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South Tahoe police to be armed with defibrillators


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By Kathryn Reed

South Lake Tahoe residents going into cardiac arrest are about to have a greater chance of survival because more people patrolling the streets are getting trained how to use defibrillators.

aedThe police department spent $10,752.86 on 10 automated external defibrillators for officers.

“It’s important to save lives. We’ve had occasions where cops initiated CPR,” Police Chief Brian Uhler told Lake Tahoe News. “This tool is very important to help improve the chances for survival when a person has a sudden cardiac arrest.”

Officers are undergoing training on the apparatus. Before they are put to use the El Dorado County medical director must give final approval.

Officers across the country have been using the medical device for years. Studies show the survival rate dwindles by 10 percent each minute after cardiac arrest begins when the patient does not receive defibrillation.

With police officers often being the first to a scene, the theory is lives will be saved with them having defibrillators instead of waiting for an ambulance.

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Comments (3)
  1. Steve Kubby says - Posted: September 16, 2011

    Police Chief Brian Uhler is really doing an outstanding job of focusing limited police resources on stuff that matters. This latest program is absolutely brilliant. Furthermore, I must confess that I am seriously impressed with the professional and courteous behavior of our city police. Well done Chief Uhler!

  2. Steve says - Posted: September 16, 2011

    Let’s hope that the Sheriff’s Department and Highway Patrol implement the same program without delay.

  3. Barbara says - Posted: September 17, 2011

    Wonderful idea! I am a nurse and know just how helpful these devices are in saving a life. Good job!