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NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JULY 2014
Mercer Sheriff’s Officers respond to
mile-high medical emergency
On May 28 at approximately 6 a.m., Frontier Airlines
Flight 593 heading for Nashville, Tennessee was preparing
for departure from the Trenton-Mercer Airport when a passenger became gravely ill. The 68 year-old male passenger
from Hamilton, in his seat for takeoff, was unresponsive,
barely breathing and suffering a suspected cardiac incident.
Airline flight attendants summoned two Sheriff’s Officers,
Anibal Santos and Ralph MacKelvey, from the airport’s ramp
area whereby they entered the passenger cabin and immediately administered medical attention. The officers utilized
oxygen, a rebreather mask and an AED (Automatic External
Defibrillator) to electro-shock the victim. Lifesaving CPR
continued thereafter by the officers until Airport Rescue Station 34 arrived. The victim was rushed to Capital Health
Regional Medical Center in Hopewell, where he is listed in
stable condition.
“I would like to extend my deepest concern for the wellbeing of the cardiac victim today and for his family,” said
Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler. “I would also like to
commend Officers Santos and MacKelvey for their quick
response to save the man’s life. These highly trained officers
are part of the Sheriff’s Office’s all-important Airport Unit
and deserve our praise.”
Added County Executive Brian Hughes: “The quick and
skillful actions of Officers Santos and MacKelvey likely
saved the life of a passenger departing Trenton-Mercer Airport. Our officers and airport staff train for such emergencies, and in this case it appears the outcome was positive.
We are hopeful for a speedy recovery for the patient, and our
thoughts are with him and his family. I heartily commend
these Mercer County Sheriff Officers for their professionalism. d