(Lincoln, NE) -- Every Nebraska State Patrol vehicle will soon be equipped with enhanced life-saving capabilities thanks to a $6.4 million grant.
The NSP says the grant is thanks to a partnership with The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Nebraska Game and Parks. The effort is part of a $6.4 million grant to equip law enforcement agencies with the next generation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). NSP will receive 457 AEDs, which will be placed in patrol vehicles throughout the state.
“Seconds count during a cardiac arrest,” said Walter Panzirer, a Helmsley trustee. “We know in Nebraska first responders often have great distances to cover. This funding will ensure those who get to the scene before EMS arrives give patients a better shot at survival.”
Studies conducted by the American Heart Association demonstrate a dramatically higher survival rate for cardiac patients shocked by law enforcement, who are generally first on the scene, especially in rural areas. The state patrol says the AEDs will help ensure that troopers are able to produce the fastest first shock when defibrillation is needed.
“This partnership is phenomenal and adds an exceptional life-saving tool to each patrol vehicle,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers are often the first people on the scene of a serious crash and have to quickly provide medical care until paramedics arrive. These AEDs will greatly enhance the life-saving measures troopers can provide during a critical incident response.”
Using Wi-Fi connectivity, the AEDs can send near real-time event data, including a patient’s heart rhythm and delivered shocks, to incoming emergency services or receiving hospitals. The first group of troopers and investigators are undergoing training on the new AEDs, which is being conducted by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those troopers will then provide training to NSP personnel throughout the state.
(Photo by the Nebraska State Patrol)