OSCE Mission Donates Defibrillators to Kosovo Police to Improve Emergency Response
Prishtinë / Priština, 12 September 2025
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness, the OSCE Mission donated 11 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Kosovo Police to support life-saving interventions in critical situations.
AEDs are essential medical devices that can significantly increase survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest, a condition where every second is crucial. Police officers, often the first on the scene of emergencies, will now have immediate access to this vital equipment.
The AEDs will be strategically placed across police facilities, including the Kosovo Special Police Unit, ensuring officers are equipped to respond quickly and effectively.
“Equipping police stations with life-saving AEDs is a vital step toward faster emergency response,” said Bertram Welsing, Director of the Department for Security and Public Safety at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “These devices not only enhance the safety of the public but also protect the health of police officers who serve communities daily.”
Building on last year’s support, the OSCE Mission, together with the EULEX Medical Unit, provided the training for trainers for ten Kosovo Police officers to become trainers in Basic Life Support (BLS) and AED use this August. An additional group of ten officers will be trained as BLS/AED trainers later this month, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer within the police force.
“Supporting the Kosovo Police Department for Medical Services with professional AEDs and comprehensive training is essential for both police personnel and the wider community,” said Colonel Hilmi Pacolli, Director of Kosovo Police Personnel and Administration. “By certifying trainers within the police, we are strengthening emergency preparedness across the force.”
This initiative represents a significant advancement toward a safer, more responsive police service in Kosovo. Enhanced emergency response capacity means the Kosovo Police are better positioned to protect lives when every second counts.