Seventh Person Saved By AED at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Automatic External Defibrillator Used to Save Man's Life
October 16, 2002
At approximately 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14 at Phoenix Sky Harbor
International Airport's Terminal 2, a 60 year old limousine driver waiting
to pick up an arriving passenger had a heart attack. The man was not breathing
and his heart stopped. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint
screener, Russ Koleski and a United Airlines Flight Attendant started CPR
while Phoenix Police, Phoenix Fire and Airport Operations responded. Koleksi,
a former volunteer paramedic and CPR instructor along with Phoenix Police
grabbed an automatic external defibrillator from the lobby area of Terminal
2 and the AED advised one shock. Upon Phoenix Fire Department arrival, the
man was breathing on his own and his heart was beating again. The man was
taken to Phoenix St. Luke's Hospital where he is listed in critical but stable
condition in the intensive care unit.
The City of Phoenix Aviation Department purchased 60 Automatic External Defibrillators to be used at Sky Harbor Airport in case of heart emergencies. The units arrived in January 2001 and were permanently installed on February 14, 2001. They are located in wall units, operations vehicles and police department bicycle units.
"These life-saving devices have helped save seven lives at Sky Harbor in a very short time," said Phoenix City Councilman Dave Siebert, who spearheaded the efforts to purchase the units. " I would encourage airports across the country to install AEDs and train employees in their use."
To date, more than 300 Aviation and Phoenix Police Airport Bureau employees have received training in CPR and the use of AEDs.
Interviews with the rescuers are available by contacting Suzanne Luber.
Media Contact:
| Suzanne Luber |
602-273-3450 |
