Cactus Village Community

Life Saved at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Jul 14, 2003

Phoenix Police Utilize Automatic External Defibrillator

July 10, 2003

Tuesday, July 8, 2003, the seventh person was saved at Sky Harbor using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) since 60 of the machines were installed throughout the airport in 2000.

At 2 p.m. on July 8 a gentleman suffered a heart attack in Terminal 4. Phoenix Police Officer Jeff Young went immediately to the 79-year-old victim who was without a pulse and not breathing. Officers Wayne Macklem and Rich Hejna arrived to assist and begin CPR. America West Supervisor Joe Sindle rushed over with an AED and the officers delivered one shock. Phoenix Police continued CPR until his breathing became more regular.

Captain Robert Heisel and his team from Phoenix Fire Department's Engine 19 arrived and arranged for the victim to be transported to St. Luke's Hospital in serious but stable condition. As of today, July 10, he remains at St. Luke's in critical but stable condition.

The city of Phoenix Aviation Department is proud of the cooperative, lifesaving effort between Phoenix Police, Phoenix Fire, America West, airport employees and the TSA.


Media Contact: Deborah Ostreicher 602-273-3300. . . ☻