Inspiring accounts of police officers using CPR to save lives

Every day, America’s police officers perform a number of duties to keep us safe. They’re the mediators of public disturbances, the enforcers of law and order, guides for the lost, and educators on many important issues society faces, such as drug use and neighborhood security. Not least of a police officer’s many functions is to provide first response medical care in emergency situations.

Frequently, the news reports how these officers take time out from putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others; men, women, children…even beloved pets. When they do, it’s their knowledge of CPR that can make all the difference in sudden and potentially fatal situations.

Protecting the next generation

Did you know there are important differences between adult and child CPR that could be critical in saving a life? Officer Chase Miller does. He put that knowledge to good use to save three year old Brayden Geis from a febrile seizure. Working in conjunction with Brayden’s father, Officer Chase acted surely and swiftly and was honored by his city council with the Life Saving Award, not to mention the profound gratitude of Brayden’s parents.

Deputy Steve Donaldson brought his skills to bear to save the life of a 15-month-old boy in Tampa, Florida. His story is a perfect example of the human side of law enforcement and CPR. When it’s a life or death situation, it takes bravery and self-control to perform under that kind of pressure. Even though Deputy Donaldson admitted to being “more scared than the mother was,” he stuck to his training and the worst was prevented. Young Cory had stopped breathing in a case very similar to Brayden Geis’ after a fever became potentially fatal. The deputy was likewise honored and rewarded for a job well done.

Every life matters

The image of a first responder saving a beloved family pet is even more endearing in reality, as the combined efforts of these firefighters and police officers proves. Dante and Lisa Cosetino stood to lose their beloved cats after the pets were pulled unresponsive from the flames of a house fire. The police officers on the scene weren’t about to accept defeat; they chose to improvise and apply CPR techniques along with oxygen to the stricken animals … and brought them back to life.

Vital steps in law enforcement CPR

Not every story has such a happy ending. Still, when the worst happens it can be a catalyst for positive and lasting change. In August of this year, New York’s Governor Cuomo passed Briana’s Law: legislation that requires every NYPD officer (and state police) to be certified in CPR and recertified on a two-year basis.

How AEDs support CPR

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are devices which allow for rapid and effective action when cardiac irregularities occur. They’re the perfect partner to CPR training, yet even without that training AEDs are easy to use. They’re extremely lightweight, can be carried anywhere, and user-friendly. Studies show the average third grader is capable of following the automated instructions to successfully deliver a life-saving shock.

This dramatic video shows Canton, Georgia police officers Patrick Duncan and Jimmy Butler taking action to save the life of a weight lifter who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The presence of an AED coupled with the capable performance of the officers saved a life in a situation where only 10 in every 100 cases end in survival. This event inspired the Canton City Council to equip all of their patrol vehicles with AEDs.

How to get heart-saving equipment

If you’re a member of a police department who want to be equipped with AEDs but are up against funding issues, then help is at hand. From grants to private funding, there are a number of avenues which could provide financial assistance.

At One Beat CPR, it’s our mission to provide the best equipment, and to educate the public and emergency responders through our classes taught by certified fire fighters, police officers, and paramedics. Our prices for AEDs and their replacement accessories are the lowest in the industry, and our training and certification programs cover nine major areas including CPR and AED, basic and advanced life support and First Aid.

This year’s IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) conference and expo in Philadelphia will be covering a host of pertinent issues in law enforcement, including new techniques for predicting and preventing the number one killer of police: heart attack. Pages 19 and 20 give the outline for this part of the program, and highlight how vital it is to remember that those who save us are also at risk.

As the stories above attest, the right skills and equipment are what give our police and other life savers the power to prevent tragedy.