Four Hackensack Officers Save 78-Year-Old Man From Cardiac Arrest

Quick Response Saves Life on Bridge Approach

Four Hackensack police officers, including one who is new on the job, helped save the life of a 78-year-old man who went into cardiac arrest this week on the Midtown Bridge Approach on Wednesday, March 4 . Officers Ryan Conlon and Frank Caneja of the Hackensack Police Emergency Services Unit, along with Patrolmen Jems Peralta (sworn in last January 2025) and Robert Oropeza (who was sworn in last July), rushed to the scene after a report that a man had fallen and gone into cardiac arrest .

According to the Hackensack Police Department, officers used an automated external defibrillator (AED), a bag-valve-mask, and oxygen during the emergency response. The patient was successfully resuscitated before being transported to a hospital for further treatment . The incident demonstrates how crucial those first few minutes can be in cardiac arrest emergencies, where every second matters.

Medical Training Makes the Difference

Upon arrival, the officers, who have advanced medical training, immediately took over CPR compressions and initiated life-saving efforts for the patient . Both Officers Conlon and Caneja possess their EMT certification, which undoubtedly contributed to the success of saving a life . This specialized training proved invaluable in a situation where professional medical help hadn't yet arrived.

The department noted that all Hackensack police officers receive CPR training, and those with Emergency Medical Technician certifications are able to maintain that specialization . This investment in officer training creates a network of first responders capable of handling medical emergencies throughout the community, extending far beyond traditional law enforcement duties.

Teamwork Across Multiple Agencies

Police Chief Michael Antista thanked the Hackensack Fire Department and Hackensack University Medical Center ALS/BLS crews who responded and took over care for the patient . The seamless handoff between police officers providing initial life-saving measures and medical professionals continuing advanced care exemplifies how emergency response systems work best when different agencies coordinate effectively.

Interdepartmental cooperation and cohesion are at the heart of successful emergency services operations and the Hackensack Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our residents and visitors of the City of Hackensack . This incident showcases how police departments increasingly serve as medical first responders, often arriving at scenes before ambulances due to their widespread deployment throughout communities.

The Critical Nature of Cardiac Arrest Response

Cardiac arrest represents one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies, where survival rates drop dramatically with each passing minute without intervention. According to the American Heart Association, almost 90 percent of people who suffer from cardiac arrest outside of the hospital do not survive . This statistic underscores the remarkable nature of this successful resuscitation.

The presence of multiple trained officers, including newer recruits alongside experienced Emergency Services Unit members, demonstrates how departments build depth in life-saving capabilities. As communities continue to expect broader roles from law enforcement, this incident highlights the value of comprehensive medical training for officers who often serve as the first line of emergency response in their neighborhoods.