The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office recently conducted parish-wide training for the deployment and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) equipped with Narcan and other essential medical response equipment for first responders across Jackson Parish.

This training and equipment distribution was made possible through Louisiana’s Opioid Abatement Settlement funds and conducted through a cooperative effort involving the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Jackson Parish Ambulance Service, and municipal law enforcement agencies within the parish, including the Jonesboro Police Department, the Hodge Police Department, and the North Hodge Police Department. Participating agencies completed the training and received AEDs as part of this coordinated response.

While AEDs are most associated with cardiac emergencies, they also play a critical role in opioid overdose response. Overdoses, whether accidental or intentional, can lead to respiratory failure and cardiac complications. Having AEDs, Narcan, and trained first responders on scene improves the ability to provide life-saving care while EMS is en route.

The Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office has previously trained deputies, School Resource Officers, and other personnel in Narcan administration, with that training already proving effective during multiple overdose responses within the parish.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to expand opioid response and medical intervention training across all operational divisions.
With this added equipment and joint training effort, Deputies, Investigators, SROs, and municipal officers who may arrive first on scene are now equipped and prepared to provide effective, life-saving care. As a result, every responding unit within the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, including School Resource Officers, will always have kits available.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the Jackson Parish Police Jury, Jackson Parish Ambulance Service, Jonesboro Police Department, Hodge Police Department, and North Hodge Police Department in responsibly using opioid settlement funds to protect lives and serve the people of Jackson Parish.”
– Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett

One Parish. One Team. One Mission.