A 14-year old Fanwood boy is recovering at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center after being trapped under the car that hit him while riding his bike on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

The accident happened at the intersection of LaGrande Avenue and Helen Street at 10:00 AM. A car making a turn hit the boy and came to rest on top of him. He was trapped under the car for about 40 minutes before the Fanwood and Plainfield Fire Departments were able to raise the car, allowing rescuers to pull him to safety. He was treated on scene by paramedics from JFK Medical Center and EMTs from the Fanwood Rescue Squad. He was transferred to the Northstar helicopter operated by the NJ State Police and flown to Robert Wood in New Brunswick.

Several hours later, Mayor Colleen Mahr spoke to the boy’s father who said his son is expected to fully recover from his injuries. It happened to be the victim’s birthday.

The driver of the car remained on scene and cooperated with police.

Rescue Squad Captain Ian Lewis an EMTs Melissa Padulsky and Tom Kranz responded to the scene, along with paramedics from JFK Medical Center, the Fanwood, Plainfield and Scotch Plains Fire Departments and the Fanwood and Scotch Plains Police.

Captain Ian Lewis was a captive subject of this photo during an EMT refresher course at our building recently, volunteering to be the patient in the KED skills station.

We appreciate Training Officer Melissa Padulsky teaching this and other courses to our members. Melissa, a member since 2001, has given her time over the years to teach new and current members CPR, BBP, First Aid and many CEU courses at little or sometimes no cost.

We appreciate it!

Now more than ever, your Rescue Squad needs volunteers to maintain the health and safety of our residents. The Fanwood Rescue Squad depends on volunteers and donations to carry out its mission. To volunteer, you fill out an application, meet with a couple of our officers and if accepted take a CPR course and you may begin riding right away under the supervision of a full time member.

The pandemic has required us to be extra careful on every 911 call. We have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for all members and have specific protocols for patients who may display symptoms of COVID-19. Our responding members are among the essential people who keep our community safe and healthy simply by responding to calls and getting patients to the hospital.

Consider joining the Fanwood Rescue Squad by sending a message through our CONTACT page or calling 908-322-9000 and leaving a message.