Tulsa Police officers taking CPR training

Tulsa Police officers often get to emergencies before anyone else, that's why Tulsa's new chief decided it was time to make sure all 800 officers are trained in CPR. <br><br>News on Six crime

Monday, January 13th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police officers often get to emergencies before anyone else, that's why Tulsa's new chief decided it was time to make sure all 800 officers are trained in CPR.

News on Six crime reporter Lori Fulbright says all of Tulsa's police officers, from the chief's office on down, will take CPR courses in the next three months. The idea is that they be prepared for any type of emergency they face on the job.

Tulsa Police Sgt Whitney Allen, "Often times, we are there early and if we do CPR, it could make a difference rather than having to wait for somebody to get there.â€ Nearly 700 people a day in this country have cardiac arrest. 225,000 of those die every year because no one can get to them or knows how to help them.

The reason it's important for people to be trained in CPR is because 75% of those happen at home or with a loved one. Oklahoma's Good Samaritan law protects anyone who tries to do the right thing. "You have to remember that someone who needs CPR is already dead. Their heart has stopped, they're not breathing and you can't do much to hurt them. If you break a rib, so be it, hopefully, you'll save their life."

By spring, Tulsa's officers will be better prepared to save a life, no matter what type of emergency they encounter. Each police station is now equipped with a portable defibrillator in case officers, prisoners or citizens need help.

Citizen CPR will train anyone or any group CPR for free. That number is 596-3600.