Author: John Staunton

From January through November, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad has responded to sixteen 9-1-1 calls for cardiac arrest, five of which occurred during the month of October alone. These life-threatening events occurred in patients’ homes, exercise facilities, restaurants, public parks, doctor’s offices, and in vehicles on the highway. 

With any cardiac arrest, time is of utmost importance: minutes matter! Squad Chief George Shepherd reminds everyone, “Initiating CPR, as soon as possible after cardiac arrest, and utilizing an AED increases the likelihood of survival.  Thanks to the rapid response of our crews, along with Police and Fire First Responders, we were able to provide lifesaving support and get these patients to the critical care they needed at the hospital. But it is important to remember that anyone on-scene should start CPR compressions.”  

The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, founded 62 years ago, continues to thrive despite a number of other volunteer first aid squads struggling with membership and some even closing their doors.  “Our members come from a variety of career backgrounds and age groups, yet we all have one thing in common.  Our volunteers joined the squad because they wanted to help others during their time of need and make a difference in people’s lives,” said Laura Benevento, Deputy Chief of the Squad.  

Squad volunteers, with your support, provide 24/7/365 emergency medical coverage for City of Summit.

29 Squad members participated in at least 1 successful CPR save in the past year: Phil White, Kevin Caropreso, Kate Cooper, Katie Chang, Conor Donnellan, Bob Mendes, Julian Rupkey, Liam Dwyer, Laura Benevento, Paul Raynolds, George Shepherd, Beverly Brown, John Christmann, Alexis Cohen, Regina Feeney, Kate Getzendanner, Leah Griffith, Mel Harari, Sam James, Kamari Massicott, James Rath, Richard Raymond, Fred Schwarzmann, John Staunton, Anthony Tepitita, Nancy Weeks, Tory Weeks, Kerry Whitcher, and Jim Wilson.

“The City of Summit is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who provide critical assistance to residents in times of need. Without the readily available emergency services provided by Summit EMS, response times could be significantly delayed, potentially leading to worse outcomes for those in urgent situations,” said Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD. 

Personnel Lieutenant Kerry Whitcher shared her perspective.  “Joining Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad means stepping into a community of dedicated individuals who make a difference in the lives of others every day.  Our volunteers provide critical, compassionate care when it matters most – whether on the scene of a cardiac arrest, at a public event, or during countless other emergencies.  We welcome anyone with the desire to serve and help save lives to join us.”

The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad is funded entirely by donations, obtained primarily through its Annual Fund Drive.   “People are surprised to learn that the First Aid Squad is an independent, nonprofit agency.  As such, we do not obtain funding from the City and rely totally on the generosity and the good will of the Summit residents who we serve,” says John Christmann, the Squad’s Fund Drive Chair.  The annual appeal, under way now, is critical to support basic operations, as well as the purchase of ambulances, medical supplies, and equipment. 

The strength of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad lies in our community.  To continue delivering the highest level of emergency care, we need passionate, committed volunteers.  We also require financial support from those we serve day in and day out.  Consider supporting us today.  Consider making a difference. 

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service.  The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please visit their web site: summitems.org. or call (908) 277-9479

This story also appears in:

• Tap Into Summit
• Summit Patch
• Summit Times

In keeping with a longstanding tradition, Mayor Elizabeth Fagan issued a Proclamation designating September as “Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Month” in the City. The Proclamation comes as the Squad prepares to launch their annual fund drive which will be mailed on or about September 13. Since it was formed in 1962, the First Aid Squad has been staffed entirely by volunteers and funded solely by private contributions. The Squad receives no government funding and does not bill for service; neither the patients they serve, nor the taxpayer has ever received a bill.

Over a dozen Squad Members attended the meeting to accept the Proclamation including Chief George Shepherd, Deputy Chief Laura Benevento, Vice President Leah Griffith, former Chief Kari Phair, past President Carl Ganger, past President & Chief John Staunton and former Deputy Chiefs Matt and Rich Raymond. As the meeting was starting, 4 members of the on-duty crew quickly left the room to answer a 9-1-1 medical emergency call. Just after the presentation, additional members left to respond to a 2nd 9-1-1 call for a motor vehicle accident. Within 90 minutes of Mayor Fagan’s Proclamation, Squad members would use all 3 ambulances to answer a total of 5 emergency calls in Summit. In her Proclamation, Mayor Fagan praised the Squad for answering over 2,300 emergency calls in 2023 and estimated the Squad saves the City about 2 million dollars annually. Doctor Fagan recently visited the Squad for a ”ride-along” with one if it’s crews.

The Squad’s fund drive appeal is sent by US Postal mail to every residence and business in Summit. They do not solicit by phone and do not use any outside fundraising agencies. Donations are also accepted online at summitems.org/donate. “Even the fund drive itself is run by volunteers”, noted Public Information Officer John Staunton.

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service. The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, click here: www.summitems.org.

This story is also covered in:

• TapInto Summit
• American Towns
• Summit Patch

During the 2023 calendar year, Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad (Summit EMS) received grants from several Summit-based organizations that have been long-time supporters of the Squad. They include The Summit Luminary Fund, The Summit Foundation, Junior League of Summit, and  Overlook Foundation.  The Squad was also named a beneficiary in a bequest from the Estate of Dawn Wolfenbarger.   

The Summit Foundation grant was used to purchase radio and computer equipment for the Squad’s new ambulance.  The Junior League of Summit grant funded EMT refresher courses required by the State of New Jersey.  The grant from Overlook Foundation will be used for required upgrades to the Squad building. The grant from Summit Luminary Fund and the bequest will assist the Squad’s mission to continue providing quality emergency medical services to the community. 

George Shepherd, Chief of Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, commented on the financial gifts.  “We are very thankful for the support we have received from Summit Luminary Fund, The Summit Foundation, Junior League of Summit, Overlook Foundation, and the Wolfenbarger estate.  Summit EMS depends upon the generosity of the people of Summit to sustain the excellence of services we provide.”

In early 2024, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad received an additional financial gift from The Summit Luminary Fund.

Summit EMS has been responding to 9-1-1 calls for medical assistance in the City of Summit and the surrounding area for more than 61 years and continues to provide services at no expense to its patients.  Responding to over 2,300 calls each year, the Squad is staffed entirely by volunteers and relies solely on donations, receiving no funding from the City of Summit.

The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit our: Membership page.

This story is also covered in:

• TapInto Summit
• American Towns
• Summit Patch
• Summit Times

At 5:28 AM on September 28, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad was dispatched to a business on Union Place for a person who was unconscious.  On arrival, Squad EMTs and Summit Police officers and firefighters found an unconscious male employee in the kitchen.  The Squad carries a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector attached to each of their primary medical bags and that detector activated shortly after entering the building.  Police and EMTs quickly evacuated the patient and all occupants to the sidewalk while firefighters ventilated and checked the building, residences above and adjoining businesses for CO levels.   The unconscious patient was treated by the Squad and Paramedics from Atlantic Health and transported to Overlook by the Squad.  Additional ambulances were requested and off duty Summit EMS volunteers responded with a 2^nd Summit ambulance and their first responder vehicle. Ambulances from Millburn-Short Hills and Springfield and an engine company from the Millburn Fire Department also responded to assist.  Two additional employees, two Summit police officers and three Summit firefighters were also evaluated on scene for CO exposure and 1 employee was transported to Overlook for further evaluation.

Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless and tasteless and can be released by malfunctioning gas appliances as well as gasoline engines.  Exposure can be fatal.  It’s not uncommon for an exposed person not to realize they have been poisoned until they lose consciousness.  Headache and dizziness are early symptoms.  It is strongly recommended that every home and business have working CO detectors.  The portable unit carried by the First Aid Squad may have saved several lives this morning.

Our all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service.  The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join our ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit our web site at: summitems.org/join.

This story is also covered in:

As has been a longstanding tradition, Mayor Nora Radest issued a Proclamation designating September as “Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Month” in the City. The Proclamation comes as the Squad launches their annual fund drive.  Since it was formed in 1962, the First Aid Squad has been staffed entirely by volunteers and funded solely by private contributions. The Squad receives no government funding and does not bill for service. “For over 60 years, neither our patients, nor the taxpayers have ever receive a bill for our service”, said Squad’s President John Buscaino who accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Squad.  In her Proclamation, Mayor Radest praised the Squad for answering over 2,300 emergency calls in 2022 and estimated the Squad saves the City about 2 million dollars annually. The Squad’s fund drive is a mail campaign sent to every residence and business in Summit. We do not solicit by phone and do not use any outside fundraising agencies. Even the fund drive itself is run by volunteers noted Public Information Officer John Staunton.

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service.  The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit our web site at: https://summitems.org/join/

This story is also covered in:

• Summit Patch
• Summit Times
• American Towns

The Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad is pleased to announce its 2023 Leadership team.  Mayor Nora Radest visited the Squad’s Summit Ave. building to administer the Oath of Office. 

The Squad’s new President is John Buscaino who was Vice President last year and was also served as President in 2018. Kerry Whitcher, who has been the Squad’s Personnel Lieutenant  for several years is the new Vice President.  Treasurer Bob Mendes and Secretary Rob McGrath return in their respective roles.

George Shepherd who was Deputy Chief last year is the new Chief and Laura Bevenento, last years’ Training Lieutenant is the new Deputy Chief.   Mel Harari who served as Record Lieutenant for 10 years has now assumed the role of Training Lieutenant.  John Christmann, a former President who also served as Equipment Lieutenant is the new Records Lieutenant and Tory Weeks is the new Equipment Lieutenant.

Squad Trustees include: former President Kevin Caropreso, former President and Chief John Staunton, and returning Trustees Rich Burns, Fred Schwarzmann, and Nancy Weeks.

Last year Squad members answered 2,326 emergency calls.

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service. The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at: www.summitems.org.

This story is also covered in:

• TapInto Summit
• Summit Patch
• The Summit Times
• Union News Daily

Keeping a longstanding tradition, Mayor Nora Radest issued a Proclamation designating September as “Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad Month” in the City. The Proclamation comes just ahead of the Squad’s plan to launch their annual fund drive. Since it’s inception in 1962, the First Aid Squad has been staffed entirely by volunteers and funded solely by private contributions. The Squad receives no government funding and does not bill for service. “For 60 years, neither our patients, nor the taxpayers have ever receive a bill for our service”, said Squad Chief John Staunton who accepted the Proclamation from the Mayor. In her Proclamation, Mayor Radest praise the Squad form answering over 2,200 emergency calls last year and estimated the Squad saves the City about 2 million dollars annually. The Squad’s fund drive is a mail campaign sent to every residence and business in Summit. They do not solicit by phone and do not use any outside fundraising agencies. Even the fund drive itself is run by volunteers noted Squad President Kevin Caropreso.

Chief Staunton also made a pitch for new volunteers pointing out that people remain the Squad’s most valuable asset and that they are always looking to add to their ranks. The Squad provides all necessary training and uniforms For more information, or to inquire about joining our winning team, please visit the First Aid Squad website: summitems.org. 

This story is also covered in:

• TapInto Summit
• Summit Times

Beverly Brown, a long-time member of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad received the 2022 Excellence in EMS Award from Overlook Medical Center.  An active member for nearly 40 years, Beverly joined the Squad as a Junior member while in high school, continued to serve the Squad while on school breaks during her college years and returned as an adult member after graduation. The Summit First Aid Squad has been a big part of Beverly’s life.  Both of her parents were long time Squad members, her husband also joined the Squad and their daughter served as a Junior member as well. Beverly has held numerous offices over the years including 3 years as Captain and is currently the Crew Chief of the Friday night shift. An experienced critical care nurse, Beverly also serves on the Squad’s call review committee.  According to Chief John Staunton who nominated Mrs. Brown for the award, “During the pandemic, Beverly remained active and often stepped in to cover open shifts.  She continues to serve on at least one, often two Saturday night shifts each month and is also one of our most frequent responders to back-up calls when we need a 2^nd or 3^rd crew.  Beverly’s commitment to the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad epitomizes the dedication that has made our organization so successful”. 

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service.  The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at: www.summitems.org.

This story is also covered in:

• TAPinto Summit
• The Summit Times

Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad celebrates its 60^th anniversary of serving the community this summer.  Sis Barker and Betty Bangs, both of whom were members of the Junior League, decided to start a First Aid Squad in Summit. With the blessing of the Junior League, they began their project and enlisted the help of a local Businessman, Michael J. Formichella who used his influence in the community to help organize the Squad. On July 28, 1962 the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, Inc. was formed.

Overlook Hospital donated its old ambulance which the squad operated for a few months until it was able to purchase a new Cadillac ambulance. The ambulance was housed for a couple of years in Formichella’s garage on Broad Street, and members met and trained in their homes.

A building fund was organized to construct a headquarters for the new Squad. The City of Summit agreed to lease a piece of land on Summit Avenue, across from LCJ Summit Middle School, to the Squad for one dollar per year. Much of the work on the building including excavating, plumbing, heating and electrical was either donated or performed by volunteers. Among the charter members of the Squad were an excavator, Mike Formichella; a mason contractor, Andy Soccodato; and a heating contractor, Jim Burns. Construction was completed in 1964.

Since those humble beginnings sixty years ago, the Squad has expanded to provide emergency services 24/7 to Summit and surrounding communities.  No one has ever received a bill for Squad services.  The Squad relies exclusively upon donations from private citizens and foundations, receiving no funding from the City of Summit.  All Squad members are volunteers, who seek no compensation for providing help to their neighbors when it is needed most.           

John Staunton joined the Squad over 30 years ago shortly after returning home from Villanova University. He had some first aid experience as a lifeguard instructor and gained interest in EMS after witnessing an accident involving a friend at school.  EMS has been like a second career for John, as his “day job” has been primarily as an engineer.  He became a CPR and then an EMT Instructor at a young age and has served in multiple positions over the years, including as President and currently Chief.  “Serving on the Summit First Aid Squad has been a great experience where I’ve made some lifelong friends and had the chance to help many neighbors as well as perfect strangers. What I like most about the Squad is how people from various backgrounds and walks of life can work together so effectively to fulfill such a vital mission”.  The lifesaving skills Squad members learn can also be very valuable in everyday life and John has had several instances where that experience helped family, friends and co-workers.

Mel Harari, joined the Squad 14 years ago in July 2008 and has been the Records Lieutenant since 2009.  She moved to the United States from Argentina in 2001.  Without any prior medical experience, Mel attended EMT school that fall.  Two of Mel’s sons were junior members, both of whom became doctors, thought she would enjoy becoming a volunteer.  “I’m not sure if they hadn’t been members of the squad, they would have become doctors.  Being on the Squad was a big exposure to the healthcare industry for them.”  During Mel’s years at the Squad, she said she gained a level of empathy and understanding for individuals with physical issues that she never had before.  “I am now able to put myself in the position as a patient.  My experiences helped me tremendously when my mother was ill. My knowledge assisted me in making decisions regarding my mother’s care.”  “The level of commitment people have here is not seen in other squads.  I like the people I work with.  We have good challenges and conversations among a group who is wise and listens to one another.”    

An EMT since 2021, Mateo Zoubek joined the squad at age 17 as a member of the junior program.  Mateo, a student at Newark Academy, was interested in possibly pursuing medicine as a career option and wanted experience in the field.  Mateo attended EMT school during the summer of 2021 and found the course much easier since he was familiar with equipment and had basic knowledge of patient assessments.  “I was exposed to being an EMT even though I wasn’t one.  You absorb the information which makes becoming certified much easier.”  He decided to take a gap year after high school to obtain hands-on experience as an EMT to expand upon the limited patient interaction received as a junior member.  “Joining the squad is a great way to serve the community and obtain experience in the medical field I wouldn’t otherwise have.  I think it’s been a great stepping stone for my career choice.  For adults who aren’t in the same career-choice position as I am, I think it’s a great way to serve the community in a productive manner.”  Mateo is attending Georgetown University majoring in neurobiology. 

Jenny McIlwain first joined the Squad as a member of the junior program the summer after her sophomore year at Summit High School.  She thought it would be a good indicator in determining if she wanted to go into medicine or not.  “I think I had the best training during my time as a junior.  Every single shift we would practice skills and training.   By the time I got to EMT school, I had a leg up on everyone else because I learned so much before going in.”  Jenny completed EMT school in June 2021 and is majoring in neuroscience at the University of Washington in Seattle. 

Joining the Squad family was the right move for them, and it could be for you as well.  As the Squad begins its seventh decade of selfless service, we are actively seeking new members to our winning team. Our members include men and women of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds united by a strong desire to help others.  Most people who join the Squad have had no prior medical experience.  Neighbors Helping Neighbors is both our motto and our mission.  Fulfilling it is an incredible experience that’s hard to match.  To help assess whether one is interested in joining the Squad, we offer an observer program that allows prospective volunteers to accompany a working crew for a shift or two. These “Ride-Along” opportunities give the experience of what being a first responder is like before any commitment is made. For more information, or to inquire about joining our winning team, please visit our website, summitems.org/join. 

Summit’s EMS Volunteers closed out a very busy 2021 by answering 179 emergency calls in December.  These included 100 medical emergencies: 10 falls; 20 motor vehicle accidents, including one on a highway, one into a tree and two overturned vehicle accidents; 16 traumatic injuries, including one assault; four cases of overdose or poisoning; four allergic reactions; five responses to a medical alarm, two pedestrians struck by a vehicle, and one woman in active labor. Squad Volunteers also provided 9 “lift assists” to patients who did not require transport to a hospital and six non-emergency ambulance transports of Summit residents. 

Last month, 17 emergency calls were answered by an off-duty “back-up crew” of volunteers responding from home or work when the on-duty crew is busy.  There were also 17 emergency responses by Summit to provide mutual aid assistance to 6 neighboring towns.  14 patients transported to a hospital by Squad members also received advanced life support care from hospital-based paramedics who accompanied the Squad’s ambulance.

The Squad answers calls for help 24 hours a day and at a variety of locations. December responses included 83 to a patient’s home or apartment; 25 for accidents or medical emergencies on roads or highways; five in public buildings; one in a public park; ten at a local business; one at a school; and nine to a health care professional’s office.  There were also four medical incidents on sidewalks; three in parking lots; nine at Summit’s Train Station; 16 at a local behavioral health facility; seven to an assisted living facility; and five on the grounds of Overlook Medical Center.

The Squad answered a total of 2,221 emergency calls in 2021, with the crew of Chief John Staunton and Deputy Chief George Shepherd clearing from the final call at 11:59 PM on New Year’s Eve.  Staunton and Shepherd also answered the first call of 2022 at 3:27 AM on New Year’s Day.

The all-volunteer First Aid Squad, responds to emergency calls 24/7, is entirely funded through private donations and does not bill for service.  The Squad is always looking for new volunteers to join its ranks. All needed training, uniforms and equipment is provided. For information on becoming a volunteer, or donating to the squad please call 908-277-9479, or visit their web site at: www.summitems.org.

This story was also covered in:

• TapInto Summit
• The Summit Times