The Sheriff department has purchased new devices that could save more lives in Onondaga County and save tax payer money. Sheriff Eugene Conway announced that 95 Automated External Defibrillators would enhance public safety. Conway says when he served as Police Chief in Dewitt, he witnessed occasions when people were rescued from fatal circumstances.
“In one of those situations it was a vehicle that had pulled over to the side of the highway. The gentleman was experiencing chest pain. The officer came upon the call and actually pulled the gentleman out, laid him right on the side of the road and administered this device because it called for a shock. He recovered and hopefully he’s still doing well today. So truly a life-saving device."
The device is user friendly and clearly shows every step needed to use it. Conway says it actually takes over. It shows you where to place the pads and tells you whether to administer a shock or not.
He says deputies have been adequately trained on how to use them and renew that training each year. County Legislator Brian May says in addition to the health aspect, the devices were not purchased with tax payers money.
“From the business standpoint of law enforcement, public safety, public health, the way the Sheriff is going about this brings efficiency, cost effectiveness, and all kind of other good things that make sense for taxpayers of this county.”
Conway says they were bought with seized assets and grant money. He says that the unique feature of this particular set of A-E-Ds is that they can now be used on children.
The devices have been installed in all Sheriff’s office facilities, the justice center and all patrol vehicles. Some are replacing older models
