Officers save lives with AED equipment

Law enforcement officers are often the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency. Several officers were recognized for their quick actions using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to save lives.

On Aug. 25, 2020, Miami-Dade Police Midwest District Officers Ariel Trigo and Douglas Melendez arrived on the scene of an unresponsive female. Quickly realizing the medical emergency, they grabbed the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from their vehicle and placed the pad on her chest. An AED is a portable device that can be used to deliver an electrical shock to revive someone who has suffered a sudden heart attack. For every minute someone doesn’t receive a shock from an AED, it decreases their chance of survival.

The AED indicated a shock was needed, followed by chest compressions. Once they began chest compressions, the female regained consciousness. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived to transport her to an area hospital for further evaluation and treatment. They were honored with Everyday Hero Awards.

On August 18, 2022, Special Patrol Bureau Officers Shelton Green and Joandra Dobao were at the Stephen P. Clark Center’s police substation. Miami International Airport’s Assistant Director Tony Quintero was making his way through the lobby security’s metal detector. Suddenly feeling dizzy, Quintero fell to the ground and lost consciousness. Officers Green and Dobao jumped into action and rushed over. It was clear to them that he was in medical distress as he was unresponsive, turning purple and they could not detect a pulse.

Officer Dobao began CPR while Officer Green rushed to retrieve the AED equipment. The pad placed on his chest indicated a shock was needed. As CPR continued, Quintero regained consciousness and was transported by City of Miami Fire Rescue to an area hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. It was later learned that Quintero had suffered a heart attack known as a widow maker. Because of the officers' fast actions, he survived. They were honored with the Unexpected Hero Award by Zoll Medical Corporation for their quick thinking and lifesaving actions.

Director Ramirez said, “This is an example of skill, training, tenacity and having the tools that our first responders need each and every day to save a life.”