By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Health Department distributes AEDs to communities
health dept AEDs 2025
Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman, left, and her financial officer, Misty Trudeau, are shown with an Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) at the Great Bend Police Department. The Health Department has secured a grant to provide AEDs to area towns for use in cardiac emergencies.

The Barton County Health Department will distribute Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to Great Bend and smaller towns within Barton County. This proactive initiative aims to enhance emergency preparedness and increase the chances of survival for individuals who suffer sudden cardiac arrest in public spaces, officials said.

Health Director Karen Winkelman and her financial officer Misty Trudeau recently attended a meeting at the Great Bend Police Department, where they announced the grant to purchase 15 of the life-saving devices. The equipment will be placed in patrol cars, the jail, and various other locations where they may be needed.

A news release from the office of Sheriff Brian Bellendir stated the deployment of these devices is part of Barton County’s ongoing commitment to public health and safety. With rapid response times being a critical factor in cardiac emergencies, strategically placing AEDs in accessible locations across the county can significantly improve outcomes in life-threatening situations.

In particular, AEDs are being provided to first responders at the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, GBPD, Hoisington Police, Ellinwood Police and Claflin Police Department. These agencies are often the first on the scene during emergencies, and having AEDs on hand enhances their ability to deliver immediate, life-saving care.

Each AED unit comes equipped with easy-to-follow voice instructions, making them usable even by individuals with no prior medical training. Local agencies and community centers receiving the AEDs will also receive training and support to ensure proper usage and maintenance.

“As a health department, we recognized the need for greater access to life-saving equipment across our communities. By providing AEDs where they are most needed, we believe we are filling a vital gap and meeting a critical need within Barton County,” the statement read.

The Barton County Health Department expressed its gratitude to all partners involved in making this effort a success.

Sheriff Bellendir added, “On behalf of local law enforcement, I would like to thank Karen and her staff for the equipment that will help us serve the citizens of Barton County.”

For more information on AED training opportunities or to find out where AEDs are located in your community, contact the Barton County Health Department at 620-793-1902 or visit www.bartoncounty.org.