The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has met its goal of outfitting 76 vehicles with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) thanks to the generous support of the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Health Care District (PHCD) and the Board of Directors of Sequoia Healthcare District (SHD).
Knowing that having the right equipment at the right time can mean the difference between life and death, both boards voted at their recent respective meeting to each fund a portion of the 76 units needed for Sheriff’s Office vehicles covering the entire county.
“These AEDs are a critical tool to protect the health and safety of those living, working and visiting our county. This is another way we are able to bring emergency response a little closer to where someone is who might need immediate aid,” said Supervisor Carole Groom, president of the Board of Supervisors.
PHCD Board Chair Lawrence Cappel, PhD. echoed the sentiment.
“AEDs save lives. We are helping to provide critical equipment for Sheriff’s Office vehicles, as many times, a sheriff’s deputy is the first responder on the scene,” Cappel said.
PHCD’s commitment follows its efforts to purchase AEDs for K-12 schools within district boundaries and train students and staff. SHD also purchased defibrillators and funded CPR training for all schools in its district, and provided AEDs.
“Our county is so forward thinking and among the healthiest counties in the nation. Our health care districts are instrumental in the way we partner with other entities like the County,” said Sequoia Board President Kim Griffin.
County Supervisor Dave Pine also lauded the joint effort.
“In recent years, the Peninsula Health Care District and Sequoia Healthcare District have provided substantial funding to deploy AEDs in our schools,” Pine said. “We are excited to partner with them to now bring this life saving tool to County law enforcement.”
PHCD will invest $57,000 and SHD $68,000 for their respective purchases. The County will fund the roll out and training as well as ongoing maintenance.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Peninsula Healthcare and Sequoia Healthcare Districts for providing the Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles with AEDs. This vital tool is just another way we can respond quickly to provide aid to those in need the community,” Sheriff Carlos G. Bolanos said.
About Peninsula Health Care District
Founded in 1947, the Peninsula Health Care District serves the communities of San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and Foster City by supporting the unique health and wellness priorities of our vibrant Peninsula communities, and safeguarding access to health care services, today and in the future. The Peninsula Health Care District fulfills its commitment to the community through oversight of District assets and infrastructure, planning for future health care needs, and investing taxpayer dollars in local health-focused organizations and programs
About Sequoia Healthcare District
Founded in 1946, the Sequoia Healthcare District serves central and southern San Mateo County, specifically the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Redwood City, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside and portions of Menlo Park, Foster City and San Mateo. SCD provides community-based health care services by investing in the prevention and early intervention of illness.
About San Mateo County Office of the Sheriff
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office serves the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and the cities of San Carlos, Half Moon Bay and Millbrae. Sheriff vehicles are also used as part of the community policing unit, transit bureau, and sheriff’s task forces that serve the needs of the entire county.
Cheryl Fama, Peninsula Heath Care District: (650) 697-6900; Cheryl.fama@peninsulahealthcaredistrict.org
Kim Griffin, Sequoia Healthcare District: (650) 421-2155; pedihearts@sbcglobal.net
Rosemerry Blankswade, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office: (650) 421-1243; pio@smcgov.org