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Eric Rose, 15, of Toms River, had a habit of chewing on things like pen caps and bottle tops. His parents, Shannon and Ronnie, often reminded him to quit, warning him of the damage he could do to his teeth. Little did they know that the nervous habit would put their 15-year-old’s life in danger.

In February 2013, Eric accidently swallowed a pushpin while chewing its plastic tip. He began choking and vomiting blood. Immediately, his mom, Shannon, called 911, and Eric was taken to the Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean Medical Center.

“I was so scared. I knew it was serious,” Shannon says. “Thankfully, the emergency team took quick action and provided Eric the help he needed.”

Pediatric Emergency Care Pediatric emergency physician Jonathan Reyes, M.D., met Eric on arrival at Ocean Medical Center. He quickly assessed the gravity of his condition and began coordinating transport of Eric to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

“Ocean Medical Center is equipped to handle many pediatric

emergencies. As part of Meridian Pediatric Network,

however, we work closely

Eric Rose’s mom, Shannon, rushed him to the Pediatric Emergency Center when he accidentally swallowed a pushpin, which had to be surgically removed from his windpipe.

Saves a Boy’s Life

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to transfer any potentially life-threatening cases that require pediatric subspecialties,” Dr. Reyes explains. “This close coordination is key to rapid response and emergency treatment. Patients can always know they will get the care they need.”

Close CollaborationDr. Reyes spoke directly with pediatric surgeons at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital to alert them to the situation. He also took care of the paperwork in advance so Eric could be treated immediately upon his arrival. In addition, Dr. Reyes closely monitored Eric’s heart and oxygen levels until he was able to be transferred.

“We knew through X-ray imaging that the pushpin was moving through Eric’s system quickly and needed to be removed as soon as possible. Although most foreign objects become lodged in the esophagus, it was still unclear if the object went down his windpipe instead,” Dr. Reyes says. “We notifi ed K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital so they would be ready.”

In addition to coordinating Eric’s care, Dr. Reyes also attended to the family’s emotional needs.

“Dr. Reyes took the time to sit down with Eric and me and explain exactly what was going to happen. Eric was in a lot of pain, and it was comforting to know he was going to get help,” Shannon says.

Access to Subspecialty CarePediatric gastroenterologist Azam Soroush, M.D., was waiting for Eric on

Azam Soroush, M.D.Board certifi ed in Pediatric GastroenterologyNeptune • 732-776-4860

Jonathan V. Reyes, M.D.Brick • 732-836-4796

The Pediatric Emergency Center is available seven days a week from 1:00 – 11:00 p.m.,

which complements the emergency services we provide to children and adults 24 hours a day. To learn more, visit OceanMedicalCenter.com.

Where Kids Get Specialized Care

his arrival at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. Dr. Soroush is an expert in issues related to the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus. She conducted an endoscopy of Eric’s esophagus to locate the pushpin. She learned, however, the object had been breathed into his windpipe.

Because the windpipe is not in Dr. Soroush’s area of expertise, she called Saad Saad, M.D., surgeon-in-chief and co-medical director of K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. It was 1:30 a.m.

“Our focus is to provide the very best care for each patient. That includes identifying the right subspecialist for each case,” Dr. Soroush says. “Without treatment, Eric’s pushpin could have caused a dangerous infection. And because the object was sharp, it threatened to puncture his lung. Getting him immediate care was essential.”

Surgical ExpertiseDr. Saad rushed to the hospital at 2 a.m. to surgically remove the pushpin. Using cameras and special instruments, which were guided down Eric’s windpipe, Dr. Saad dislodged and removed the pin from the trachea without making an incision over the windpipe. If he hadn’t succeeded, Eric would have required extensive open surgery to save his lung.

“This is a very critical surgery that few people can do,” says Dr. Saad, who has extensive experience with the procedure. “As soon as the object was removed, Eric was out of danger. It’s so gratifying to change the life of a child.”

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Saad A. Saad, M.D.Board certifi ed in Pediatric SurgeryEatontown • 732-935-0407

After just an overnight stay at the hospital, Eric was able to go home. And today he is back living the normal life of a teenager.

“No words can express our gratitude for the quick action, communication, and collaboration of all three doctors,” Shannon says. “It’s impossible to truly thank them for saving Eric’s life. They are absolutely amazing.”

Part of Meridian Pediatric Network. When it comes to your child’s health, this is where you want to be.

Whether they are 17 days or 17 years old, you want your sick or injured child to be in the handsof those who know kids best. That’s why Ocean Medical Center has a Pediatric EmergencyCenter to specialize in the unique needs of our youngest patients.

For a referral to a pediatrician or specialist, call 1-800-DOCTORS®. Or visit OceanMedicalCenter.com.

Your child is in expert hands at the Pediatric Emergency Center at Ocean Medical Center.

Taking Care of New Jersey

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