Thieves take trauma kit and compression device from Apache ambulance

White Mountain Apache Emergency Medical Services paramedics discovered two critical pieces of equipment missing from an ambulance in Cibeque on Saturday morning. The theft occurred overnight Friday, leaving the rural first responders without essential tools for emergency care.

The stolen items include a jump bag and a LUCAS machine. A jump bag is a trauma kit containing supplies used when responders must rapidly intervene in an emergency. The LUCAS device, short for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System, is an automated portable unit designed to perform chest compressions. The department described these as vital resources used to provide medical care to the local community.

The department stated that a police report has been filed and that appropriate authorities have been notified. In a statement, the agency asked the public to share the information if they have seen the items or noticed suspicious activity. They requested that anyone with leads contact WMAT EMS or the White Mountain Apache Police Department.

The missing equipment can be returned to the WMAT EMS station located at 103 W. Rainbow Dr. Residents can also call the station at 928-338-3095 to provide information. The department relies on public assistance to locate the supplies that crews use daily to serve the area.