During a medical emergency, a community member and San Mateo Police Officers rendered lifesaving aid to a victim in need.
SAN MATEO, Calif. — On Monday, May 18, 2026, at 3:59pm, San Mateo PD Dispatch received a “Hard Fall Notification” with coordinates. During initial phone contact, Dispatchers could hear a male groaning. We then received a second call regarding this incident from a bystander, who advised there was an unconscious male face down on a trail at Coyote Point. While officers responded, the bystander was provided with CPR instructions to assist a male who was in full cardiac arrest. Further information informed us the subject was no longer breathing.
Upon arrival, SMPD Officers were able to locate the victim on a trail and confirmed the subject was unconscious with no pulse. One officer immediately retrieved her mobile AED device from her patrol vehicle and was able to deliver one shock to the subject returning his pulse. Medics then arrived and took over CPR. The male, in his late 20’s, was transported to a local hospital for continued care.
Due to the quick actions of a concerned community member, public safety, and the availability of mobile AED devices, the life of this young man was saved.
The San Mateo Police Department purchased (43) mobile AED devices for each of our patrol cars approximately 4 years ago. They are regularly maintained, and officers receive CPR/First Aid training bi-annually and just had their refresher course in February. As evident by this incident, continued training and access to equipment that can provide life saving measures is imperative to the duties of a police officer. Our focus is life and safety and having the right tools available to keep our community safe is invaluable.
We recommend CPR/First Aid training to anyone able to perform it. As shown, you never know when you may need it or who you may be saving. It could be a stranger, family member, or friend. Please check with the Red Cross for CPR/AED training near you, www.redcross.org.
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