By Karen Robes Meeks
The Los Angeles Port Police has increased its emergency capabilities by adding automated external defibrillators (AED) in all its patrol and specialty vehicles.
The addition of 50 devices augments the several dozen already in strategic locations all over the port, an initiative that started in 2012. Other locations with AEDs include the World Cruise Center Terminal, the LA Harbor Department Administration Building, the Port Pilot Station, the USS IOWA and the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center.
“When someone has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest or is non-responsive for other reasons, quick access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death,” said Port Police Chief Tom Gazsi. “Our officers now have life-changing equipment right in their vehicles, which provides an added measure of readiness to our Port community, workers and employees, as well as residents and visitors.”