Full Notification

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Central Indiana Police Foundation Executive Director (CIPF) Lisa Rollings donated thousands of chest seals to  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Acting Chief Christopher Bailey. These HyFin Vent Chest Seals will be distributed to every IMPD officer on the street, who will then be able to add the lifesaving tool to the trauma kits that they already have.  

“We are always asking and listening to see how we can help our police in their role as a public safety officer. Adding chest seals to our trauma kits makes perfect sense. We are grateful to be able to make this happen for IMPD. We will continue to work on a plan to provide these to other departments within Central Indiana as well,” said Rollings.  

Each package comes with two seals which are good to use for about five years. The seals play a vital role in treating penetrating chest injuries, providing a quick and effective means to manage wounds and creating an airtight seal over the injury.  

“This is the first time all IMPD officers will be equipped with this crucial tool and allows law enforcement to start treating a person on the scene before an ambulance arrives. We know time is of the essence when we respond to scenes involving these sorts of injuries and we are so thankful to CIPF for today’s donation that will undoubtedly save lives,” said Acting Chief Bailey.  

Penetrating chest injuries, often caused by gunshot wounds or stabbing incidents, can lead to pneumothorax or tension pneumothorax, conditions where air accumulates in the chest cavity, putting pressure on the lungs and heart. Without prompt and appropriate intervention, these injuries can be fatal.  

“Indianapolis EMS applauds IMPD for their commitment to doing everything they can to care for our citizens,” said Dan O’Donnell, M.D., Chief of Indianapolis EMS. “We also want to thank Central Indiana Police Foundation for this generous donation to ensure our police force is better equipped to any potential situation. When seconds count in medical emergencies, having officers who are empowered to take action and treat the injured, ahead of the arrival of EMS, increases the chances of survival exponentially.” 

In total, the chest seals cost about $24,000 dollars and IMPD officers will be trained on how to use them. CIPF is continuing to raise funds in order to provide the tools to other law enforcement agencies. Community members are welcome to donate to the cause by clicking here.  

Since 2015, IMPD officers have been equipped with special trauma kits that can be used to help save the life of an injured person before an ambulance can arrive. Inside the kits are items like heavy-duty medical shears, latex gloves, bandages and tourniquets. As of today, CIPF has assembled and donated 8,000 trauma kits to law enforcement agencies through Indiana.