HARRISON –
A baby is still alive thanks to the efforts of members of the Harrison Fire Department.
As reported by Firefighter Steve Fostek, public information officer for the Harrison FMBA (Fireman’s Mutual Benevolent Association), on June 3, at about 2:30 p.m., a woman appeared at Fire Headquarters, Seventh and Sussex Sts., cradling a 2-year-old child in her arms.
The woman told firefighters that the child had stopped breathing and was apparently lifeless.
Fire Capt. Joe Nichirco, Fire Lt. Joe Faugno and Firefighter Ray Tremer assessed the baby’s condition and “gave breaths to the baby, using a bag valve mask with supplemental oxygen, while Capt. Nichirco called dispatch and requested a BSL (Basic Life Support) ambulance and medics,” Fostek said.
“The firemen did rescue breathing until the ambulance arrived,” he said.
The mother, carrying the baby, reportedly had flagged down a passing motorist for help and the Good Samaritan driver — identified by Fostek as Khayree Taylor — brought her to the fire station.
Fostek said the child was taken to the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark “and is doing well.”
Fostek noted that Harrison firefighters are trained as EMTs and as first responders.
“We have a fully-stocked ambulance … and have all the [basic life-saving] equipment available,” he said.
