Wheeling Hospital Donates Supplies To Wheeling Police, Fire Departments

Wheeling Hospital has donated $5,000 worth of lifesaving medical supplies to the Wheeling Fire Department's SWAT medics, who now accompany the police SWAT team to provide immediate assistance during tactical situations.

The items -- destined for "pack and go" kits designated for SWAT deployments -- were presented to the squads at the fire department's headquarters Thursday.

The new procedure entails joint training and coordinated response by paramedics and police officers. Fire Chief Larry Helms said the specialized medical supplies will enhance safety for first responders and the public.

In a former protocol, Helms said paramedics waited outside until the SWAT team cleared the scene of a crisis response. However, he said, "Historically, we can save more lives if we progressively go in and treat patients."

Helms said the fire department did not have money budgeted to purchase medical equipment needed for SWAT response, so officials asked Wheeling Hospital for assistance. John Sebring, the hospital's safety director, said Wheeling Hospital CEO Ron Violi approved the request without hesitation.

Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger and Helms said the fire and police departments have an excellent working relationship.

"During a SWAT mission, if an injury occurs, it's highly possible medical personnel could be in harm's way trying to render care as we do our job," he said. "With the SWAT medics working by our side with their tactical medical gear, and being familiar with how we operate, the medics' ability to help patients is enhanced."

Schwertfeger added, "This is another example of an achievement in enhancing our professional response during critical incidents. Community partners like Wheeling Hospital help make these improvements possible."

Helms said the paramedics wear the same military-type SWAT uniforms as the police. Schwertfeger said the SWAT medics are familiar with the police officers' weapons systems and understand the lingo used by the SWAT team.

Eric Touvelle, a firefighter/paramedic assigned to the SWAT tactical unit, said the supplies donated by Wheeling Hospital include combat action tourniquets, emergency trauma dressing, rescue aid kits, hemostatic gauze and applicators, a chest seal, constricting band, needle decompression, splints, tactical extrication device, grip tap and chest pouch.

Wheeling police Sgt. Jonathan Stipetich said when a first responder or a civilian is injured in a tactical situation, the new system provides "quicker response time to get (a patient) patched up and to the hospital."