BELLINGHAM, Wash. — First responders are now calling Whatcom County “the safest place in Washington to go into cardiac arrest.”
Right now, almost every single patrol car in Whatcom County is equipped with a portable defibrillator that can save a life in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. That includes the sheriff’s office, Blaine police, Bellingham police and now the state patrol’s Bellingham detachment.
Most law enforcement officers don’t carry defibrillators. Because they are usually the first on the scene to a medical emergency, outfitting police is critical.
“Every minute counts,” said PeaceHealth Medical Center cardiac surgeon Dr. James Douglas. “If a person is not resuscitated in the first few minutes, their chance of survival is about 50%.”
Lisa Hanger knows that all too well. Her state trooper husband, Brent, died from a cardiac arrest while on the job 10 years ago at the age of 47.
“At 47-years-old, this is the kind of thing that happens to someone else,” said Lisa, “but it’s very real. We have six kids.”
Lisa hopes the devices will keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy hers did.
“I don’t think people think about police being first on scene, and having that AED available is priceless,” Hanger said.
Over the past five years, the man responsible for all this donated 121 defibrillators all across Whatcom County. They’ve been deployed more than 160 times, saving at least two lives.
“It’s the gift of life,” said longtime Whatcom County resident Byron Sprague.
Sprague is the heart of the project, making the donations in part to honor his father, Al, the longest serving medic in Seattle Fire Department history. But also to honor all first responders and their families who truly understand sacrifice and service.
“To help save lives in Bellingham and for law enforcement to save lives, that’s a great feeling. I don’t think there’s a better feeling I can have,” Sprague said.
The final 20 AEDs honor Lisa Hanger’s husband, specifically. His state trooper daughter, who followed in his footsteps, will now carry an AED in service to her community.
“The fact that my husband is recognized in several ways is sweet and it’s wonderful for my kids knowing their dad is still remembered,” Hanger said.
트위터 공유: 생명 지키는 경찰들의 선물