Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad handles 5 CPR calls in 48 hours

The snow cyclone that recently dumped 12 inches of snow on Hazlet and the surrounding towns certainly did not result in a slow period for the Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad. The Squad responded to 5 CPR calls in less than 48 hours and during the storm itself. CPR calls are always the top priority for the Squad as every minute counts if the person suffering from cardiac arrest is to be revived and saved.

Chief Steve Schmidt noted, “ The Hazlet Police Force were outstanding during all our 911 calls and the fact that we were able to revive and bring two of the patients to the hospital alive is directly related to their rapid response on the scene.”

The American Heart Association has published statistics that only 5% to 7% of those people suffering from cardiac arrest respond to CPR. Hazlet’s First responder teams are among the best trained in the state and the successful “save” rate far exceeds the AHA’s statistics. Again, Chief Schmidt said, “these situations are challenging and moving very quickly, the teamwork we enjoy with our Police has enabled our ‘save’ rate to exceed all national statistics continuously.”

Asst. Captain Jennifer McKay who was on location for the two “CPR saves” this week said, “ The Holmdel First Aid Squad assisted us on one save as our ambulance was stuck at a train crossing and they took over for the Hazlet PD. Once we arrived, the team coalesced immediately and we were able to get the person to the hospital within minutes. Again thanks to the Hazlet PD clearing the way for the ambulance through the snow filled streets. Saving this person was truly a team effort and we are appreciative of the Holmdel Squad going out of their way to assist us. ”

These CPR requests for assistance were in addition to 15 other 911 requests for assistance midnight Wednesday until 6pm Friday. At times, the Squad had as many as 3 ambulances in service with as many as 12 members volunteering their time to help Hazlet’s citizens at one time.

The Hazlet First Aid Squad brought in the New Year with 8 requests for assistance on New Year’s Eve alone. Included in those calls was two ambulance crews standing by as Hazlet Police had to convince a person who had barricaded themselves in their house in the freezing weather in the middle of the night. No injuries were suffered beyond some minor frostbite among the First Responder teams and the person who was at risk was safely taken to a hospital.

Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad President Jim Cavuto added,” our people have been absolutely outstanding in their zeal and effectiveness for a very long time. I hope the citizens understand the commitment our Volunteers make every year to the town. This year we hope to reinvigorate our membership recruiting efforts as our request for assistance levels are such, we simply need more Volunteers. Please feel free to contact me directly at www.hazletfirstaid.org or call (732)264-7460 to join our Team.”