Press Release

ELKHART — A routine traffic crash investigation in Elkhart County took an unexpected turn for an Indiana State Trooper when the man he was speaking to fell to the ground, unconscious.

Around 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 26, Trooper Arthur Smith was investigating a minor crash that had occurred. An SUV drove into the back of an Indiana State Trooper’s car while it was stopped at the stoplight at the intersection of SR 19 and CR 26. Smith had concluded the crash investigation and began to explain the associated paperwork when the 60-year-old driver grabbed his chest and fell to the ground unconscious.

Smith immediately rushed to his police car and grabbed his Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his police car. When Smith attached the pads of the AED to the man, the AED advised that a shock was needed. After delivering the shock, Smith began chest compressions. After several compressions, the man regained consciousness and began to talk. Responding paramedics praised Smith’s quick action before taking the man to a local hospital.

Indiana State Trooper’s cars are equipped with AEDs to be prepared for cardiac situations like this. Troopers undergo regular training on the use of AEDs and CPR as well.