Thieves strip critical trauma gear from Apache County ambulance

White Mountain Apache Emergency Medical Services in Cibeque, Arizona, lost two pieces of critical equipment overnight. Paramedics discovered the theft on Saturday morning when they found a jump bag and a LUCAS machine missing from an ambulance that was parked Friday night.

The missing jump bag is a trauma kit containing supplies needed for immediate patient stabilization. The LUCAS device, short for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System, is an automated portable chest compression unit. Both items are standard tools for field resuscitation and trauma care.

The department described the stolen supplies as vital resources for its crews. A spokesperson stated, "These items are used by our EMS personnel to provide emergency medical care to people in our community." The agency requested that the public share its social media alert to widen the search net.

A police report was filed for the incident. The department is currently notifying other relevant authorities about the missing equipment. The agency asked residents who have seen suspicious activity or located the items to contact WMAT EMS or the local police department directly.

Anyone with information can call the WMAT EMS station at 928-338-3095. Recovered gear can be dropped off at the station located at 103 W. Rainbow Dr.