The Alternative Press

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ - According to the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, at approximately 12:50 pm last Friday, February 22, the Squad was dispatched to the Deserted Village in the Watchung Reservation on a report of an injured hiker.  While the squad was en route, Berkeley Heights Police Department units on the scene reported the hiker was approximately 3/4 of a mile into the woods in rough, icy terrain.  The Berkeley Heights Fire Department was dispatched to assist.

Upon reaching the hiker, the squad's crew determined that the individual had suffered a serious ankle injury and would need to be carried out to the road.  Working with the Berkeley Heights Fire Department as well as units from New Providence Fire Department, the patient was treated and packaged in a stokes basket.  Working together, the crews from the Berkeley.Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad, Berkeley Heights Fire and New Providence Fire Departments lowered the patient down a river bank in the stokes basket, and carried the patient from the wooded area.  The Stirling Fire Department was also on scene in the event additional  manpower was needed.  The patient was then transferred to a waiting New Providence ambulance for transport to Overlook Medical Center for further treatment.

William Schulz, EMS Chief of the Berkeley Heights Volunteer Rescue Squad said, "The successful outcome of this event is just another example of how well the Berkeley Heights Police, Fire and Rescue Squad work together to protect the residents and visitors in our community."