By: Richard L. Smith
A longtime New Jersey basketball official affiliated with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) Board 33 is being credited with helping save the life of a Hudson County resident during a medical emergency over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the Secaucus Police Department, the incident occurred Sunday afternoon outside Huber Street Elementary School when a 77-year-old Secaucus man suddenly collapsed and was found unresponsive.
Authorities said the emergency unfolded around 3 p.m. when police received a 911 call reporting a man lying on the ground with no pulse directly in front of the school.
Responding to the scene, Secaucus Police Officer Emmanuel Mikros immediately began performing CPR in an effort to revive the victim.
At the same time, Melvin Chettum, a Secaucus resident who happened to be passing by, stopped to assist after witnessing the man collapse.
Officer Mikros deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) and delivered one shock to the victim while he and Chettum continued lifesaving CPR.
Their efforts continued until emergency medical technicians from Hudson Regional Hospital arrived and took over treatment.
EMTs administered a second shock using the AED, and shortly afterward the man regained a pulse.
He was transported to Hudson Regional Hospital where officials say he remained in stable condition as of Wednesday.
Police did not release what may have caused the man to lose consciousness or suffer the medical emergency.
Secaucus Police Chief Dennis Miller praised the quick actions of both the responding officer and the bystander who stepped in to help.
“This incident defines the true partnership between the Secaucus Police, the community and other Emergency Services,” Miller said in the statement.
“I am extremely proud of Police Officer Mikros’ actions, which are reinforced by the training provided by our department. I also want to commend Melvin Chettum who was just passing by and stopped to help another resident in need.”
Chettum, a longtime and well-respected basketball official from IAABO Board 33, is now being recognized by Board 33 President Dick Hecker and fellow officials and leadership within the organization.