Boardman police carry AEDs in cruisers for heart-attack victims

Supervisors regularly ensure the devices are charged and working properly.

STaff report

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.”

Under the new program, each patrol officer receives his AED unit in roll call before his shift begins and returns it when ready to go off duty.

The units are regularly checked by department supervisors to ensure the batteries are charged and that they are maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.

When a call for a medical emergency is received, the dispatcher dispatches the township fire department and a commercial ambulance EMS.

Now the dispatcher will also dispatch the closest available police officer to respond to any life-threatening situation that could benefit from use of an AED.

“At any time of day, we have at least six police cars moving around on the streets of Boardman deployed in four sectors, so the odds are better that we can arrive first to begin care,” the chief said.

“When the fire department units arrive, we pass the job to them and EMS. They’re the component that fits between us and the advanced care of the emergency room.”