North Dakota Law Enforcement Credited with Saving 90 Lives Using Defibrillators

State health officials celebrate success of grant program that equipped officers with life-saving devices

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An estimated 90 lives have been saved in North Dakota since a grant five years ago equipped law enforcement across the state with 1,700 automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Department of Health and Human Services officials gathered to celebrate the success of the program, which has seen the devices used about 1,000 times since 2021. The $4.3 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust allowed law enforcement to be trained and ready to use the AEDs, which can be essential in rural areas where ambulance response times can be long.

Why it matters

The program highlights the importance of equipping first responders, especially in rural areas, with life-saving medical equipment like AEDs. Having law enforcement trained and ready to use these devices can mean the difference between life and death for someone suffering a heart attack, when every minute counts. The success of the program also demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships and community-based initiatives to improve emergency medical response.

The details

The grant allowed the state to purchase 1,700 AEDs and distribute them to local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies across North Dakota. The devices have been used about 1,000 times since 2021. One recipient, Patsy Hudkins of Velva, credits a McHenry County deputy with saving her life in 2023 when she suffered a heart attack at work and the deputy used an AED from his patrol car to deliver a lifesaving shock.

  • The grant program that purchased the AEDs was launched 5 years ago.
  • The AEDs have been used about 1,000 times since 2021.
  • Patsy Hudkins suffered a heart attack and was saved by a deputy in February 2023.

The players

Sherry Adams

North Dakota's state health officer.

Patsy Hudkins

A woman from Velva, North Dakota who credits law enforcement with saving her life when she suffered a heart attack in 2023.

Adam McTaggart

A McHenry County deputy who used an AED to save Patsy Hudkins' life.

Trey Skager

The McHenry County Sheriff, who said having deputies equipped and trained with AEDs can save lives in rural areas.

Christine Greff

The stroke and cardiac systems coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

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What they’re saying

“They were able to train these law enforcement personnel as well to be ready in the event they might have to use them.”

— Sherry Adams, North Dakota's state health officer (Grand Forks Herald)

“A lot of times the officers are the first ones on duty. Having even that extra five minutes is huge.”

— Patsy Hudkins (Grand Forks Herald)

“We're calling on all of the communities of North Dakota to begin to prepare, to train, and ensure that AEDs are accessible. We are really reminded today that action truly matters.”

— Sherry Adams, North Dakota's state health officer (Grand Forks Herald)

What’s next

Health officials urged more North Dakota communities to get involved with the state's Cardiac Ready Community Program, which supports bystander, emergency responder and public-private partnerships to improve responses for cardiac events and strokes.

The takeaway

This program demonstrates the life-saving impact of equipping first responders, especially in rural areas, with critical medical equipment like AEDs. By training law enforcement to use these devices, North Dakota has been able to dramatically improve emergency cardiac care and save dozens of lives. The success highlights the value of public-private partnerships and community-based initiatives to enhance public health and safety.