the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Northvale NJ, in a heart-stopping moment at a Northvale middle school basketball game, a routine afternoon turned into a life-or-death emergency. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a 14-year-old student collapsed in cardiac arrest—but thanks to the lightning-fast reflexes of two school heroes, he is alive to tell the story.
Seconds Count: The Heroic Response in Northvale
The Northvale Public School gymnasium was filled with the sounds of a typical game until 4:30 p.m., when the young athlete suddenly fell to the floor. As teammates and parents looked on in shock, Nurse Joan Bohan and Coach Michael Schulman didn’t hesitate.
While Coach Schulman—who also serves as a health and physical education teacher—jumped in to assist, Nurse Bohan deployed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
“Their actions and professionalism were nothing short of heroic,” the Northvale Police Department shared in a viral Facebook post.
By the time police and paramedics arrived, the student was already alert and conscious. Responders confirmed that Bohan administered a single, life-saving shock from the AED that successfully restarted the boy’s heart.
The Power of Preparedness: Why AED Training Matters
This “miracle” wasn’t just luck—it was the result of rigorous district-wide training. Superintendent Michael Pinajian highlighted that every employee in the Northvale School District is trained in CPR and AED use.
Why this matters for every New Jersey parent:
- Immediate Intervention: Brain damage can begin just minutes after the heart stops.
- The “Chain of Survival”: Immediate CPR and AED use can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
- Access: Schools are required by law to have accessible AEDs, but the training of staff like Bohan and Schulman is what makes the difference.
A Community Breathes a Sigh of Relief
After the initial rescue, the teen was treated by the Closter Ambulance Corps and paramedics from Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC). He was transported for further observation but is reportedly in good spirits.
“I am pleased to report that as a result of their efforts, the student is recovering well,” Superintendent Pinajian told local news outlets. “He is looking forward to returning to school to be with his friends and teachers.”
What You Can Do
This incident serves as a powerful reminder for families and sports organizations to check their emergency protocols.
Is your school or local gym prepared?
- Locate the AED: Know exactly where the device is kept in your community centers.
- Get Certified: Organizations like the American Red Cross offer 2-hour classes that save lives.
- Check Batteries: Ensure local AEDs are maintained and functional.
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