The University Police Department is getting a new addition to help them be ready for emergency medical assistance.

UP, with the help of the Kishwaukee Community Hospital, have released their EMT boxes around the NIU campus. The boxes are intended for use by UP officers while on call if there are situations which require emergency medical help.

The EMT boxes contain many types of medical equipment that can aid a certified EMT in an emergency. Some of the equipment included are backboards and other general supplies found in first aid kits.

“The EMT boxes were put out a week ago, but they’re not fully operational as of yet,” said Lt. Matt Kiederlen of UP.

The EMT boxes are not scheduled to be operational until May 8 when the Kishwaukee Community Hospital will hold a press conference. The press conference will be to announce the UP’s ability and access to use the EMT equipment.

Nearly all UP officers received emergency medical technician training. The goal of the training is to give the officers the knowledge and experience needed to solve problems in the field before they escalate.

“We’ve got a few more officers in EMT training now, but the majority of our officers already have their training,” Kiederlen said.

“We’ve got a few more officers in EMT training now, but the majority of our officers already have their training.”

Lt. Matt Kiederlen, University Police