HOWELL – Officer Jonathan Woolley of the Howell Police Department is being credited by his chief with helping to save the life of an elderly man who collapsed at a fitness center in neighboring Brick Township on Dec. 18.
Woolley, who is a 15-year veteran in the police department, was off-duty when the incident occurred, according to Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick.
Kudrick said Woolley saw the man collapse and immediately determined he was not breathing, had no pulse and was turning purple. The man was later identified as being 85 years old,
Woolley and a trainer who is a former police officer began chest compressions and rescue breathing. An automated external defibrillator was used to help revive the man.
Woolley and the trainer continued to treat the man until they were relieved by Brick Township police officers, EMS personnel and MONOC paramedics, according to Kudrick.
The Brick Township Police Department did not respond to messages left by the Tri-Town News seeking the name of the trainer who assisted Woolley and additional information about the incident.
In the aftermath of the incident, the man was reported to be responsive and doing well, according to hospital staff who contacted Kudrick to commend Woolley.
The paramedics who were involved in the treatment of the man also acknowledged that Woolley and the trainer provided immediate attention that led to the man’s life being saved, according to Kudrick.
“This is another example of how police officers are always on-duty and always ready to help those in need of assistance. In this incident, two officers worked together and saved a man’s life. Great job by Officer Woolley and the trainer,” Kudrick said.