Sheriff David L. Dauzat announced that the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office (APSO) has enhanced its life-saving capabilities by equipping patrol units with new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Deputies are often the first to arrive at the scene of a medical emergency. Having this equipment and training is vital for providing immediate, life-saving intervention in the critical minutes before Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can arrive.

This is especially critical in this community. From Jan. 1, 2022, to Sept. 1 of this year, the Avoyelles Communications Center has received and dispatched over 103,000 medical emergency calls for service. This staggering number shows the immense need for a rapid medical response.

Furthermore, statistics show that Avoyelles Parish has one of the higher rates of heart disease in Louisiana, and this state consistently ranks among the worst in the nation for cardiovascular health.

In addition to the new AEDs, deputies have just completed their annual in-service training and recertification in:

– Basic Life Support (BLS)
– Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
– AED Operation
– Tourniquet Application for trauma

Sheriff Dauzat stated, “We know the importance of investing in our community’s safety and equipping our deputies with the tools they need to do their job safely and effectively. These 103,000 medical calls are not just numbers; they represent our family, friends, and neighbors in crisis. Equipping our deputies, who are already on patrol in our communities, will help save lives in Avoyelles Parish.”

For emergencies, always dial 911. For non-emergencies, contact the APSO office at 318-253-4000 or via email at info@AvoyellesSO.org.