Bloomington, IN–The IU Police Department has helped save 10 lives because of its usage of Automated External Defibrillators.

 IUPD was the first to arrive on scene on April 12 to save a Residential Programs and Services worker by using an AED, a small, portable machine that supports the heart if it’s not beating correctly, IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said.

“We can respond anywhere on campus in two minutes or less,” IUPD Sgt. Shannon Ramey said.

Because time is of the essence, it can be the deciding factor in whether or not a victim will make a full recovery, if they do at all, Ramey said.

Ramey was one of the officers who helped save the woman’s life on April 12, along with IUPD officers David Winburn, Joe Amandola and Brian Oliger.

Ramey said many things run through his mind after realizing a victim is unconscious, but he can’t spend time thinking about it.

“We’re there to help them,” he said.

Officers first assess the patient and determine if he or she is breathing. If the patient is not breathing, an officer immediately begins CPR. They will then hook up an AED.

“The instrument is so intuitive; if your heart is beating, the instrument knows,” Minger said.

An AED will detect whether or not a shock is needed and will tell the officers how to proceed. The machine has diagrams on how to use it, and it talks to the officers and gives them step-by-step instructions. When it’s time to administer the shock, the machine tells the officers to stand clear so they know not to touch the victim.

“It’s a very impressive instrument to have at your disposal,” Minger said.

Every IUPD officer receives training in how to use an AED, and they are re-certified every two years. 

The IU Foundation supplied IUPD with these instruments, and there is one in all six squad cars and one at the station.

Officers have never had problems using the AEDs, Ramey said. They are checked at the end of every shift and taken out of the squad cars when the weather is too cold or too hot.

“I think anyone could use one with minimum training,” Ramey said.

-Lindsary Erdody, Indiana Daily Student