First Heartsafe Community Event Named a Success

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office lent a helping hand last week as they participated in the kickoff event for Freehold Township’s Heartsafe Community.

The event, which was an initiative through , took place on Sunday at the Encore Event Center at . There, a class of about 100 participants and 20 instructors took two sessions of CPR and Automated External Defibrillator training.

The Sheriff’s Office helped provide instructors and emergency vehicles were present for a tour on site. 

“Our 9-1-1 Communications Center deals with emergency services 24 hours a day 7 days a week,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden in a press release about the event. “We can’t stress enough how important it is that residents become CPR certified in an effort to increase the chance of survival, should CPR need to be administered on an individual, immediately.”

The classes were offered to all residents of Freehold and volunteers. Staff of local youth programs were particularly encouraged to participate. The initiative came about after a little league baseball player in Freehold Township was struck in the chest by a ball which caused his heart to stop beating. Sean Neely, who made a recovery, collapsed and CPR was immediately administered.

“After that incident, it was vital that we organize a CPR program, at a lower cost than usual, for all coaches and staff to be prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Mayor Anthony Ammiano, Freehold Township.

The class was $20 to participate and instructors donated their time. 

“This day proved to be a tremendous success,” said Angela Verdesco–Greco, Training Center Coordinator, Health Awareness Center.  “The time and dedication of all those involved will go a long way, should a medical emergency arise with an urgent need for CPR.”