TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A Toms River police officer is being credited with saving a man’s life after a routine first-aid call rapidly turned into a cardiac emergency earlier this month.
Patrolman Thomas Elwood responded Aug. 6 to a report of a man experiencing chest pain, according to Toms River PBA Local 137. While Elwood gathered information and waited for emergency medical personnel, he noticed the man was in obvious discomfort and attempted to position him more comfortably.
The situation suddenly became critical when the man lost consciousness and stopped breathing. Elwood, the only first responder at the scene at the time, immediately moved the man to the ground, prepared an automated external defibrillator and began CPR.
- Elwood was alone at the scene when the man stopped breathing.
- The officer administered CPR and delivered one shock with an AED.
- The man regained consciousness and was talking when an ambulance took him from the scene.
Officer Continued CPR Until Man Began Breathing
According to the Toms River PBA, Elwood continued administering CPR while directing members of the man’s family to assist him.
The officer delivered one shock using the AED and resumed CPR until the man regained consciousness and began breathing without assistance.
Elwood then remained with the man, communicating with and comforting him until EMS personnel and paramedics arrived.
“The male left the scene in an ambulance conscious and able to talk,” PBA Local 137 said in its account of the rescue.
The union praised Elwood’s response, saying, “PBA Local 137 commends Ptl. Elwood for his actions in saving a life, job well done.”
Sources: Toms River PBA Local 137, public statement regarding the Aug. 6, 2026 medical emergency.
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