Joe Hornaday
When a serious accident or mishap occurs in Greensburg, the first ones to the scene are usually officers of the Greensburg Police Department.
Through grant money obtained as a result of efforts by the local Eagles Lodge, the GPD was recently equipped with two AEDs, or automated external defibrillators. The devices deliver a specific dose of electrical energy through chest pads to treat arrhythmias and other serious heart conditions. Since the police are often the first to arrive at the scene of an emergency, outfitting the officers with the device could make the difference between living and dying.
On Tuesday, the GPD’s first shift officers were taught the proper ways to use the defibrillator in emergency situations. According to Assistant Police Chief Stacy Chasteen, equipping the officers with the AEDs ensures a quicker response time. A quick demonstration on the functions and use of the AEDs was given by Decatur County EMS on Tuesday on a training device without a real shock system in place. To properly use a defibrillator, the pads must be placed on the bare chest of the patient before the electrical current is sent through.
AEDs are the “simple-to-use” editions of the device, which use technology to analyze the heart rhythm and then advise the officer whether a shock is required, walking them through the process as needed.
Police Chief Brian Heaton expressed his thanks and appreciation of the local Eagles Lodge, which worked hard to get the money which made the purchase of the AEDs possible.
