By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• An off-duty New Jersey police officer rescued a youth hockey player who was struck by a vehicle outside an ice rink while the officer was still in full duty gear.
• The incident happened after a practice session in Burlington County when a 12-year-old player was hit while crossing a roadway.
• The officer applied lifesaving first aid, including controlling bleeding, until EMS arrived.
• EMS transported the child to a regional trauma center; the officer’s actions were credited with stabilizing the patient.
BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — An off-duty New Jersey police officer rendered lifesaving aid to a youth hockey player struck by a vehicle while still wearing full duty gear after a practice session Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
The 12-year-old boy was crossing a roadway near the ice arena when he was hit by a passing vehicle, Burlington County officials reported. An off-duty officer, who had just finished his shift and was still in uniform, witnessed the crash and immediately responded to the scene.
Police said the officer quickly assessed the injured child, controlled significant bleeding and provided first aid until emergency medical services arrived. The child was then transported by EMS to a regional trauma center for treatment.
Officials credited the officer’s prompt actions and utilization of his training and equipment for stabilizing the young patient before EMS took over care.
No additional details on the driver’s involvement or potential charges were released as the incident remained under review, police said.