TOMS RIVER, NJ – A routine workout turned into a life-saving mission for several off-duty first responders at LA Fitness on Hooper Avenue.
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, around 3:50 PM, a man suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while exercising at the fitness center. Fortunately, two off-duty EMTs, Dylan Tortorelli and Josh Menack, were on-site and immediately sprang into action, performing CPR on the stricken individual. Simultaneously, two off-duty Toms River police officers, Alex Van Lew and Charlie Grainger, who happened to be at the gym, assisted by using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the patient.
Thanks to their timely and coordinated efforts, the man regained consciousness and started breathing independently within moments.
Emergency medical teams from Silverton First Aid and RWJ Paramedics arrived shortly after, ensuring the patient was stable before transporting him to Brick Hospital for further evaluation. The man has since recovered and is now safely back home.
Adding to this heroic incident, Dylan Tortorelli had just been sworn in as a full-time police officer with the Neptune Twp. Police Department the following day. In addition to his new role, he serves as an EMT for Manchester Twp. Josh Menack dedicates his time as a volunteer with the Point Pleasant Beach First Aid Squad and doubles up as a lifeguard and EMT for the Seaside Heights Beach Patrol.