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AEDs back on Calif. fire dept. ambulances and rigs

After two weeks without the defibrillators, Compton Fire Department officials were able to meet training and certification requirements

The Associated Press

COMPTON, Calif. — Defibrillator machines are back on Compton’s fire trucks and ambulances after the city addressed concerns by Los Angeles County regulators that firefighters weren’t properly trained to use the lifesaving devices.

Michael Wilson with the county’s Emergency Medical Services Agency says the defibrillators were returned to Compton vehicles on Thursday. He says the city met all requirements for training and verification.

The Los Angeles Times disclosed in March that nearly one in four city firefighters lacked a permit to perform emergency medical care — a key credential required by other local fire agencies.

Fire officials were unable to produce paperwork showing firefighters had up-to-date training, and the devices were removed from vehicles July 3.

Chief Jon Thompson was placed on leave this month as the city launched an investigation into the Fire Department’s management of emergency medical care.

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