Boy In Critical Condition After Lakewood Playground Accident: Police

LAKEWOOD, NJ — A 6-year-old boy remains hospitalized in critical condition after he choked when his bicycle helmet got caught on a piece of playground equipment in Lakewood on Monday evening, police said.

The boy, who was listed in critical but stable condition as of late Tuesday night, was rescued from the equipment by other children, who freed him and called for help, police Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said Wednesday morning.

The boy had been playing at the playground with other children when his helmet got caught on a suspended piece of the equipment, Staffordsmith said.

It cut off the boy's airway, causing him to lose consciousness, he said. The other children saw he needed help and were able to free him, then called for help, Staffordsmith said.

Hatzolah EMS emergency medical personnel performed CPR and revived the boy, who was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Staffordsmith said.

The Lakewood Scoop reported the boy's family said doctors were seeing "very positive signs."

An investigation is continuing.