LAFAYETTE TWP. — By the end of this week, a new automated external defibrillator will be standard equipment in both of the Lafayette Township sheriff’s patrol cars.
An automated external defibrillator is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening irregular heart rhythms that accompany many heart attacks and provides treatment through defibrillation — the electrical shock therapy that allows the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.
Trustees approved the purchase of the two AEDs a few weeks ago.
Trustee Lynda Bowers said the devices can save lives.
“Statistics show people suffering stroke or heart attack have a much higher survival and full-recovery rate for those receiving immediate and properly delivered CPR,” she said.
Trustee Bryon Macron agreed.
“This is an important tool. If we can save a life, it’s worth it,” he said.
Because the patrols are always on the road, the deputies are generally the first responders at any emergency call. Macron said the AEDs are “another tool in their toolbelt for our residents.”
The deputies also carry first aid kits.
Macron serves as the police liaison between the township and Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
Since the township doesn’t have its own police department, it contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for two full-time and five part-time officers to exclusively patrol Lafayette.
As of the first of the year, Chippewa Lake Village also is included in that territory thanks to an agreement between township and village officials signed last year that didn’t go into effect until Jan. 1. The village is paying $9,000 a quarter to Lafayette for those services.
“The contract has been working out great,” Macron said, adding that the new agreement brought in some extra funds for the Lafayette safety forces, which resulted in the two AEDs being purchased. They cost approximately $1,900 each.
The township’s assigned deputies and Fire Department personnel are scheduled to have a refresher course in using the AEDs, in addition to their standard training.
An automated external defibrillator is used in cases of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, which lead to cardiac arrest.
The device is designed for use by first responders and lay people who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
Contact reporter Pamela J. Miller at (330)-721-4065 or areanews@medina-gazette.com.