Jul 1, 2015 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – In many medical emergencies, police officers are the first responders to arrive at the scene, and they need something other than handcuffs and a gun on their utility belt to render aid.

In response, Waynesburg Rotary Club on Monday donated 10 first aid kits to various police agencies in Greene County to give officers, sheriff’s deputies and probation officers the necessary lifesaving tools when responding to medical calls.

“It’s definitely going to benefit us,” Waynesburg police Chief Rob Toth said. “Any time we can get help from outside to help us do our job better, it’s greatly appreciated. We’re usually the first ones there and it’s proven (officers save lives) whenever our guys get there in time.”

Toth recalled last May when two borough police officers and a local resident revived a man suffering from a heart attack. Officers Marcus Simms and Jorel Hanley, along with resident Elaine Cumberledge, used CPR to keep the victim alive until medics arrived at the scene moments later.

“You never know when we’ll need it,” Toth said. “This stuff will benefit us and the public.”

The bags include numerous medical supplies, including cold packs, bandages, gloves and tourniquets. Waynesburg and Cumberland police departments each received two first aid bags for their patrol cars, while the sheriff’s department, county detective unit and adult probation department also received kits.

“The need was brought to our attention and we wanted to help bridge the gap and ensure these individuals are all well prepared as they serve our community,” Waynesburg Rotary President Heidi Szuminsky said.

The kits cost about $180 each and were purchased by the club using money it had earmarked for first responders, Rotary member Joy Eggleston said. They put together a “wish list” of items typically used by officers in the field.

“Obviously these individuals exemplify (serving others) and it was a great way to support the community and help them at the same time,” Eggleston said.

Toth said the borough police department already has some of those medical supplies in its police cruisers, but the donation is helpful as some materials are used or expire. He added that he has also performed lifesaving procedures on people and knows the value of the supplies.

“We usually are there first since we’re out there on patrol regularly,” Toth said. “We think we’re already armed to help the community, but not necessarily with this.”