside marketing agencies are used, nor does the Squad ever solicit by phone. The Squad is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies solely upon private donations to fund their operation. Neither patients nor taxpayers have ever received a bill from the Squad.
While the First Aid Squad is not a City agency, they do work closely with the City as a critical public safety partner and are Summit’s primary Emergency Medical Services agency. The Mayor has estimated that the Squad saves local taxpayers as much as $ 2 million each year.
The level of training squad members receive and care they provide, the quality of the equipment, and the number of calls for help answered each year, have all increased dramatically since 1962. Like nearly everything else, the costs of supplies, equipment and training continue to climb. One thing that has not changed is the commitment to providing the Summit community with the best emergency medical services available. From minor medical emergencies to major disasters, from standing by at a high school football game to answering a 9-1-1 call for a heart attack at 3 AM, Summit First Aid Squad members have always been willing to answer the call.
The all-volunteer squad responds to more than 2,000 calls for help each year. These include medical emergencies, accidents, fires, non-emergency ambulance transportation, coverage at most major community events, and major responses to man-made and natural disasters.
Members receive continuing training to maintain skills and keep up to date with the latest emergency equipment and lifesaving techniques. The Squad also offers CPR and first aid training to the public.
For over 50 years, the First Aid Squads slogan has been “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”. At this time each year, they ask the public to return the favor. Please look for the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad letter in the mail or visit summitems.org/donate to contribute online.
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 click HERE.
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