Dear Editor:
On Saturday afternoon at approximately 2:20 p.m. I was riding my bicycle on Washington Street. Just as I approached 9th Street going with the traffic, my bicycle suddenly and without warning came to an abrupt stop. The security chain that I use to secure my bike to a street pole was wrapped around the handlebar and somehow slipped down, and going into the front wheel caused me to catapult over the handlebar. Instantly, a young woman was running across the street to my assistance along with another man who (thank God) was a physician. Immediately this doctor, whose name I did not get unfortunately, took charge and rendered immediate attention. Someone called the police along with the emergency medical team who responded within eight to 10 minutes. Four motorcycle patrolmen were instantly on the scene and took all of the pertinent data.
The physician who was attending to me, asked for and received a bag of ice for my elbow which was broken, and some storekeeper came over with a roll of paper towels which was placed under my head for proper elevation. The emergency medical team who came on the scene were very polite, professional and caring. A sling was draped over my shoulder in order to supprt the arm and elbow and off I was carted to St. Mary Hospital for immediate emergency care. The doctor on duty, nurses and administrative staff could not have been more helpful, and from time to time the emergency medical team stopped by to see how I was coming along.
I was truly impressed with and appreciative of the support and assistance that I received on that day from many of the townsfolk in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Many, many thanks to all of the people in Hoboken who came to my assistance on that day.
James P. Purcell