Sheriff Mark Wood announces the implementation of a new piece of lifesaving equipment in the Resident Deputy Units.

Recently, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has equipped its Resident Deputies patrol units with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through money received through the nationwide opioid settlements allocated to local governments and agencies.

Resident Deputies patrol in areas of Rapides Parish where sometimes, they are the first ones on the scene of medical emergencies. Sheriff Mark Wood purchased an AED for each Resident Deputy, as well as the RADE Unit and two Sheriff Substations, through opioid settlement money that was state appropriated funding from pharmaceutical companies. In total 14 AED’s were purchased so far.

“These devices can be crucial in treating individuals suffering from not only overdoses, but just cardiac arrest,” said Sheriff Wood. “All of our deputies have been issued and trained in the use of NARCAN, the standard in treating an opioid overdose. Having the AED’s is just another tool we have to help save someone’s life in the event of a cardiac arrest due to an overdose or other factors.”

The cost of the 14 AED’s was $24,500.00 and Sheriff Wood is looking into the possibility of equipping more deputies with this lifesaving tool in the future.