When treating someone who has suffered a heart attack, minutes are vital. The King County Council unanimously approved the donation of instruments that can play a role in saving the life of people suffering from cardiac arrest: automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

“I really appreciate the generosity of the Snoqualmie Tribe for donating 150 AEDs for use in our Sheriff’s deputies’ cars,” said Council member Kathy Lambert, the sponsor of the motion accepting the AEDs. “This collaboration with the tribe serves the whole community so well. These AEDs will save lives!”

Since 2012, Public Health has been working with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) to improve emergency medical and public safety services by equipping Sheriff’s Deputies’ vehicles with AEDs. In conjunction with training on how to use the AEDs, in their first year of having AEDs available, KCSO Deputies and Dispatchers used the equipment, as well as their cardio pulmonary resuscitation skills, successfully on at least three occasions.

300 AEDs are in use, and the Sheriff’s Office has been committed to placing the units in every patrol car in King County, approximately 450 vehicles. The Sheriff has been soliciting donations for the AEDs and received a donation of 150 AED units from the Snoqualmie Tribe. This will allow for the placement of AEDs in all King County Sheriff Patrol cars, all Snoqualmie Tribal Public Safety vehicles and other needs.

King County Code requires gifts, bequests and donations, of more than $2,000 must be accepted on behalf of King County by motion of the County Council. The adopted motion allows the KCSO to accept the AEDs.