The Beverly Fire Department is on the hunt for a woman caught on camera swiping a life-saving defibrillator, which slipped off one of their firetrucks. The incident occurred on March 30, but the search continues, with authorities appealing to the public for any leads.
A surveillance video, reported by Boston 25 News, shows the woman picking up the emergency device after it fell from a storage cabinet on Engine 1 at the corner of Cabot and Edwards streets. The woman, seemingly oblivious to the nature of the device, was last seen casually walking down Cabot Street in the direction of the Essex Bridge.
The crucial piece of medical equipment is used to administer an electric charge to the heart to correct irregular rhythms and can mean the difference between life and death during cardiac arrest situations. "We would like to get this piece of equipment back," pleaded the Beverly Fire Department in a social media plea.
Details provided by Patch indicate that a photograph from the vicinity captured the woman holding the defibrillator firmly in hand, heading toward the bridge – a critical clue for anyone who might recognize her. The Beverly Fire Department, concerned about the missing device, is asking that anyone with information contact them at 978-922-2424 to aid in the recovery of the high-priority equipment.
Meanwhile, the department reaffirms its dedication to public safety and the retrieval of the stolen defibrillator. Community members are urged to step forward with any details that could lead to the resolution of this unusual theft and the restoration of the department's emergency response capabilities.
