New AED backpacks in Fruitland Police Department

FRUITLAND, Md.- If you’ve ever been in a medical emergency, you know that administering lifesaving treatment is crucial to the patient. One local police department is making it easier to respond in a dire situation.

The Fruitland police department implemented a new program to help make sure patients receive the care they need, even if medical officials aren’t on scene yet.

EMS Paramedic Patrick Banks said the new AED machines are just what the Fruitland Police Department needed to help ensure that no matter who gets on the scene first, a patient is able to receive treatment.

“What we’re really working on is to increase the survivability of patients suffering cardiac arrest,” Banks said. “We can be on a different part of the district and Fruitland PD carrying an AED can get to that scene first, or faster than we can.”

Chief Krah Plunkert with the Fruitland Police Department, worked with a non-profit organization called Mission 1042, to get ten AED backpacks.

“It’s extremely important not only for us, but for our community here at Fruitland, that we have these AEDs,” Chief Krah Plunkert said. “It’s going to allow us to supplement the programs that the fire department here locally have.”

Cardiac arrest survivor Bill Webb said an AED is why he’s still here today.

“I’m very humbled that I was able to still be here,” Webb said. “On May 11th, I had a cardiac event in my home. My wife does know CPR, and 9-1-1 was called immediately, but the key to me being here today are these automated defibrillators.”

Chief krah Plunkert believes they can help contribute to more positive outcomes like Bills by getting more of these lifesaving devices in police departments across the Eastern Shore.

“It’s an outstanding feeling and I hope that the rest of the departments throughout the county, and the rest of the state, recognize how important it is to use these units on the road,” Chief Krah Plunkert said.