A Life Saved: Heroic Responses to a Biker’s Heart Attack in Toms River

Photo Credit: Republicans for Toms River

Quick Action Saves Bicyclist After Heart Attack on Route 70

A dispatcher and a group of Pleasant Plains firefighters were recognized by Toms River officials for saving the life of a man who had suffered a heart attack while riding his bicycle.

At the Toms River Council meeting on November 12, Councilman Jim Quinlisk read a resolution stating that the incident occurred on July 8.

According to the resolution, Pleasant Plains Engine 3043's crew was returning to the firehouse after responding to a fire call in Homestead Run when Toms River dispatcher Michael Cocco received a report of a CPR emergency nearby. The Pleasant Plains crew immediately went to the scene at Whitesville Road and Route 70.

When firefighters Thomas Pullaro, Charlie Bauer, Dylan Batzel, and David Lentchner arrived on the scene, they discovered the man—who had been riding a bicycle—on the ground, seemingly experiencing cardiac arrest.

The decision states that when Pullaro, the lead firefighter, and Bauer started CPR on the man, Batzel intervened with a defibrillator, which Batzel and Lechner used to successfully restore the man's heartbeat and keep him stable until medical help came.

According to Quinlisk, the man is home and recuperating after surviving.

Also according to Quinlisk, Cocco received a heroism award "for his critical role in ensuring the swift and effective emergency response," while Pullaro, Bauer, Batzel, and Lechner received life-saving awards and a unit citation.