South Brunswick,NJ first responders save woman's arm from machine

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Firefighters worked carefully but quickly to save a woman’s arm after it became impaled in a machine at her job.

The accident happened about 6 p.m. Thursday at Loving Pets, a pet food manufacturer.

The 54-year-old woman was standing on a portable stair and reached into the top of a machine to clear material inside, according to South Brunswick police. A rotating bar moved and she was impaled through her forearm.

Firefighters worked for 45 minutes to first disassemble the section where her arm was trapped. They then had to use several power cutters to remove the bar from the machine.

South Brunswick Firefighters work to free the woman from a machine after her arm was impaled 6/16/22 (South Brunswick police)

Transporting from the workplace to the hospital

EMTs and paramedics then used a backboard to lower the woman from the stairs, place her on a stretcher and take her to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital to remove the bar from her arm.

South Brunswick fire Chief Scott Smith said the situation presented a number of unprecedented challenges.

"The worker was in an elevated position, so firefighters had to work from ladders to access the top of the machine where her arm was trapped. Due to the construction of the machine and limited access, we had to develop several plans and use a number of different manual and powered tools to free her arm," Scott said in a statement. "Everyone did a great job under tough conditions."

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: