Life-saving defibrillators to be removed from NSW police cars
Life-saving defibrillators are set to be removed from NSW Police general duties cars despite officers often being first on scene at an emergency, with the move sparking major backlash.
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Life-saving defibrillators are set to be removed from NSW Police general duties cars despite officers often being first on scene at an emergency, with the move sparking major backlash.
The devices were rolled out as part of a trial in 2022, after highway patrol officers saved the life of a toddler whose heart had stopped.
However, on Thursday, an internal memo was sent out within the NSW Police Force, informing staff the defibs would be removed so officers could focus on their primary task of law enforcement.
“It should be remembered that the NSWPF’s primary function is that of law enforcement,” the memo seen by The Telegraph read.
“As you can appreciate, we need to focus our resources on fulfilling our primary function.
“NSW Ambulance and NSW Health are the primary agencies for medical responses in NSW.
“It is with this in mind, and in consideration of the additional risks a full rollout of AEDs in vehicles would impose on the health, safety and liability (legal, financial or otherwise) of the NSWPF.”
Shadow police minister Paul Toole said the move “threatened public safety” and sent the “wrong message” to the people of NSW.
“This could mean the difference between life and death,” he told Ben Fordham this morning.
“We know that our police are not paramedics but we also know that in many cases, our police are first on scene.”
Many of the devices have been gifted to police by agencies like the RSL and Heart of the Nation, which the Telegraph understands will be returned.
While the devices will no longer be in police vehicles, officers have been trained to give first aid, including resuscitation and heart massage, and will do so if necessary.
The devices will still be available in stations, according to NSW Police.
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Originally published as Life-saving defibrillators to be removed from NSW police cars
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