Hidalgo County, TX (KRGV) — The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office purchased of 116 automated external defibrillators that will be placed in patrol vehicles to help deputies respond to cardiac emergencies in the field.

The devices, known as AEDs, analyze a person's heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock when needed to help restore a normal heartbeat.

"Our deputies are often among the first emergency personnel arrive at the scene," Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra said. "Providing them with AEDs gives our deputies another important tool to potentially save a life while additional medical resources are responding."

Deputies will receive training from certified medical personnel on how to recognize a cardiac emergency, operate the equipment and provide help until advanced medical care arrives.

The AEDs will be available in patrol vehicles when deputies respond to medical emergencies, traffic collisions and other situations where quick action can matter.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office purchased the 116 AEDs using funds from an opioid abatement grant.