Jackson First Responders Reunite With Cardiac Arrest Survivor After Successful Life-Saving Response

A Jackson Township man who survived a sudden cardiac arrest earlier this month reunited with the first responders who helped save his life, offering a rare and emotional thank-you to the team that brought him back.

On January 7, 2025, at 10:51 a.m., Engine 5401 was dispatched to a home in the Four Seasons at South Knolls community for a report of an unconscious male. Crews arrived just three minutes later, at 10:54 a.m., and found the patient — identified as Jeff — in full cardiac arrest. His wife, Linda, was already performing CPR when firefighters entered the home.

The Engine 5401 crew — Capt. Porth, Fire Official O’Brien Jr., and Firefighters McCloskey, O’Brien, Esposito, Sanchez, and Rosa — immediately began providing advanced, high-quality CPR and deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED), delivering multiple shocks. Moments later, they were joined by Jackson EMS and Atlantic Health paramedics, who continued resuscitation efforts.

Through the coordinated work of all responders, the team achieved return of spontaneous circulation and Jeff was transported to CentraState Medical Center for further treatment.

This week, Jeff and Linda invited the entire life-saving team back to their home to personally thank them — a gesture officials described as uncommon but deeply meaningful.

“This is not something that happens often in our field, and when it does, it deserves to be recognized for the truly heroic actions of everyone involved,” the department said.

Officials praised the combined efforts of Engine 5401, Jackson EMS, and Atlantic Health paramedics, emphasizing that Linda’s immediate CPR played a crucial role in Jeff’s survival.

“Outstanding work by all — and most importantly, Linda, whose early CPR made all the difference,” the department added.