CHP HELPS IN MEDICAL CRISES.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

WOODLAND HILLS - California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers have begun carrying emergency first-aid kits so they can provide medical assistance in critical moments after a collision.

``They are vital,'' West Valley CHP Capt. Warren Stanley said Tuesday. ``If they get to a scene, they can do a lot of emergency care before paramedics get there.''

Thirteen motor officers assigned to the West Valley CHP Division have received emergency medical training in the pilot program. Each carries a small emergency kit in a saddlebag on the side of the motorcycle.

The saddlebag contains an oxygen bottle with mouthpiece, a birthing kit, gauze, neck braces, dressing for puncture wounds, masks, gloves and glucose base for diabetics, Stanley said.

``We're going to study this for a while in L.A., and if it seems to be feasible, we hope to expand it throughout Los Angeles County,'' Chief Mike Brown said.