Brown County approves $13,858 purchase of AEDs and kits using opioid-abatement funds

Brown County commissioners approved the purchase of six automated external defibrillators, cabinets, bleeding-control kits and Narcan for county buildings at a total purchase cost of $13,858.86.

Cliff Garner, the county's emergency management coordinator, told the board Lifeguard EMS operations manager Sean McCumber helped select models compatible with the county's equipment and that having compatible units would reduce maintenance costs because vendors could use the same pads. "The total cost for that comes out at $13,858.86," Garner said, noting two existing AEDs were at the end of their useful life and explaining the plan to place one unit per floor and additional units in the Elections Building and the new county building.

Garner said the county plans to pay for the purchase from opioid-abatement funds under an allowable prevention category. "We believe that using these funds fit in that allowed use category," he said. Commissioners and staff also noted the typical life of AED pads is about two years and Lifeguard EMS offered support swapping pads, lowering maintenance costs.

A commissioner moved to approve the purchase using those grant funds; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The transcript records a voice/hand vote but does not provide a roll-call tally.

County staff said they consulted the county attorney about the use of opioid-abatement funds and will proceed with procurement and coordination with Lifeguard EMS for pad maintenance.