Troopers Armstrong and Wade recently responded to the scene of a vehicle fire. Upon arriving they noticed a semi-trailer aflame and the driver unresponsive in the cab. Together they pulled out the driver and Trooper Armstrong immediately started compressions while Trooper Wade grabbed the AED. After CPR was administered along with four AED shocks, the driver began breathing on his own and regaining response to pain stimuli.

The use of this lifesaving technology was made possible thanks to a $6 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust which provided 2200 AEDs to officers, deputies, troopers and other first responders across the state. The grant is managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

All MHP uniformed personnel, from colonel to trooper, have received AEDs as of March 2020. This is the first life saved by Highway Patrol Troopers using them.