Crockett County invests in new EMS equipment including mechanical CPR devices and cardiac monitors

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Crockett County has equipped its ambulances with new mechanical CPR devices and cardiac monitors, according to EMS Director William Huff.

“Our county commission has generously supplied us with some new, mechanical CPR devices and monitors, which are going to go along with other advanced procedures that we have here in Crockett County,” Huff said.

New equipment addresses rural transport challenges

Crockett County Sheriff’s Department PIO Stephen Sutton said the mechanical CPR machines are especially important given the area’s geography.

“This machine provides mechanical compressions to patients who are in sudden cardiac arrest. It’s particularly useful because we’re in a rural area, and our transport times to local hospitals can be sometimes 20 to 30 minutes,” Sutton said.

Expanded capabilities for first responders

In addition to the new devices, trained staff can perform chest tubes, surgically clear airways and administer blood. Huff said the county is the first and only ground transport service in West Tennessee with blood administration capability.

“We thank our county commission for our blood administration, as we are the first and only ground transport service in West Tennessee that has that capability,” Huff said.

Sutton said the upgrades extend to all residents regardless of financial circumstances.

“Citizens in our community that find themselves in an emergency, regardless of their ability to pay, you can count on Crockett County Ambulance Service to be fully equipped, fully trained with all of the tools and resources needed,” Sutton said.

Budget Chairman Joe Gibson issued a statement on the investment. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. When we invest wisely in our EMS and public safety, we’re investing in the health, safety, and future of every family in Crockett County,” Gibson said.

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