By Philip Sean Curran and Geena Molinaro, Packet Media Group
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery EMS revived two people involved in two separate accidents this week, something one team member described as a "success story."
The accidents occurred approximately 27 hours apart with both men discovered not breathing and without a pulse.
"It’s an amazing feeling for all of us," said Montgomery EMS 2nd Lt. Neelam Davis. "It’s very rewarding."
EMTs used defibrillators to revive both victims. Lt. Davis said the squad does not see these types of calls frequently, but always is prepared to use the defibrillators.
All EMTs are trained to use them as a part of their CPR training, she said, and the police also are trained to use them.
Lt. Davis said the squad could not take all of the credit. The collaboration between the police, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset medics and dispatchers was instrumental to the successful responses, she said.
Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company 2 also assisted the first responders Tuesday with a helicopter landing, she said, and a few off-duty EMTs who were in the area responded to the scenes.
"It was such a team approach," she said.
Lt. Davis said it was important people initiated CPR before the EMTs arrived. The squad was happy with the response to the emergencies, she said.
Tuesday morning, first responders revived a landscaper after he fell an estimated 25 feet from a tree he was pruning at a home on Sunset Road, police said.
The man, eventually identified as Rene Garcia-Juarez, 33, was taken by State Police helicopter to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment at approximately 10 a.m., police said.
As of Wednesday morning, Mr. Garcia-Juarez was stable, but in critical condition, Montgomery Capt. James Curry said. The captain said he did not know where Mr. Garcia-Juarez resided. Mr. Garcia-Juarez entered the hospital as a "John Doe" until he was identified by police.
The hospital did not have Mr. Garcia-Juarez listed in its system as of Wednesday afternoon and would not comment on the status of any John Does of similar description in the hospital.
Police said the man was found under the tree not breathing and without a pulse, and no one witnessed his fall, which occurred before 9 a.m. Capt. Curry estimated the tree was between 50 and 60 feet tall, but did not know which type of tree it was.
Mr. Garcia-Juarez was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, Capt. Curry said. He could not comment on what climbing and safety gear is needed for tree pruning.
Wednesday, first responders revived a 56-year-old male employee in the service bay area at Land Rover of Princeton, police said. When police arrived at the scene, two employees were administering CPR.
Officer Jason Clifford connected a defibrillator when he arrived and "assisted with lifesaving measures," police said.
Police said the patient regained a pulse and became conscious and alert. He was taken to the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.
The police would not release the name of the second victim and did not have an update about his condition.
Capt. Curry said he thought it was notable the police were involved in two life-saving calls.
"We’re happy when a call turns out well," Lt. Davis said, "and when we can leave a patient in a better situation than we found him or her."

