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On October 7th at 11:23 pm three Treasure Island police officers responding to a 911 drug overdose call, arrived to find a young woman in her twenties unresponsive and not breathing. Well trained in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, they revived the woman. Sergeant Darren Chiaputti, Officer Jared Swetnich and Officer Hector Diaz received Lifesaver Commendations from Chief Boudreau at Treasure Island’s City Commission meeting November 1, 2016. View Video.
The victim was turning blue when officers arrived. They assessed the situation and started rescue breathing while Officer Swetnich preformed rescue breathing while Sgt. Chiaputti placed the AED pads on her chest. The AED confirmed that she had a pulse and did not advise a shock. It is standard practice for them to grab the first aid kit and AED on any medical related calls. Officers continued rescue breathing until medics arrived and gave her three doses of Narcan, an antidote to opioid drug overdoses.
TI City Commissioner Collins commended the efforts of the police department to protect the safety of TI’s 7,500 citizens and 25,000 annual visitors.
With four miles of beach, and seven patrol cars, Treasure Island Police officers often arrive to 911 calls before the Fire/EMS which only has one station on the island. This was the second lifesaver award for Sgt. Chiaputti who has been with the force for 17 years. The other one was dragging and unconscious person out of a smoke filled home. Officer Swetnich has been with TI PD for 16 years. Officer Diaz has been with TI PD for 10 years.
Officer Diaz wasn’t able to attend the ceremony.
Chief Boudreau presented each officer with a LifeSaver Award that affixes to the commendation bar holder on their uniforms.
TI vehicles and Marine unit are all equipped with Philips HeartStart FRx model of AED supplied by local distributor Altra Medical in Largo. These AEDs are compatible with the Philips monitors used by Pinellas County Fire/EMS departments and can save time to transfer care.
Altra Medical President Leslie Roberts was pleased to recognize the efforts of the TI Officers for their unselfishness. “They deserve community support and recognition for going above and beyond their duty to help save a life”. Too often the public forgets how important our local police are to protecting our lives.