Some wonder why police, fire and EMS personnel are all required on scene in a cardiac emergency. Aren’t there plenty of other things for the cops to do, like arresting criminals? Why is the fire department needed if the house isn’t on fire?

Law enforcement personnel are on hand to control the crowds that can impede EMTs on any scene, especially ones with notable victims. Law enforcement personnel can provide basic life support if they arrive sooner than the EMTs. Many are trained to EMT-1 level, and may carry an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses arrhythmias. (For more information about AEDs, please read the article on page ____.)

Occasionally, Fire Department personnel are often closer than other EMS branches. And they are more likely to carry defibrillators than are police. Plus they are trained in more advanced life support than are law enforcement personnel. When paramedics are on board, they can perform several advanced procedures and administer a wide array of emergency medications on scene.