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Gratiot County approves purchase of 20 LifeVac kits after deputies credited with saving choking patron
Summary
The board approved purchase of 20 LifeVac suction devices for deputies and courthouse locations after a nearby rescue at Alma Brewing Company in which deputies and dispatchers were credited with saving a choking patron. The board also presented lifesaving awards to deputies and dispatchers involved in the incident.
Gratiot County commissioners voted to buy 20 LifeVac airway suction devices for the sheriff's department after officials credited deputies and dispatch staff with saving a choking man at a local restaurant.
Deputy Alex Tanis described the device and how it was used in a recent response: "The LifeVac system... helped save a life," Tanis told the board, demonstrating the kit and explaining it includes infant, child and adult masks and a trainer.
Tanis and the sheriff's office requested 20 kits so each patrol vehicle would carry one; the board approved the purchase at an estimated total of $1,119.20 (the presenter described a 20% vendor discount and a per-unit cost of roughly $60). Commissioners moved to purchase 20 devices so each deputy car, the courthouse AED locations and jail/back-office locations would be stocked.
The meeting also included a ceremony recognizing the care team. Naomi Gulick, a dispatcher, was singled out for rapidly screening the 9-1-1 call and coordinating response. Several deputies and officers who arrived on scene were recognized; the sheriff and the board presented lifesaving awards.
The board approved the purchase by voice vote after a motion to authorize the sheriff's request.
