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We are seeing on the media promos about the role of police officers in society.

Police officers play a central role in the law enforcement system. They monitor criminal activity, take part in community patrols, respond to emergency calls, issue tickets, make arrests, investigate crime and testify in court as needed. They also help the elderly and children to cross the streets or help tourists. This may seem to be quite a lot on their plate considering their working conditions and pay.

Many officers should be commended for the work they do. Most are truly dedicated to their work and do their best to serve the force and the community. It is not so rare that officers are injured on duty and, on more than one occasion, they risk their lives to save others.

I would not like to add more work and responsibility to the police but studies show that if officers are trained in using automated electrical defibrillators they can save lives and if they themselves respond by using an AED on the spot instead of just call for help the response time is reduced and the outcomes are better.

This small equipment, unfortunately, is not yet installed in public places such as squares, shopping malls and beaches. These medical devices are friendly to use and can be operated by anyone with minimum training in basic life support.

I think police officers will be proud to be involved directly in saving lives by being trained to use this equipment provided that enough are installed all over Malta and Gozo in places where many people gather.

Members of the public can also be encouraged to be trained to use these life-saving medical devices. This will be a good initiative for the coming Valletta 18 event and we can start with our capital city to install these devices and launch an awareness campaign on their use.