In a move that bolsters the emergency response capabilities of the Tampa Police Department, local hospitals and corporate sponsors have teamed up to equip every patrol car with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The joint initiative includes Advent Health, BayCare (St. Joseph's Hospital), HCA Florida Healthcare, Tampa General Hospital, OnX, and ZOLL, ensuring that police officers are better prepared to deal with cardiac emergencies in the community.
During a news conference held at the Tampa Police Headquarters today, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor acknowledged the spirit of collaboration fueling this project, stating, “This incredible initiative, made possible by the unwavering support of our Tampa Bay hospitals and corporate partners, truly exemplifies what it means to be Tampa Strong.” The mayor's speech, emphasizing the partnership's potential to make each police car a life-saving unit, was shared with the community via the Tampa government website.
Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police underscored the significance of the AEDs to public safety. According to a statement obtained by the Tampa government website, Bercaw praised the endeavor, saying, “This critical equipment will undoubtedly make our community safer." He expressed gratitude for the donors’ generosity, emphasizing that their contributions would empower police officers to provide immediate assistance during cardiac emergencies.
The initiative is funded through donations to Rise Tampa, Our Police Foundation. The foundation's Vice-President, Andreas Dettlaff, made the initiative's goals clear, explaining, “This remarkable collaboration truly embodies our foundation's motto of 'Supporting Those Who Protect & Serve,' by providing our officers with essential tools that can make a life-saving difference.” His words, echoing the collective support for the project, were shared in the news release on the Tampa government website.
Leaders of local healthcare institutions also voiced their commitment to this partnership. John Couris, President & CEO of Tampa General Hospital, told the Tampa government website, “When emergencies strike, every second counts. Knowing that every Tampa police patrol car will soon be equipped with an AED, and our law enforcement officers will have the tools to provide immediate medical assistance if needed, is a game changer.” Similarly, representatives from each collaborating hospital and corporate partner shared sentiments acknowledging the critical role of AEDs in saving lives and strengthening the community's health and safety infrastructure.
Lori Peters, Associate Director of Advocacy & Partnerships at ZOLL, commented on the quality of the AEDs being placed in the patrol cars. Highlighting the features of the 500 ZOLL Powerheart® G5 AEDs provided, she affirmed, “featuring real-time CPR feedback and intuitive rescue guidance,” the devices will prepare officers to offer high-quality care in a cardiac emergency. Her words were also shared in the release by the Tampa government website, showcasing the city's united front in improving first responder readiness and community health.
