Local law enforcement officers will be a little more equipped to handle medical emergencies thanks to a recent grant from the Alabama Association of County Commissioners.

On Wednesday, a START II — simple triage and rapid treatment — kit was placed in each of the 52 patrol cars throughout the county, Kristi Stamnes, E911 director, said.

Included in the kits were everything from bandages and ice packs to coagulants and emergency blankets.

“It even includes lifesavers for people who may be experiencing a diabetic episode,” said Florala’s Chief Sonny Bedsole, who received five kits for his department’s patrol cars. “I’ve been to traffic accidents — severe traffic accidents — where there were broken bones and blood. Oftentimes, patrolmen are the first on the scene and these kits are equipped with the things we need to offer immediate response until medical personnel can arrive on scene.”

Stamnes said the grant is used to provide departments with medical supplies and is an added bonus for officers.

“Our officers need to be prepared in cases of emergency,” she said. “These kits are just another tool for them to utilize.”

Of the 52 kits, 22 were distributed to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, 16 to the Opp Police Department, five to the FPD, two to the Lockhart Police Department, three to the River Falls Police Department, two to the Red Level Police Department and two to the Gantt Police Department.