Durango Police Help Save a Life

Durango, CO    On November 2, 2011 at about 9:03 a.m. two Durango Police Officers and a Police Supervisor responded to the 900 Block of East 5^th Avenue on report of an unconscious 53-year-old male. Officers arrived within two minutes of the call and quickly determined that the man did not have a pulse and he was not breathing. Officers immediately began CPR and deployed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Officers were able to aid in reviving the man as Durango Fire and Rescue Medics arrived. Medics continued life saving efforts and transported the man to Mercy Medical Center where he was rushed into emergency surgery.

Chief Jim Spratlen attributed the success to training, “This is why we train with Heart Safe La Plata. My officers were well -trained and well-equipped thanks to the efforts of Heart Safe La Plata and Durango Fire and Rescue. This is one example of how the system of care in Durango works well. I’m proud of the efforts these officers made to save this man’s life. I am also thankful that Heart Safe La Plata and Durango Fire and Rescue were able to assist the Durango Police Department to purchase and outfit all of our police cars with AED’s.”