Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, AED, automated external defibrillator, cardiac arrest, emergency response, Eddie Guerra, opioid abatement grant, public safety
Staff Report
Edinburg TX - The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office has purchased 116 automated external defibrillators to be placed in patrol vehicles, giving deputies immediate access to lifesaving cardiac equipment when responding to emergencies.
AEDs are portable devices that analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock when necessary to help restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra said the equipment addresses the reality that deputies frequently arrive at scenes before other medical personnel.
“Our deputies are often among the first emergency personnel to arrive at the scene,” Guerra said. “Providing them with AEDs gives our deputies another important tool to potentially save a life while additional medical resources are responding.”
Deputies will receive training from certified medical personnel on recognizing cardiac emergencies, operating the devices, and providing assistance until advanced medical care arrives.
The 116 AEDs were purchased using funds from the opioid abatement grant.
Source - Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office