First‑responders in the White Mountain Apache community are turning to local residents for assistance after a theft disrupted their ability to provide emergency medical care. Early Saturday morning, paramedics with White Mountain Apache Emergency Medical Services (WMAT EMS) discovered that a jump bag and a LUCAS (Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) machine had been removed from one of their ambulances.
What was taken and why it matters
A jump bag is a trauma‑ready kit stocked with supplies that allow EMTs to “jump” into action when a medical emergency strikes. The LUCAS machine is an automated, portable chest‑compression device that can dramatically improve survival rates for cardiac‑arrest patients when used correctly. Both items are considered “vital resources” by WMAT EMS because they enable rapid, life‑saving interventions for the people of Cibique and the surrounding area.
Police involvement and next steps
The White Mountain Apache Police Department has filed a report and is actively investigating the incident. Officials stress that the theft not only represents a loss of expensive equipment but also hampers the ability of EMS crews to respond effectively to emergencies in the community.
How the public can help
WMAT EMS is asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, found the missing items, or has any information that could aid the investigation to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to WMAT EMS or the White Mountain Apache Police Department. The department also encourages residents to share the agency’s social‑media post to broaden the reach of the request.
Return instructions
If the equipment is located, it can be returned to the WMAT EMS station at 103 W. Rainbow Drive. Those with information may also call the station at 928‑338‑3095. Prompt recovery would restore critical capabilities to the ambulance crews and reinforce the community’s commitment to protecting its own.
Community response
Local leaders have expressed gratitude for the swift cooperation of residents and emphasized the importance of supporting first‑responders. “Our EMS personnel rely on these tools to keep families safe,” a WMAT spokesperson said. “When we work together, we ensure that every child, parent, and senior in our community receives the care they deserve in a crisis.”
The theft serves as a reminder of the essential role that volunteers, law‑enforcement, and everyday citizens play in safeguarding public‑safety resources. By staying vigilant and reporting any leads, Cibique residents can help restore the ambulance’s full capability and demonstrate the strength of their community.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
