15^th Life Saved at Phoenix Sky Harbor with AED

Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix Police Officers used an airport Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to help save the life of a 71 year-old man at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The man collapsed near baggage carousel four in Terminal 3 shortly after 9pm last Friday evening. Moments later, three Phoenix police officers assigned to Sky Harbor arrived and immediately went into action. Officer Robert Churchey began rescue breathing while Officer Kevin Pilling conducted chest compressions. Officer Cheryl Groshko grabbed a nearby AED and applied it to the unconscious man. The AED advised that one shock be administered and then officers continued CPR.

Rescue personnel from Fire Station 19 arrived on scene, began advanced life saving efforts and were able to restore the man’s pulse. The gentleman was transported to St. Lukes Hospital.

This is the 15^th time an airport AED has helped save a life at Sky Harbor since December 2000, when the devices were installed. Sky Harbor has more than 70 AED’s available in public areas and employee work spaces. Officers with the Phoenix Police Airport Bureau bicycle team also carry AED’s with them at the airport.