How AEDs Are Changing Rural Emergency Responses

A ceremony was held Wednesday to recognize the impact of a statewide effort to place automated external defibrillators in the hands of law enforcement officers across North Dakota.

The event was hosted by North Dakota Health and Human Services, State Health Officer Sherry Adams, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and local partners. The North Dakota Law Enforcement AED Project, launched in 2021, was created to improve emergency medical response in rural communities.

Since its launch, about 1,700 “connected” AEDs have been distributed to local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Over the past five years, the devices have been used roughly 1,000 times and are credited with helping save an estimated 90 lives.

Attendees gathered in person in Bismarck, while others joined virtually, including participants at a watch party at Finish Line Burgers and Brew in Velva, where one of the cardiac saves took place. A video highlighting the program’s impact was premiered during the event, featuring firsthand accounts from a cardiac arrest survivor, her family and neighbors, and McHenry County Deputy Adam McTaggart, who responded to the emergency using a grant-funded AED.

Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust, shared a recorded message.

“In 2021, Helmsley granted $4.3 million to North Dakota’s public health agency to equip law enforcement officers with modern lifesaving AEDs. I was pleased to have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the heroic work of first responders and the lives saved in North Dakota through Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program initiative,” he said.

Adams said the partnership has strengthened emergency care in rural areas.

“The story that was shared was an amazing example of the lifesaving impact we can have as individuals, organizations, and communities working together to address rural health needs – especially emergency medical care needs,” Adams said. “The Helmsley Charitable Trust’s investment in the state has ensured that law enforcement responders have industry-leading AED equipment and the training needed to save lives and keep families whole.”

The project has been overseen by the HHS Emergency Medical Systems Unit. Information was also shared about how communities can become designated Cardiac Ready Communities.

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State officials are encouraging residents to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately in an emergency and learn how to perform CPR and use an AED.