Clay County Sheriff’s Department Receives New AEDs

VERMILLION — Earlier this year, while having lunch at a Vermillion restaurant, three Clay County Sheriff’s deputies used an AED (automated external defibulator) and CPR to save a man’s life.

It was a perfect example of why having AEDs readily available to deputies and the public is important. For situations like this and more, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department will be even more ready in the future, thanks to a grant of new AEDs recently received by the department from the Helmsley Foundation.

“They are a newer model than what we’ve had in the past with better features that allow for things like doing an assessment during CPR instead of having to pause as previous AEDs required,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. “These also use the same pads for adults and children, which will save seconds attaching pads when it matters.”

The gift is part of a statewide effort by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to equip every law enforcement agency as well as South Dakota State Park facilities with the next generation of AED. In November, Trust officials announced the $3.6 million grant to the South Dakota Department of Health, which is placing 1,200 devices throughout South Dakota, with three of them specifically coming to Vermillion.