New Haven, Indiana – On October 6 at about 1:14 p.m., officers from the New Haven Police Department answered a call for an unconscious person on Tanglewood Drive. The quick response of Officers Hetrick, Schlup and Hawkins, together with East Central Fire and EMS, turned a potentially tragic situation into a successful rescue.
Immediate Action Saves a Life
When the officers arrived, they found the man lying in a front yard without a pulse, indicating a cardiac emergency. Officer Schlup began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while Officer Hetrick retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) that had recently been donated to the department. With assistance from Officer Hawkins, Hetrick applied the AED, which prompted a shock to the patient’s heart.
After the shock and continued CPR, the man regained consciousness and was able to speak with medics on the scene. He was then transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Training and Equipment Make the Difference
The New Haven Police Department credited the officers’ swift action, ongoing CPR and AED training, and the availability of lifesaving equipment for the positive outcome. The department also praised East Central Fire and EMS for their role in training officers to handle medical emergencies and thanked the generous donor who provided the AED.
Police officials emphasized that this incident underscores the importance of regular emergency‑response training for all public‑safety personnel. By equipping officers with the skills and tools to act quickly, communities can improve survival rates for cardiac events, which are a leading cause of death nationwide.
Community Impact
Residents of New Haven have expressed gratitude for the dedication of their police and fire personnel. The successful rescue serves as a reminder that everyday heroes are often the first line of defense in medical crises, and that community support for equipment donations can have life‑saving results.
Local leaders are encouraging other municipalities to follow New Haven’s example by investing in AEDs and ensuring that first responders receive regular training. The collaboration between police, fire, and EMS agencies demonstrates how coordinated effort can protect public health and safety.
Looking Ahead
The department plans to continue its partnership with East Central Fire and EMS to expand training opportunities and to seek additional resources that will further enhance emergency response capabilities. Citizens are urged to become familiar with CPR techniques and to support initiatives that bring critical medical equipment to public spaces.
By fostering a culture of preparedness, New Haven aims to ensure that more lives can be saved when seconds count.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
