ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) — 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.

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