Capt. Ryan Pike of the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office holds one of the 30 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) that will be placed with deputies in their cruisers in case of an emergency. (Photo by Mary Ann Greier)

LISBON — Deputies with the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office can add an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the list of equipment they carry in case of an emergency.

Capt. Ryan Pike explained the idea of placing AEDs in the cruisers came after a recent medical emergency happened right outside the downtown courthouse. An AED from inside the courthouse was brought out and attempts were made to help the man, but he passed away.

“The commissioners saw a need for us to have them,” Pike said, saying he had spoken with Commissioner Mike Halleck after the medical incident.

The cost was $1,000 for each device, for a total of $30,000, for 30 AEDs which are being placed in cruisers, purchased by the commissioners.

According to the American Red Cross website at redcross.org, “AEDs are used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It’s a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm. The device is designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions on how to use it in case of an emergency. It’s important for everyone to be aware of what an AED is and how to use it, as it could make a difference in saving someone’s life.”

A training on the devices was recently held for personnel which also included CPR refresher training, conducted by Dispatcher Dave Stock, who’s also a paramedic with the Highlandtown Fire Department.

The sheriff’s office didn’t have AEDs prior to now. Pike said with the amount of area the sheriff’s office covers, that it’s responsible for, and with EMS companies going through some struggles as everyone else is with getting personnel, there was a need to get the AEDs with the deputies.

“A lot of times we get there faster than EMS,” he said regarding some calls.

The device talks the user through the steps and includes step-by-step instructions.

“If the money spent on these saves one life over the years (we have them), it’s worth it,” Pike said.

mgreier@mojonews.com