LAWRENCE CO. – Deputies from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department will now have another tool in their car to assist individuals in need.
The department has acquired 17 new Automatic External Defibrillators or AED. This means that all patrol cars in the uniform division will now be equipped with an AED should the need arise for officers to use them.
Today Lawrence County Deputies started placing the AED’s in their patrol cars.
Sudden cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of blood flow resulting from the failure of heart to pump effectively. If not treated within minutes, it typically leads to death.
“Officers can oftentimes be close to a reported medical emergency and can find themselves being the first arriving unit on the scene. In those types of medical emergencies that require an AED, seconds count, and hopefully, the outcome can be changed by one of our officers being close by with an AED in their car”. said Major Gregg Taylor Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
An Automated External Defibrillator ( AED) is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of the heart and pulseless.
The AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. If necessary can deliver a shock or defibrillation to help establish an effective rhythm.
“All our officers maintain CPR certifications which include the use of an AED. These certifications are taught by our two departmental CPR Instructors,” said Chief Deputy Taylor. “In the past, the department utilized 6 AED units which had to be rotated between shifts. With these new units, officers will have one in their car at all times that can be utilized both on and off duty. This is just another way that the men and women of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department will be able to serve the citizens of Lawrence County.”
