Red Cross Staff Provides Help at Headquarters

TINTON FALLS, JUNE 29, 2010 – A staff member of the Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross witnessed a car accident, in which one car lost control of their vehicle outside chapter headquarters in Tinton Falls, at the corner of West Park Avenue and Shafto Road on Monday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. While in the parking lot, Health & Safety Coordinator, Laurie Procopio immediately sprang into action, running back into the building urging someone to call 911 and ran back to aid the accident scene. After alerting other staff members in the building, Amy Weltner, Health & Safety Programs and Events Manager, grabbed an AED and first aid kit, and with Donna Maritato, Development Coordinator, ran out to assist Procopio. While another staff member called 911, Procopio treated two people on the scene with first aid, awaiting assistance from EMT’s. When EMT’s arrived on the scene, Procopio relayed the driver’s condition. Care was then handed over and the person was transported to the hospital.

This eye opening event has sparked some thought to staffers at the Jersey Coast Chapter. “We would like to review existing emergency policies so that everyone is familiar with our protocol,” said Amy Weltner, “There is a Wawa being built across the street from headquarters set to open in the next month or so, which will increase traffic flow.”

The Jersey Coast Chapter wants to make sure anyone in the building can be there to respond in a moment’s notice in case something was to happen again in the future. The American Red Cross truly understands the importance of being prepared for situations that may occur. Not only do we help victims of emergencies such as fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes, but first aid can even be given right across the street.