Howard County police patrol cars are now equipped with devices that can treat heart attack patients.
The automatic external defibrillator uses a computer to assess a patient's heart rhythm and determines if defibrillation is needed.
This month, Howard County installed 50 devices in patrol vehicles. Police Chief William McMahon says the AEDs allow officers to begin life-saving efforts before an ambulance arrives.
The AED devices cost a total of $55,850.