This morning was very scary for the KCSO family. One of our deputies suffered a serious health emergency after a fight with a DUI suspect. We were very fortunate that his partners on scene immediately recognized the signs and began life-saving efforts. In addition to administering CPR, deputies used their department-issued AED available in their patrol cars before he was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he remains in stable condition.
In December of 2012 the Sheriff’s Office had only 75 AED units in its patrol vehicles. Through careful monitoring of our budget in 2013, we were able to use year-end savings to purchase 125 additional units at the end of that year. We have since increased that total to 280. This is more than enough units for every single unincorporated patrol car in the Sheriff’s Office, and is especially critical given the rural nature of many areas we patrol. We are often at the scene of an emergency long before medical professionals can arrive.
While our deputy is not fully in the clear at this moment, the quick thinking of his partners and the availability of the right tools has given us our best chance for success. I cannot say enough about the skill and professionalism of the deputies in the Sheriff’s Office. I am constantly blown away by the great work they do. Please keep our deputy and the KCSO family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.
