Crime & Safety

Woman Suffers Severe Allergic Shock In Essex County

First responders found a woman in anaphylactic shock, her face swelling and her airway closing. Here's what happened next.

Timely actions from first responders in Cedar Grove proved to be the difference to a person suffering from anaphylactic shock on Monday, authorities said.
Timely actions from first responders in Cedar Grove proved to be the difference to a person suffering from anaphylactic shock on Monday, authorities said. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Timely actions from first responders in Cedar Grove proved to be the difference to a person suffering from anaphylactic shock on Monday, authorities said.

Cedar Grove Police Chief Joseph Cirasa released the following statement about the incident, calling it a “great job by first responders.”

“On Monday, Aug. 24 at 2:04 p.m., the Cedar Grove Police Department received a 911 call reporting a female experiencing a severe allergic reaction to food and difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, police found the patient in anaphylactic shock, her face swelling and her airway closing. Officers Hoyt and Cardona administered oxygen. Atlantic Ambulance arrived moments later. Atlantic EMTs administered epinephrine via an EpiPen they carry as standard equipment. The swelling was reversed, the subject breathing improved, and she was then subsequently transported to Mountainside Hospital.”

“Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening condition,” Cirasa said. “Timely actions taken in those first critical minutes are crucial.”

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