Athens-Clarke County Police Department equipping officers with defibrillators
In July 2023, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department deployed eight Automatic External Defibrillator units to officers in the field. The AEDs will be carried in patrol cars by officers specifically trained in their use.
Captain Christopher Nichols, who is also an EMT, teaches emergency medical care and CPR/First Aid for the department.
“The Automatic External Defibrillator is an effective and immediate treatment for sudden cardiac arrest. It is a valuable lifesaving tool for officers, who are often first on the scene of an emergency." Nichols said.
In addition to the AED units, all ACCPD officers are equipped with First Aid training, Buddy Kits (tourniquets, chest seals, and wound care), and Naloxone (opioid antagonist).
ACCPD offers additional advanced training to officers, including EMT certification.
Nichols said the AEDs were bought using a grant so there was no direct cost to the county.