State police to carry medical kits to treat gunshot, stab wounds

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — All West Virginia troopers will soon carry medical kits in their cruisers to treat gunshot or stab wounds as they wait on first responders.

Cabell Huntington Hospital provided State Police $60,000 for 587 bags that will be distributed to all troopers and the security detachment for the Governor by Nov. 1.

“It is life saving,” said Kevin Fowler, president and CEO at Cabell Huntington Hospital. “If we save one person, no matter who it is, then it’s a price well spent each and every day.”

Officials with State Police, Cabell Huntington Hospital, HealthNet and the Princeton Rescue Squad hosted a press conference Friday at State Police Headquarters in South Charleston to introduce the kits.

“By distributing specialized medical kits, in addition to the basic first aid kits to our field troopers, we are greatly increasing the odds of them returning home safely to their families,” State Police Superintendent Col. Jay Smithers told reporters.

“When a traumatic injury occurs, seconds can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

The bags include tourniquet, a gel bandage, rubber gloves, scissors and several other items.

Smithers said, sometimes, troopers are in remote areas of the state and can’t get to a hospital in time.

“West Virginia troopers regularly work in rural areas of our state. Many times, there’s little back up, if any at all. If a trooper is injured or in need of assistance, the nearest help could potentially be 30 minutes or even more away,” he said.

Stacey Hicks, CEO of Princeton Rescue Squad, said they wanted to become a partner because it’s important to value the work of law enforcement.

“I think that we sometimes forget about our law enforcement that’s out there that keeps us free every day,” Hicks said. “At Princeton Rescue Squad, we’re just thankful, when we get in problems law enforcement’s who comes and bails us out.”

Fowler agreed.

“Our job as citizens I think is to step up and thank them every day for what they do and applaud their efforts,” he said.





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm