Crime & Safety
Brick Police Rescue Choking EMT: Video
The EMT was stationed at the entrance to town hall, where she was taking the temperatures of every person who came to the building.
BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township emergency medical technician found herself on the receiving end of emergency help this week when a Brick Township police officer saved her from choking.
Katelyn Lammer, an EMT with the Brick Township Police Department's EMT unit, was working at town hall on Tuesday when the incident happened. It was captured on surveillance video in the Brick Township Police Department.
Lammer was stationed at the entrance to town hall, where she was taking the temperatures of every person who came into the building before they are permitted to enter, a measure in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
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While she was eating, some of her food went down the wrong way and she began to choke. The video shows her stand up, trying to clear the food out of her throat, then going to the front desk window and knocking for help.
Sgt. Josh Jenssen, who was at the front desk, signaled to officers near the door to go help her, and Sgt. Austin Kenny and Sgt. Charlie Kelly went to her aid, with Kelly performing abdominal thrusts to clear Lammer's airway. You can see the video below.
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"This is why we train," Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly, the department's public information officer, wrote on a post on the department's Facebook page. "Our EMTs are the best. They've saved numerous lives, helped countless sick and injured people, and they display a level of professionalism and competence throughout this whole COVID crisis that could serve as an example to health care workers everywhere."
"Whenever we've needed them, they've been there for us. Yesterday, we got to be there for them," Sgt. Jim Kelly wrote. "Great job Sgt. Charlie Kelly, and we're all glad you're okay EMT Katelyn Lammer."
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