The Hawai‘i Police Department just got a big boost in emergency response capabilities, thanks to a generous donation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) from the Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation and the Max and Yetta Karasik Foundation. This lifesaving equipment is set to significantly upgrade the police force's capacity to quickly react to cardiac arrest situations. "There’s no single device our officers can carry that has more impact on saving lives than an AED," Acting Police Chief Reed Mahuna said in a statement made by the Hawai‘i Police Department.
The goal is to equip every patrol officer with an AED, Mahuna explained, and with the recent addition, they now have approximately 70 ready to use in the field. Since officers use their own personal patrol vehicles, the availability of an AED in each car means they are prepared to provide help anytime, anywhere — even off duty. This is part of a larger effort to ensure public safety in Hawai‘i, with both foundations working to quickly deliver these crucial tools to those first on scene.
Lisa Rantz, the Executive Director of the Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, emphasized the community spirit of the donation. In a statement released by the Hawai‘i Police Department, Rantz noted, "This gift represents the true spirit of partnership and community." She shared the vision of both foundations in wanting to strengthen rural health and safety across Hawai‘i Island, as they work to ensure every patrol officer has access to an AED.
From the perspective of the donors, the urgency of having an AED readily available can't be overstated, as echoed by Dr. Richard Robbins, a representative of the Max and Yetta Karasik Foundation. "Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. By supporting our police officers with this equipment, we are giving our community the best chance for survival and recovery," Robbins explained, according to the same press release. He sees this act of philanthropy as a vital step in making Hawai‘i Island a safer place for its inhabitants.
The Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation is known for its commitment to enhancing healthcare through strategic initiatives, like expanding workforce training and supporting community health programs. This recent contribution marks the third significant provision of AEDs, following donations of 33 devices in 2015, and 20 in 2020.
