WHATCOM COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVES DEFIBRILLATORS FOR PATROL DEPUTIES
Made possible by local $75,000 donation

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA – To help improve cardiac arrest survival in Whatcom County, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has received a donation of 65 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). This donation was made by Byron Sprague in memory of his father, Seattle Fire Department Deputy Chief Al Sprague Sr.
 
“This was a chance for me to give back to this community, honor my father’s legacy, and to give the Sheriff’s Deputies an additional tool to help them save lives,” said Sprague. “I’m in awe of the job that   law enforcement does.”
 
“I am grateful to Mr. Sprague for his very generous donation that will enhance the ability of our deputies to quickly respond to cardiac emergencies and undoubtedly save lives,” said Sheriff Bill Elfo. “This donation was a very thoughtful way of honoring his father’s legacy.”
 
WCSO patrol vehicles will be equipped with a life-saving device and patrol deputies will be trained on AED protocol. According to Dr. James Douglas MD, a Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialist at Bellingham’s PeaceHealth Medical Group, “An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 incidents of sudden cardiac arrest occur outside of hospitals each year in the United States. Every second counts in saving a person’s life who is suffering a heart attack. For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival is reduced by 10%.”
 
“I’m excited to have the AEDs on patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week, capable of helping save people’s lives,” said Sergeant Magnus Gervol. “These will allow us to apply aid immediately without needing to wait for a response from other EMS personnel.” 
 
“The WCSO Patrol Deputies cover an expansive area. Now we have 65 Sheriff Deputies equipped to apply that life-saving measure in the field as first responders,” said Sprague. 

Link to video.