$6.4 Million Helmsley Charitable Trust Grant to Fund Life-Saving New Technology for Law Enforcement in ORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

ORD, NE June 8, 2021 – In an ongoing effort to improve the cardiac system of care in the Upper Midwest, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded a grant of $6.4 million to equip every law enforcement agency as well as Nebraska Game and Parks facilities with the next generation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The grant, facilitated through the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health, will fund devices to be placed in law enforcement vehicles in Ord. The project includes training.
“Seconds count during a cardiac arrest,” said Walter Panzirer, a Helmsley trustee. “We know in Nebraska first responders often have great distances to cover. This funding will ensure those who get to the scene before EMS arrives give patients a better shot at survival.”
Studies conducted by the American Heart Association demonstrate a dramatically higher survival rate for cardiac patients shocked by law enforcement, who are generally first on the scene, especially in rural areas. The AEDs selected feature technology conducive to the highly mobile and challenging environment of a patrol vehicle. The AEDs will help ensure that rescuers provide the fastest first shock when defibrillation is needed. The devices feature industry-leading analysis technology that reduces pauses during CPR, allowing for improved blood circulation and better odds of survival. Using Wi-Fi connectivity, these self-monitoring devices can send near real-time event data, including a patient’s heart rhythm and delivered shocks, to incoming emergency services or receiving hospitals, thus allowing for post-event evaluation to improve care delivery.
Police Chief Jay Welch stated “We are very appreciative of receiving these AEDS and each of our patrol vehicles will have one in it. It is never known when and if one of these may be needed but we are thankful that if we do, we are now ready to assist the citizens of Ord in this respect.”
The new devices will be placed, and training conducted by Friday, June 9, 2021. AEDs previously used by some agencies will be relocated throughout communities increasing the number of AEDs accessible to the public.
To date, the Helmsley Charitable Trust has invested more than $500 million to improve access to quality healthcare in rural America, $72 million of that in Nebraska.