In an effort to boost its capabilities to protect the public in emergency situations, Yancey County Sheriff’s Office has placed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) into four of its patrol vehicles.
An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. AEDs are often used to revive unconscious or non-responsive individuals who are experiencing a cardiac event. A victim’s chance of survival declines rapidly for every minute a normal heartbeat isn’t restored.
Adding AEDs to patrol vehicles is a proactive and potentially life-saving initiative. AEDs can greatly improve the chances of survival for individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
As everyone is aware, when a call comes in for a cardiac arrest, and emergency services are dispatched, time is critical and the faster defibrillation can be administered, the higher the chance of survival for the individual. Because deputies are patrolling our communities, there is a potential for a patrol vehicle to be somewhat nearby, and often times they are among the first responders to reach a scene.
The investment into the training and having a deputy equipped with an AED nearby, can potentially save a life by allowing for a quicker response.
“AEDs in our patrol vehicles is a step forward in protecting our community and the Sheriff’s Office is committed to the well-being of the citizens of Yancey county,” said Sheriff Shane Hilliard.
Pictured with Sheriff Shane Hilliard are deputies who have been assigned the new AEDs (listed R to L): Deputy Myria Hylemon, Deputy Kaleb Tipton, Deputy Sam Howell and (not pictured) Corporal John Proffitt.
