Boardman police have a new lifesaving tool

BOARDMAN — Township police this month began carrying automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) in their cruisers to bolster the chances of saving a life.

Studies have shown that using AEDs for people who suffer a heart attack improves survival rates over using CPR alone. Every officer in the department has been trained in both CPR and the use of AEDs through the American Red Cross, Mahoning County Chapter. The units were bought last year with money seized from area drug dealers.

The program was developed with help from the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s office and the township’s insurance agency, Cailor Fleming Insurance.

“The final piece was put in place when Dr. Alisa Roberts agreed to volunteer her services as our medical director,” Chief Patrick Berarducci said. “Dr. Roberts helped oversee our policy development and the operations of the program going forward.”

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com