GTAS To Raise Funds For GTPD AEDs
Galloway Township Mayor and Council recognized the men and women of the Galloway Township Police Department and Ambulance Squad for two CPR saves, and their emergency response to the March 29th school bus accident.
One of the CPR saves highlighted occurred March 10, 2012 when Officer Buckley, Officer Snuffer, Corporal Hendrickson along with EMT’s Leaming and Kane were dispatched to MeGettigan’s 19 Hole Tavern for an unconscious person. Upon arrival patrol found the victim in cardiac arrest. CPR was started and a automatic external defibrillator (AED) was attached and activated. Two months later the patient has fully recovered, returned to work and most importantly is spending time with her family and friends. Charles Uhl Chief of the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad discussed the importance of the Galloway Police Department AED program. “Our Police Officers are often the first on scene, they provide appropriate medical care until EMS arrives.
Seargent Joseph Picardi heads the AED program for the Galloway Township Police Department. He reported that the police department began their AED program in 1995, making it among the first police agencies in the state to utilize these lifesaving devices. Every Officer in the Department is certified in CPR and use of the AED. Each officer assigned to a patrol area carries an AED in their patrol vehicle and is dispatched along with EMS to serious medical issues such as cardiac, respiratory, and trauma related emergencies. In addition AED’s are deployed with their supervisors, K-9 units, and SWAT personnel as well as officers assigned to special events such as Smithville Festivals and the LPGA. The Department currently has 10 AED’s, all of which are in need of replacement due to them reaching the end of their recommended service life.
After learning that the AED’s were in need of replacement and knowing the importance of early defibrillation, the Ambulance Squad has started a campaign to raise the needed $12,500.00 to purchase the lifesaving devices. Chief Patrick Moran (Galloway Police Department) stated; “This project makes sense, it puts the tools in our Police Officers hands that can save lives”.
Both the Ambulance Squad and police department look forward to working with, local businesses and members of our community in order to secure the necessary funds to continue to provide this lifesaving service”. Anyone wishing to donate can drop off a donation at the Galloway Branch Cape Bank located next to the Police station at 320 E. Jimmie Leeds Road or mail their donation to the Galloway Police AED fund c/o the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad – PO Box 784 – Pomona NJ 08240.
Click here to read the story from The Galloway Patch.