A program to get help faster to people in medical emergencies was expected to begin as early as this week in Fairfield Glade, with three police officers trained in how to administer initial life-saving aid before an ambulance arrives.
Police Chief Kate Self, who announced the emergency medical responders program at the community club’s annual meeting, said it will “allow our officers to respond even more efficiently and effectively in times of medical emergencies, providing immediate care when seconds can matter.”
Officers Nick Brendel, Michael Murphy and Jacob Van Trump completed their training and passed the state registry test to become certified emergency medical responders (EMR).
“This accomplishment marks a significant milestone, not only for the officers who dedicated themselves to achieving their certification but also for the entire community,” she told the membership Sept. 19 at The Center.
Self commended the three officers for “their hard work and determination” during their training. She also thanked the community, saying “without your support and your continuance of faith in our department we wouldn’t be able to enhance our safety, service and efforts to our community to ensure that together we are providing a better and stronger future for Fairfield Glade.”
General Manager Bill Ward said Fairfield Glade Fire Department was in the process of also getting its volunteer personnel in the program.
“So we’ll have dual, collaborative EMR fronts between the fire department and the police department to service the community,” he said.
Board of directors President Greg Jones referred to a strategic plan survey of the membership in 2023 showing that the top concern participants expressed among 16 categories was that of “local health care.”
“This will be a program that we can be very, very proud of,” he said.
Police officers often are first on the scenes of emergencies, such as traffic accidents. As emergency medical responders, they receive enough training to provide initial lifesaving care while awaiting the resources of ambulance services. They do not take the place of emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
County Mayor Allen Foster addressed the community club membership at the board’s Sept. 25 meeting at The Center, where he and Self signed a memorandum of understanding that states the common goal of improving emergency medical service in the county through the program.
The sheriff’s department began its EMR program Sept. 10, making Cumberland County the second county in the state to implement one. The first was Blount County south of Knoxville.
Foster said emergency medical responders are equipped with automated external defibrillators, known as AEDs, and a medical bag with various supplies.
He said the program will be a “game-changer” in emergency medical care.
“It’s going to save lives.”
Ward said the training and equipment cost the community club $2,900 per officer.