Tampa Leads the Way: Every Tampa Patrol Car Now Equipped to Save Lives
When sudden cardiac arrest strikes, every second matters and often, it’s the police, not paramedics, who arrive first. That’s why a bold new initiative announced this week in Tampa is turning every patrol car into a potential lifesaving unit.
Until now, only 100 Tampa Police Department patrol vehicles carried an AED—leaving a critical gap in emergency readiness across the fleet. That changed today.
Thanks to an unprecedented collaboration between Tampa’s leading hospitals, corporate partners, and Rise Tampa, Our Police Foundation, 500 ZOLL Powerheart® G5 AEDs are being deployed to ensure that every patrol car on the road is equipped with life-saving technology. These advanced devices provide real-time audio and visual CPR instruction and feedback, guiding users step-by-step whether it’s their hundredth or first time responding to a cardiac emergency.
Why Tampa, Why Now
“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime and often before EMTs arrive,” said Lori Peters, ZOLL’s Associate Director of Advocacy & Partnerships. “By equipping Tampa’s patrol cars with AEDs, we’re putting life-saving tools where they’re needed most: on the front lines.”
This initiative powered Tampa’s healthcare leaders including Advent Health, BayCare/St. Joseph’s Hospital, HCA Florida, and Tampa General Hospital is about more than just equipment. It’s about recognizing the critical role police officers play in the chain of survival and empowering them with tools to act in a crisis.
Empowering First Responders
Police are often first on the scene, and now, with an AED in every vehicle, Tampa officers can do more than secure a scene, they can save a life.
“This critical equipment will undoubtedly make our community safer,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Having AEDs readily available in every patrol vehicle will allow our officers to provide immediate assistance for cardiac emergencies, potentially saving more lives. We are deeply grateful for the commitment and generosity of all our partners who are helping us make Tampa safer, together.”
And Mayor Jane Castor agrees: “This incredible initiative, made possible by the unwavering support of our Tampa Bay hospitals and corporate partners, truly exemplifies what it means to be Tampa Strong. Equipping every patrol vehicle with AEDs empowers our officers to be first responders in critical cardiac emergencies, turning every police car into a potential life-saving unit. This is a testament to our community’s commitment to innovation and collaboration, ensuring that together, we are building an even safer and healthier Tampa for everyone.”
A Model for the Nation
This move positions Tampa as a leader in public health preparedness. By investing in technology that bridges the gap between tragedy and medical response, the city is setting a new standard for cardiac emergency response.
This is more than a technology deployment, it’s a public health investment,
“This is more than a technology deployment, it’s a public health investment,” Peters said. “We’re honored to partner with the City of Tampa to make its communities stronger, safer, and more prepared.
We hope other cities take notice. Outfitting patrol cars with AEDs isn’t just forward-thinking—it’s life-saving.
Help Turn First on the Scene to First to Save
Anything can happen. Anyone can help. And today, thanks to the City of Tampa and its partners, hundreds more first responders will be ready to act when seconds count.
