JIM SCHATZLE a true lifesaver

BY RAY SCHWEIBERT

During the course of a decades-long career as an EMT/firefighter and paramedic in the Emergency Medical Services field, Jim Schatzle founded Team Life in 1994 to help others learn emergency-response techniques and have access to and training in lifesaving equipment.

Headquartered in Colts Neck, Team Life offers classes in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training and AED (automated external defibrillator) use, plus more advanced emergency training. The company also markets lifesaving equipment and has satellite offices for classroom settings of up to 20 people in Woodbridge and Cherry Hill. The company’s motto is “Anyone Can Be A Hero.”

Jim’s personal education toward his firstresponder career included interning at Johns Hopkins University and the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland, both in Baltimore. He is also an adjunct professor in emergency treatment at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

Jim has also had a stint in politics that included being mayor of his hometown of Colts Neck. CM interviewed him about his career(s).

Can you give me a little background as to how you gravitated toward becoming an EMT/ fireman/ paramedic? Was this something that you wanted to do since you were a child, or is there a proud history of this kind of service in your family, or did any singular incident or series of things inspire you to want to do this as a career?

My mother, Charlotte, instilled in me and my sisters, Debi and Cindi, to always give back to your church and your community. Debi was a member of the Colts Neck First Aid Squad and I had attended a CPR session held by the squad when I was 15 years old. Myself and two great friends, Jim Hasemann and Eric Reed, all wanted to join the squad, but at that time, you needed to be 18 years old.

Being teenagers and having lots of enthusiasm, we asked if they could make an exception for us, and the answer was to start a Colts Neck First Aid Squad Cadet Program for people 15 to 18 years old. I was one of the original cadets, and the program is still part of the squad 42 years later. I have met and volunteered with so many terrific people over these many years and could not be prouder than to say I am a member of the Colts Neck First Aid Squad. When I was 18 years old, I also joined the Colts Neck Fire Department, where I am a proud life member.

When it came time for college, I knew I wanted to expand my 911 training and attended the University of Maryland Baltimore County. I interned at Johns

Does anything in particular that you may have been involved with as an active first responder really stand out as something you are most proud of?

Being on thousands of 911 calls over 42 years, I have seen so many difficult and sad situations. For me what stands out are the times I could just hold the hand of a patient after treating them, or being able to talk with family members to provide a little comfort – definitely the human connection. I have also had the pleasure of delivering 74 babies.

While clearly connected, how did administering the lifesaving techniques yourself transition into teaching others the basic tools of lifesaving through creating Team Life? Was there a void there, where perhaps you noticed not many people knew how to do CPR or basic lifesaving techniques?

As a new paramedic I saw the gap between the time of the event and the time that it took for my Mobile Intensive Care Unit to arrive, on average 12 minutes. For the most serious emergencies, such as sudden cardiac arrest or severe bleeding, first-aid care must be started prior to the ambulance arriving for the patient to have the best chance of survival. To move this forward I established Team Life, incorporated in 1994 as an American Heart Association Training

Hopkins and the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. After college I returned my home state of New Jersey and started my paramedic career, which I am grateful for.

Center.

Since then, Team Life has trained over 100,000 people in CPR and AED use, and we have also placed and manage more than 10,000 AEDs across America. Every minute that passes when someone in sudden cardiac arrest does not receive CPR and have an AED applied, they have a 10 percent less chance of survival. We must train more people in CPR and place more AEDs both in public places and in our homes.

Are most of the tools that folks can purchase through your company ones that are quickly learned how to use? Would it be advisable to take a course?

AEDs are incredibly easy to use. With that said I suggest everyone be trained in CPR. Team Life CPR classes are scheduled at convenient times, they are cost effective and non-intimidating. Our goal has always been the same – we believe anyone can be a hero. CPR classes cover adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use and also choking procedures. These are skills everyone should have.

Can you tell me how your career in politics came about, and did this always run concurrently with your career in public safety? Is there a family background in local politics? How long were you in politics overall?

I love my hometown, the great Township of Colts Neck, and I never thought of my time on the township committee or the boards and commissions I have served on as, quote, politics. For me it was an extension of giving back to the town I live in, raise my sons in, attend church in, and one in which my dear family and friends live in.

I was honored and humbled to serve on the Colts Neck Township Committee from 2007 to 2015. I was mayor in 2011 and 2015 – an experience I am grateful for and one in which I enjoyed working with our township employees, all the citizen groups, our wonderful schools, and our amazing emergency services – our first-aid squad, police department and fire department.

When did you start teaching at the Seton Hall University School of Health and Medical Sciences, and what classes do you teach?

I have been an adjunct professor at Seton Hall since 2000 . I teach Emergency Treatment on the Field to master’s degree students in the athletic-training program, and also Advanced Cardiac Life Support to the physician assistant students.

Are there many similarities between the corporate world and the political world ?

Yes, running a town is very much like running a business. There are budgets, personnel, operations, planning, dealing with emergencies, and having a vision and mission.

I also believe that in both business and politics to be successful you must be respectful, understand the history of the organization, be appreciative of those that came before you, and always make the choice that will affect the greatest number of people in the most positive way.

What are some of the goals you have for 2024?

I want to continue to have my family thrive, continue to grow in my faith, propel Team Life to continue its mission to train people and place AEDs to increase the survival of sudden cardiac arrest, and educate the people of Colts Neck on their Volunteer First Aid Squad.

I’m finding the need to expand our membership to be greater than any time in my 42 years of being a member. I truly ask that those reading this article consider joining the all-volunteer Colts Neck First Aid Squad. The squad provides the training you need and has many levels of membership to fit your schedule.

For me, being a member has shaped my view of my world – emergencies happen and you need to be prepared. Please consider joining the elite Colts Neck First Aid Squad. It will be a decision you will be grateful you made.

(Go to ColtsNeckFirstAid.org and click the Join Us link to find an application, or to learn more about the organization).

Team Life Corporate Headquarters

291 Route 34, Suite B, Colts Neck

Open Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

4243-946-732 support@teamlife.com

There are satellite offices in Woodbridge and Cherry Hill. Visit: TeamLife.com