WINNEMUCCA — Humboldt General Hospital donated three AEDs and 11 first-aid packs to the City of Winnemucca to be used by the Winnemucca Police Department. The donation was made at the meeting of the council on Tuesday (Jan. 24).

According to HGH Administrator Jim Parrish, he was approached by Officer Andy Murdock in December with the request after the department came up short due to new hires and the purchase of new vehicles.

Police Chief Eric Silva spoke to the importance of officers having AEDs and added he has twice used them himself.

EMS Director Pat Songer added law enforcement officers are frequently the first on scene, so it’s important they be appropriately trained and equipped.

HGH EMS personnel keep the officers up-to-date on their training, as well. Songer said after next week all the WPD officers will be trained in trauma combat casualty care to help themselves and the public during critical incidents.

Songer praised the WPD administration for pursuing life-saving training and said there weren't very many places in the state whose officers have that level of training.

He commented, “It’s outstanding the administration is taking that role because it really makes a difference.”