HCA Florida Healthcare partnership to provide AEDs to Tampa Police Department

Tampa, FL — HCA Healthcare West Florida Division President Jyric Sims joined other healthcare system leaders in Tampa on June 23 to announce a collaborative effort that will allow the Tampa Police Department to outfit every patrol vehicle with an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Through generous donations provided by health systems and corporate partners, police officers will be empowered to be first responders in cardiac emergencies and their patrol vehicles will become potential life-saving units.

“We are incredibly fortunate to call Tampa home — a city with a vibrant and collaborative medical community, explained Sims. “When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest, every second is critical. In many cases, law enforcement officers are the first to arrive on the scene. That’s why equipping Tampa Police patrol vehicles with automatic external defibrillators is such a vital step forward in improving access to life-saving care.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Police Chief Lee Bercaw held a news conference announcing the initiative at 10:00am this morning at Tampa Police Headquarters.

HCA Florida Healthcare’s donation is aligned to its mission, which is the care and improvement of human life. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state.