Background
Every year, the West Palm Beach Police Department awards the Anthony Testa Tactical Lifesaving Medal to officers who render aid to trauma victims. The award is given in recognition of the late Anthony Testa, a West Palm Beach police officer who was known to buy his own trauma kits and render aid to victims on scene. Testa was a big supporter of training other officers, many of whom now, following in his legacy, use these same trauma kits while responding to calls.
Situation
On December 29, 2022, West Palm Beach police dispatch received a 13-round ShotSpotter activation. While canvassing the surrounding area, Officer Jeremy Boykins found a man lying at an intersection suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Boykins cut away the victim’s clothing to further assess injuries.
At the same time, Officer Cassandra Bogaert and Officer Hannah Skotzke arrived on scene and proceeded to render first aid, which entailed applying a tourniquet to the victim’s left arm as well as a Hyfin chest seal to the victim’s abdomen to aid with troubled breathing. Seven minutes later, the West Palm Beach Fire Department arrived on the scene and transported the victim to St. Mary’s Medical Center where they stabilized his condition.
Results
Captain Robert Chyle from the West Palm Beach Fire Department and St. Mary’s Medical Center staff credit the efforts of Officer Bogaert, Officer Boykins, and Officer Skotzke for rendering first aid. Due to the immediate actions of these three officers, the gunshot victim’s life was saved.
1
Life saved
11
Increase in psychiatric disorders
1
Increase in substance use disorders
It is my opinion that the quick and proper actions of these officers either saved the victim’s life, or drastically increased his chances at survival.
Learn more about ShotSpotter’s impact in West Palm Beach here.
