Dale B Dale’s battle with COVID-19

Dale spent several days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Saint Barnabas with a chest tube to drain the fluid and oxygen to help him breathe.

Dale Bridge, 18 years old, is a senior at Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange and a member of the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad. On April, 6, 2020, Dale was admitted to Saint Barnabas Medical Center to be treated for COVID-19. At first, he just had back pain and difficulty breathing, then he started coughing up blood and a CT confirmed that there was fluid in his lungs.

Dale spent several days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Saint Barnabas with a chest tube to drain the fluid and oxygen to help him breathe. “Dale got worse before he got better,” said Kathy Bridge, Dale’s mother.

After 18 days in the hospital, Dale was discharged and escorted home by the Florham Park First Aid Squad and Florham Park Police Department. To his surprise, friends, family and neighbors lined his street in their cars, waiting to welcome him home.

“We are truly blessed! The welcome home reception by Florham Park First Aid Squad, Florham Park Police Department and friends swept us off our feet,” Kathy recalled.