Off-Duty New Jersey Police Officer Saves Man's Life at Hockey Rink
What to Know
- Officer Frank Stefano acted quickly during a cardiac arrest at a Hackensack hockey game, performing CPR and using an AED to save a life.
- The available AED at the venue was crucial in delivering shocks that restored the patient's heartbeat before EMS arrived.
- The incident emphasizes the importance of ongoing CPR and AED training for both off-duty personnel and the public.
HACKENSACK, N.J. -- An off-duty New Jersey police officer is credited with saving a man’s life after a cardiac arrest at a public sports venue, underscoring the operational importance of immediate response and access to lifesaving equipment.
According to the Oradell Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Officer Frank Stefano intervened on Tuesday at approximately 9 p.m. while attending a hockey game at the Ice House in Hackensack. The officer was alerted to a crowd gathering around a goalie who had reported feeling nauseous before collapsing.
Upon assessment, Officer Stefano determined the individual had no pulse and was in cardiac arrest. He directed his wife to call 911 and immediately initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The officer then deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) available at the facility, delivering two shocks. The intervention restored the individual’s heartbeat prior to the arrival of emergency medical services.
Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) units responded shortly after and transported the patient to Hackensack University Medical Center. The individual is reported to be recovering.
The incident highlights the value of continuous training in CPR and AED use, even for off-duty personnel, and reinforces the role of publicly accessible defibrillators in improving survival outcomes during sudden cardiac arrest events. Rapid recognition, early chest compressions, and timely defibrillation remain critical components of the chain of survival.