A Joint Venture between Queen Anne's County Department of Emergency Services and the Office of the Sheriff brings additional lifesaving resources to county citizens.
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are already available in all county and volunteer ambulances and most county buildings. An AED is used to provide an electrical shock to the heart of an individual who becomes breathless and pulseless.
The American Heart Association introduced the concept of the chain of survival in cardiac arrests. There are four time-sensitive links that must occur rapidly for the victim to have a chance at survival. These links are calling 911 as soon as possible, CPR, AED and care from our Emergency Medical Services.
For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation the chances of survival decrease by 7-10%. For victims that receive intervention from an AED within three minutes of collapse, survival rate is as high as 74 percent.
“About a year ago Commissioner Stephen Wilson challenged us to come up with a cost effective and better way to respond to the public,” said Director of Emergency Services, Scott Haas. Now thanks to an approved Capital Budget item by the County Commissioners more lives can potentially be saved with the purchase of 20 AED's that will be placed in Sheriff Officer vehicles.
Sheriff Gary Hoffman said, “This is a true partnership between the Department of Emergency Services and the Office of the Sheriff with the support of the county commissioners.”
Commissioner Stephen Wilson is pleased with the teamwork between agencies that will result in more lives saved. He said, “I am immensely supportive of all things related to public health.”