Date: December 4, 2019
Contact: Vicki Duncan Gardner
Email: vgardner@westfield.in.gov
Cell: 317.416.6612
Westfield Police Department to Add AEDs to Patrol Cars
Westfield, IN – Today the Westfield Police Department (WPD) and Bolt for the Heart, a local nonprofit organization, announced the addition of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to WPD patrol cars. AEDs provide an electrical shock to the heart in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.
“We know that every minute matters in the event of sudden cardiac arrest,” said Mayor Andy Cook. “The addition of AEDs in patrol cars will allow our law enforcement officers the ability to act as soon as they arrive on the scene of a sudden cardiac arrest, which could be the difference between life and death. The City of Westfield and its residents are so thankful for this generous donation.”
“Our mission to protect and serve is a team effort,” said Westfield Police Chief Joel Rush. “I am thankful for the generosity of our partner Bolt for the Heart and proud of the commitment of our officers to keeping our community safe.”
“This is a tremendous initiative by the Westfield Police Department and we are honored to be able to help them become 100% RESCUE READY,” said Pierre Twer, President of Bolt for the Heart. “It shows you how Westfield leaders are committed to keeping citizens safe as law enforcement is usually the first to the scene. No one loses in this type of effort because it will save lives.”
Bolt for the Heart is a 501-C-3 not for profit organization dedicated to providing law enforcement with life-saving AEDs. The organization has donated over 800 AEDs in Central Indiana to date, including 465 to the Indiana State Police and now 43 to the Westfield Police Department. Bolt for the Heart raises funds through generous sponsors, donations and an annual family 5k run. To learn more about Bolt for the Heart, please visit www.boltfortheheart.com.
Last month, the Westfield Fire Department launched the PulsePoint technology in the city. It is a free emergency response app that allows anyone with a smart phone, who is trained in CPR, to register as a certified citizen responder. Then, if there is a cardiac emergency in a public place nearby, you will be notified. PulsePoint also has the locations of the nearest AEDs embedded in the technology. It is planned that the AEDs located in Westfield Police patrol cars will be tied to the PulsePoint.