Hazlet First Aid Squad "saves" three people with CPR in 10 days

Chief Steve Schmidt of the Hazlet First Aid Squad announced that Hazlet’s Volunteer First Aid Squad has been able to “save” three of its citizens in a 10 day period.

On June 3rd, Chief Schmidt led a crew at the Walgreens on Route 35 to “save” a lady who had suffered cardiac arrest. Chief Schmidt said, “our police did an outstanding job of starting CPR, the MONOC medics were superb and completing the rescue team were Volunteers, Jennifer McKay, Kaitlyn Brown and Skip McKay.”

On June 8, Squad Volunteers Tom Buckel, Gerard Vallely, Pat Selllitti, Theresa Hroncich and Cadet Anthony Gorrin saved a man at his home from sudden cardiac arrest. Both the first two patients were taken to Bayshore Community Hospital by the Squad’s ambulance.

On June 13, the Squad again led by Chief Schmidt, Kaitlyn Brown, Jennifer McKay, Theresa Hroncich, Doug Centrone and Firefighter Driver Ash Tankiwale were able to save a patron that suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at the Home Depot. Bystander CPR was started by store customers and continued by the Squad members. MONOC Paramedics arrived a short time later and delivered advanced life support. The patient was successfully resuscitated on scene and then rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center by the Squad where he received critical emergency cardiac care.

Chief Schmidt noted CPR events are becoming more frequent for the Squad as the town’s demographics are aging. He added, “the Squad is on a pace where we will complete over 1800 calls for assistance this year”. In 2015, the Squad answered 1677 calls for assistance. The number of calls is straining the Squad’s budget as a Volunteer Squad, the members must not only respond to all these calls for aid 365/24/7, they must fund raise to purchase all the necessities to keep the Squad operating.

Hazlet First Aid has recently sent out its annual fundraising mailer soliciting contributions to keep it operating. “It costs us at least $68 every time we respond to a call, we do not charge for our services or solicit money when rendering care.” stated Chief Schmidt. “When we perform CPR, time and training is absolutely life critical. Fundraising to purchase such luxuries as oxygen, splints and bandages is now critical to our ability to serve our town.”

The Hazlet First Aid Squad requests you consider a donation to allow us to serve you. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 162 Hazlet, New Jersey 07730 or be made through PayPal on our web site at www.hazletfirstaid.org.