The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has added automated external defibrillators to patrol and marine units to give deputies access to potentially life-saving equipment during medical emergencies.

Patrol shift supervisors and members of the Marine Unit are now carrying AEDs in their units. An AED is a portable medical device that analyzes a person’s heart rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock during sudden cardiac arrest in an effort to restore a normal heartbeat.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell said having the devices available could be particularly important when deputies arrive at a medical emergency before an ambulance.

“These AEDs will be invaluable when deputies are the first to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency,” Mitchell said. “Having this equipment readily available allows our deputies to provide potentially life-saving assistance while waiting for EMS to arrive.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, all deputies receive training twice a year in first aid, CPR and AED operation through the local ambulance service.

AEDs are also currently located at the Sabine Parish Detention Center and Women’s Jail.

The Sheriff’s Office recently purchased the new devices from Stryker Corporation as part of its efforts to increase emergency medical response capabilities.