York County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Levi Johnson conducts a check of an AED he carries in his cruiser in the event he is called to a medical emergency. The sheriff’s office, which patrols rural towns, was recently awarded a $37,000 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to outfit all 30 deputies with the devices, which deliver an electric current to re-establish an effective heart rhythm to an individual in cardiac arrest. Contributed / York County Government

Patrolling rural York County can sometimes mean a deputy is the first on the scene when a medical event is taking place. Deputies are trained in CPR, first aid and some other medical procedures, and can help until EMS arrives.

And now, for the first time, York County Sheriff’s Office deputies have another tool at their disposal that can help save a life.

Each deputy has been assigned an automated external defibrillator, called an AED, which is carried with them in their cruiser, and all have been trained to use them. The equipment was made possible through a grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

AEDs are used to help people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, which means the heart has stopped functioning. It is a medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock – defibrillation – to help re-establish an effective heart rhythm, according to the American Red Cross.

An AED is a tool that York County Chief Deputy Jeremy Forbes is glad each deputy will have with them as they patrol the back roads and state roads that crisscross York County’s small, rural communities – to be able to help when the need arises.

“A lot of times, we may be the closest unit,” if a call comes in for a medical emergency, said Forbes. And while some rural towns have full-time or part-time fire and rescue staff, augmented by volunteers, others may be all volunteer departments. “These give us the ability to help.”

Deputy Levi Johnson, an 11-year veteran of YCSO, checks his AED every day he works, as part of his cruiser inspection, putting the machine through its self-check process to make sure it’s ready, should the need arise. It is stored inside the car, to be easily accessible.

He said in his experience, EMS tends to be first on the scene, but at times, he has been.

“When I am first on the scene, I can initiate CPR, and now deploy the AED,” Johnson said.

According to the American Heart Association, there are more than 357,000 EMS-assessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year in the U.S. Those who receive prompt CPR and an electrical shock from an AED to stop the abnormal heart rhythm are much more likely to survive than those who do not receive swift medical intervention, the AHA noted.

A law enforcement officer for nearly 30 years, and the last five with York County Sheriff’s Office, Forbes said over the years, there have been times when having the medical device at the ready could have been helpful.

A couple of recent examples in a Massachusetts town demonstrate the benefit of issuing AEDs to law enforcement.

Raynham Police received a 911 call on Jan. 4 for a man who was unresponsive, not breathing, and without  a pulse, according to a statement issued by the department. Officer Amanda Wong arrived almost immediately. A family member was beginning CPR and Wong set up her AED, which indicated activation was advised. In all, two shocks were delivered, and Wong then took over chest compressions until Raynham paramedics arrived. Police said the patient is expected to recover.

A day later, Officer Daniel Fitch was dispatched to a home to assist Raynham Fire Department with a person having difficulty breathing. Fitch found the victim unresponsive with no pulse. He immediately advised the arriving paramedics and began setting up an AED. The AED did not indicate a need for a shock, so Fitch began chest compressions as paramedics began their work. The patient, police said, is expected to survive.

At York County Sheriff’s Office, Forbes said he knew the department’s budget couldn’t stretch to purchase the portable defibrillators, so when York County Development Director Rachel Stansfield called about the availability of public safety grants, Forbes said he told her “I’d love to have AEDs.”

An application was made to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which awarded about $37,000 to outfit 30 cruisers with the devices.

“We’re thankful the Firehouse Subs Public Safey Foundation stepped up,” said Forbes. “We really appreciate it, and it shows their commitment to the community.”

As of early March, the AEDs haven’t needed to be deployed, but that could change at any time — and so they’re at the ready, to make a difference.

On average, YCSO deputies respond to 1,800 calls per month. They investigate thefts, domestic violence incidents, motor vehicle complaints, and other violations of state and federal law — and respond to medical emergencies.

“Seconds count when somebody is suffering a cardiac event, and the AEDs deputies carry in their cruisers will most certainly give each patient the best care available until EMS, who could be on other emergency calls, can arrive,” said Forbes.

Tammy Wells is a media specialist with York County Government.