Kent Police plan to equip each patrol car in April with an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help respond to cardiac arrest calls along with emergency medical responders.
The two-year pilot program in Kent and Bellevue is an effort by Seattle & King County’s Emergency Medical Service Division and the Washington State Life Sciences Discovery Fund to see if having an additional responder that may get to and start resuscitation on people quicker will improve community cardiac arrest survival rates.
An AED is a portable electronic device that through an application of electrical therapy allows the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
“King County has among the world’s best cardiac arrest survival rates, but we’re continuing to look for ways to save more lives,” said Dr. Mickey Eisenberg, medical director for King County Emergency Medical Services Division, in a March 1 King County media release. “Shortening the time to receiving the first defibrillation is critical to improving chances for survival, so including nearby police in the emergency response chain is a promising approach.”
Kent expects to start using the AEDs in 55 patrol cars in early April.
“Our officers are looking forward to being able to provide this vital service to our residents, and we cannot wait to use our AEDs to make our first save,” said Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan.
If police arrive first to a cardiac arrest call, officers will start resuscitation and deliver the first defibrillatory shocks. Once emergency medical responders arrive, they will take over resuscitation duties.
Participating officers will receive training about how to use the equipment. All AEDs are being provided by Philips Healthcare.
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