Inside Iowa State
September 24, 1999
DPS receives first responder status
The department of public safety (DPS) has been certified as a first responder medical unit.
With the certification, DPS officers now may use oxygen and an AED (automatic external defibrillator) when responding to medical emergencies, such as those involving cardiac patients.
Lt. Steve Hasstedt said it is unusual for law enforcement agencies to receive first responder designation. The Ames Fire Department is the other local unit that has first responder classification.
Most DPS officers have completed first responder medical training, which includes 54 hours of training with Mary Greeley Medical Center paramedics and a state test.
DPS received the certification from the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, earlier this month.
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