the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A potentially tragic situation was averted thanks to the quick thinking and expert guidance of Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Jonathan Hyslop of Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch. On July 18, 2025, at 10:47 AM, Hyslop took a 9-1-1 call reporting a 2-month-old infant choking and not breathing at a local shop on Chestnut Street in the Village of Ridgewood.
Baby’s Life Saved Before First Responders Arrived
According to dispatch reports, a bystander called 9-1-1 while the baby’s mother was desperately trying to clear her child’s airway. PST Hyslop, a trained Emergency Medical Dispatcher, swiftly alerted other dispatchers who coordinated the emergency response by Ridgewood Police, EMS, Fire Department, and Valley Paramedics.
Using the NJ Emergency Medical Dispatch Guidecards, Hyslop calmly guided the mother and bystanders through a series of back blows and chest thrusts. Miraculously, after just one round, the baby’s airway cleared, and they began breathing again on their own, just before first responders arrived.
Community Hero with Deep Roots
PST Jonathan Hyslop is no stranger to emergency situations. A former member of Ridgewood Special Operations and son of retired Ridgewood FD member Robert Hyslop, Jonathan brought not only professionalism but also a personal commitment to public safety.
Once on scene, Ridgewood Police confirmed the child was breathing. Ridgewood EMS transported the infant to a local hospital for further evaluation.
About Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch
Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch is a vital lifeline for multiple New Jersey communities. The center provides 9-1-1 and dispatch services for:
-
Ridgewood, Glen Rock, New Milford, Oradell, River Edge
-
Montvale, Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, River Vale, Old Tappan
Additionally, it provides Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) services for Oakland, Franklin Lakes, and Washington Township.
A Reminder of the Power of Preparedness
This life-saving incident highlights the crucial role that public safety telecommunicators and emergency protocols play in protecting the community — often behind the scenes.
Thanks to the calm leadership of Jonathan Hyslop, a child’s life was saved before EMS could even arrive, showcasing the power of expert dispatch and community readiness.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
