March 8, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
All five of the DeKalb County School Resource Officers (SRO) are now equipped with new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in their offices at the respective schools thanks to state funding.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can be deployed in situations involving sudden cardiac arrest to quickly administer a therapeutic shock and potentially restart a victim’s heart. Presenting AEDs in school settings can minimize response time during cardiac emergencies, dramatically improving survival rates.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says “Integrating AEDs into all five of the DeKalb County schools highlights a growing commitment by our Department to promoting heart-safe learning environments for students, teachers, and staff. Investing in AEDs demonstrates the importance placed on students’ and staff’s welfare. By following these best practices, School Resource Officers can make significant strides towards protecting their community and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.
Pictured are Sheriff Ray, DeKalb Middle School SRO Joseph Carroll, DeKalb West School SRO Billy Tiner, DeKalb High School SRO Sgt. Chris McMillen, Northside Elementary School SRO Joe Pack, Smithville Elementary School SRO Roger Whitehead and Chief Deputy Brian Williams.