Galloway Police Officer Uses Epi-Pen to Save 13-Year-Old's Life

Galloway, NJ -- For the first time since the police department began carrying them in 2014, a Galloway Police Officer saved a child’s life using an Epi-Pen this weekend, Galloway Police said on Monday.

Sgt. Vincent Ceci responded with Galloway EMS and Atlanticare Paramedics to reports of a 13-year-old boy suffering from an allergic reaction at the Yang Ji Presbyterian Church located at 437 South Pitney Road at 4:10 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

The child had inadvertently ingested peanut butter which he is highly allergic to. He was in severe respiratory distress and Ceci, a certified EMT, recognized that the child was suffering from anaphylaxis.

Ceci administered epinephrine using an Epi-Pen auto-injector and the child’s condition improved shortly thereafter.

The child was transported to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus, for evaluation.

“Our Police Department is one of only a few law enforcement agencies in New Jersey that train and equip their EMT certified officers with Epi-Pens,” Lt. Joseph Picardi said. “We are very proud of Sgt. Ceci for his prompt and effective actions which ultimately resulted in a life being saved.”

The Epi-Pens and the training to use them are provided by Galloway EMS.

“We have an outstanding relationship with Galloway EMS and their Chief, Chuck Uhl,” Picardi said. :Because of this we are able to provide an enhanced level of emergency medical care to the residents and visitors of Galloway Township. All of our Patrol officers carry AED’s for cardiac arrest, Narcan to treat opiate overdoses, and tourniquets to stop severe bleeding.”