Summit (NJ) Resident Saves Life While on Vacation, Credits Local EMT Training

Kate Whitcher, a 19-year-old Summit resident and volunteer with the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad (SVFAS), recently put her EMT skills to the test while on vacation in Vail, Colorado.

Whitcher was part of a three-person civilian rescue team that successfully resuscitated a patient in distress.

Whitcher, who joined the SVFAS Junior program in April 2022 as a high school sophomore, credited the advanced lifesaving measures she learned while obtaining her EMT license for her ability to respond to the emergency situation.

“I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to become a licensed EMT in high school,” said Whitcher, now a freshman at Fairfield University pursuing a degree in nursing. “I knew my CPR skills might be needed on duty, but I was surprised to use them on vacation.”

The SVFAS Junior program accepts applications from high school students aged 16 and older each year, with approximately ten candidates selected for the coveted positions.

“SVFAS Junior volunteers obtain real-life experience working alongside seasoned crew members,” said SVFAS Chief Laura Benevento. “We highly encourage qualified students, especially those interested in pursuing careers in the medical field, to apply.”

As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, the SVFAS provides pre-hospital emergency medical care and transportation for the city of Summit, rendering aid and assistance to over 22,000 people in the community free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The squad’s highly trained EMTs are prepared to handle both medical and traumatic emergencies, receiving ongoing education and utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to provide the high-quality care Summit residents deserve and expect.

Applications for the SVFAS Junior program for the 2025/2026 school year are open through March 15, 2025.

The organization covers the cost of EMT school and uniforms for accepted applicants.

Submit Union County community news to union@njadvancemedia.com.

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Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit nj.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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