Trending Topics

N.J. firefighter honored for in-flight medical rescue

City officials recognized Wildwood Firefighter Nicolas Palmer after he jumped into action on a flight from Florida, helping stabilize a passenger in medical distress

FR1 Affiliate images - 2025-11-21T084726.057.jpg

Wildwood Firefighter Nick Palmer.

City of Wildwood

By Victoria Gladstone
nj.com

A Cape May County firefighter was honored for his efforts to help a person having a medical emergency while on a flight from Florida, according to Wildwood city officials.

Nicolas Palmer of the Wildwood Fire Department was a passenger on a flight from Florida when another passenger went into distress.

Palmer immediately went into action, according to witnesses, and led the effort to stabilize the individual until the flight could land safely. An emergency landing was averted after the person was stabilized with Palmer’s assistance.

Wildwood Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski commended Palmer for his quick response to a health emergency – even when he’s airborne.

“Nick’s actions are a perfect example of what it means to be a Wildwood firefighter,” said Mikulski. “Even off duty, his instinct was to act. His training, confidence, and professionalism helped stabilize a life-threatening situation thousands of feet in the air. We could not be prouder.”

Mikulski added that Palmer’s response reflects the strong foundation built within the Wildwood Fire Department.

“This level of preparedness does not happen by chance,” said Mikulski. “It speaks to the outstanding leadership of Chief Troiano III and Deputy Chief Dunn and the company officers who train, mentor, and set the standard for our firefighters every day.”

The city thanked Palmer for “representing the community with honor” and “demonstrating the highest standards of public service” both on and off duty.

Trending
A public feud in Clinton Township is raising questions about EMS response models, as officials push for more EMT-based responses while firefighters warn reducing paramedic staffing could cut advanced care
Scruggs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Captain Jane Crawford was recognized at the Virginia Fire and Rescue Conference for more than five decades of firefighting and instructor leadership
North Ridgeville Fire Department partnered with University Hospitals’ Tactical Emergency Casualty Care team for two days of training focused on active shooter and mass-casualty responses
Surveyors in Melbourne Beach discovered a young manatee trapped in a concrete stormwater structure, prompting an hours-long, multiagency rescue

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit nj.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Company News
New mission mode provides simpler and more intuitive sampling of hazardous vapors