Police communications operators and police officers work together to save a person experiencing a medical emergency.
A man is recovering at the University of Maryland Medical Center thanks to the quick actions of University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department (UMBPD) police communications operators (PCOs) and police officers.
On March 14, PCO Ashley Combs, PCO Corey Johnson-Larkins, and PCO trainee Kayla Key received a call through the Aware Portal, the UMBPD and Baltimore City 911 Center’s system for coordinating emergency services. The call was for a medical emergency at the Walgreens located at the corner of West Saratoga Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The PCOs immediately dispatched UMBPD officers to the scene.
PFC Darren Belechto arrived first, receiving backup from Cpl. Roosevelt Hammett, Cpl. Eric Gaines, and PFC Andrew Davis.
“They immediately recognized the severity of the situation and began to render lifesaving aid, Sgt. Andrew Degele wrote in his report.
While Hammett used his radio to update the PCOs, Gaines performed a sternum rub — a primary method taught in first aid training to gauge whether a patient is responsive. The man did not respond. Officers found only a slight pulse.
Belechto and Davis quickly got an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and attached the electrode pads to the man’s chest. The AED, which tests heart rhythm, determined that a shock was not needed, but advised to begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Belechto and Davis, who are both CPR instructors and completed CPR recertification earlier this month, began chest compressions. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 100 to 125 pounds of force is needed to effectively perform CPR, which can be extremely physical and tiring. The officers traded off performing CPR as they each got tired, ensuring that the patient continued to receive quality care.
As the officers worked, Hammett continued to let the PCOs know what was happening so they could relay critical information to medical responders. Gaines ensured that the scene was safe and talked to witnesses in Walgreens.
Baltimore City Fire Department officials arrived five minutes later to take over medical care. Before transporting the patient, they told UMBPD officers that the patient had a “really strong heartbeat.”
“This man is alive today thanks to the quick action of our officers,” said Thomas Leone, MSL, assistant vice president for public safety and chief of police. “Their training took effect right away. They knew what to do, and they did the right thing. I’m incredibly proud of our team for their good work.”
Belechto, Combs, Davis, Gaines, Hammett, Johnson-Larkins, and Key will receive Lifesaving Commendations for their actions.