Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that she has secured $10,000 in state funding for the Lancaster Police Department. The funding was used by the department to equip every patrol vehicle in the department with a state-of-the-art automated external defibrillator. In addition, the funding will provide every patrol car with an AED bag and trauma kit, consisting of bandages, a CPR mask, and a tourniquet. This equipment will allow every on-duty Lancaster police officer to immediately render care to those suffering from cardiac arrest, a traumatic injury, or numerous other medical emergencies.

“In a medical emergency, every second counts,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to help ensure Lancaster residents receive immediate lifesaving care if they suffer a severe medical emergency. I have no doubt this state-of-the-art equipment will help our brave police officers better serve our communities and ultimately save lives.”

The Lancaster Police Department was among the first in the region to equip patrol vehicles with AED units and train its officers how to use them. The new AED units, which will be carried on every patrol vehicle, identify exactly when a defibrillating shock must be administered, allowing every officer to employ this lifesaving technology quickly and effectively.

Timely access to an AED unit is a leading factor in determining the likelihood of an individual surviving sudden cardiac arrest. A 2010 study by the National Institutes of Health found that access to an AED nearly doubled the survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Similarly, voluminous anecdotal evidence strongly suggests timely access to bandages, tourniquets, and other equipment in the trauma kits can significantly improve one’s chance of survival after suffering a traumatic injury.

“This equipment is state-of-the-art, capable of detecting when a defibrillating shock should be administered and notifying officers when they should administer CPR,” said Lancaster Police Chief William Karn, Jr. “Having this equipment in every patrol vehicle will allow our officers to better respond to emergencies and hopefully, save the victim’s life whenever possible. We thank Assemblymember Wallace’s support in our mission to keep the Lancaster community safe.”

“Often, our officers are the first emergency personnel to arrive on the scene of medical emergencies, in which every second counts,” said Lancaster Police Detective Lieutenant Ronald Rozler. “Thanks to this new equipment, we expect more of these emergencies will end without tragedy.”

“Lancaster is lucky to have an extremely well-trained and professional police force,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “With this new equipment, officers will be able to do everything possible to prevent loss of life during emergencies. As a Lancaster resident myself, I can rest easier knowing that, should the unthinkable happen, my loved ones and I will receive critical care as soon as possible.”

“I thank Chief Karn, Det. Lt. Rozler, and the entire Lancaster Police force for all they do to keep our community safe,” added Assemblymember Wallace.