Location: Springfield, Oregon
Date/Time: 10/2/2023 @ 9:27 AM
More Information: spdpi@springfield-or.gov
Completed By: Zak Gosa-Lewis, Public Information Coordinator
NARRATIVE OF INCIDENT:
On October 2nd, 2023, at 9:27 am the Springfield Police Department received a 911 call in relation to a man who collapsed in the area of S 2nd St & S E St. An off-duty medical professional who witnessed the man collapsing had begun chest compressions in an effort to revive the victim, who was experiencing cardiac arrest.
An SPD Officer arrived at the scene, crossing the train tracks south of S B St. as they began to close. The officer retrieved the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his patrol vehicle and applied the AED to the victim. The AED administered a successful shock to the victim and the officer and community member continued to alternate chest compressions until medical arrived.
EMTs arrived, and while preparing the victim for transport to an area hospital, observed the individual had a pulse.
ABOUT AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AEDs):
In 2008 SPD began the process of equipping all patrol vehicles with AEDs knowing that many times SPD members are the first to arrive on scenes where seconds can save lives. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating.
The AED system includes accessories, such as a battery and pad electrodes, that are necessary for the AED to detect and interpret an electrocardiogram and deliver an electrical shock. These AEDs are another essential tool that our officers carry to prepare for situations they may encounter as a first responder and to better serve our community.