Recognizing that police officers can be the first to arrive on the scene of a sudden cardiac arrest, the City of Wyoming implemented a program in March of 2013 that put Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in every one of the Department of Public Safety’s patrol cars.  The program was part of the City’s plan to combine police and fire services under one Public Safety entity.

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2014, the City’s program worked as intended when Police, Fire and Ambulance personnel were dispatched to a residence on the report of a 52-year old male not breathing.  Within just two minutes, Police Sergeant Corey Walendzik arrived on the scene, followed by Police Officers Dan Vlietstra and Kresten Green.  First on the scene, these officers began administering life-saving efforts using training and equipment that was previously available only to Fire and EMS personnel.  After confirming that the patient was not breathing and had no pulse, police personnel were able to use the AED to deliver a series of electric shocks to the patient’s heart followed by CPR until Fire Rescue and LIFE Ambulance could arrive on the scene to provide more advanced medical treatment.  As a result of a collaborative effort involving police, fire and EMS, the patient was breathing on his own with a good heart rate and pulse prior to being transported to the hospital.

“On these critical medical calls, minutes do count when it comes to someone surviving. Installing the AEDs in our patrol cars not only added much needed technology to our service capabilities; it put that same lifesaving technology closer to those who will need it the most.  We are extremely proud of the success of our police, fire and medical service members who worked together to help save this man’s life,” said Director of Public Safety, Chief James E. Carmody.