The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners voted to fund the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and associated medical equipment for county patrol cars and the jail, approving $17,524.42 by roll call on the motion of Commissioner Jan, supported by Commissioner George.

Deputy Tannis, the county’s CPR and basic life-support instructor, told the board deputies need AEDs in every marked patrol car after recounting a Veterans Day medical emergency in which deputies arrived and used an AED before the ambulance service could reach the scene. “This is something that our citizens deserve, and it's something that our department really needs,” Tannis said during the presentation.

The package the board approved covers eight AED units to outfit marked patrol cars (excluding command vehicles) plus one for the jail, replacement bag-valve masks, EMS bags, medical shears and related startup items. Tannis said the sheriff’s office already budgets for ongoing consumables — pads, replacement batteries and masks — and that recurring costs should be limited. He offered to provide CPR and AED training and to perform monthly equipment checks himself.

Board members asked about device durability, storage and replacement parts. Tannis said newer ZOLL AED Plus units use inexpensive, widely available batteries and insulated cases allow the devices to be left in patrol vehicles for short periods without losing functionality. He told the board eight units would allow each patrol car to have a unit assigned and make individual deputies accountable for their machine’s condition.

County staff noted the $17,524.42 purchase is not currently in the operating budget and will require a formal budget amendment. The board voted by roll call with all commissioners present voting in favor; the motion carried. Deputy Tannis will oversee training and monthly inspections going forward.

The board’s action follows a public recognition earlier in the meeting of deputies involved in a life-saving response to a county employee’s collapse. The AED purchase is expected to be procured and distributed to patrol vehicles after the budget amendment is processed.