Aviation Press Releases

Feb. 22, 2010

25th AED Save at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Phoenix, AZ – A 50-year old passenger was saved by four Phoenix Police Officers, two nearby passengers, Phoenix Firefighters and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The passenger collapsed in line at the D Security Checkpoint on Monday, February 22, at 5:35 a.m.

TSA officers Fred D’Andrea helped turn the passenger over when he collapsed and helped block off the area for the paramedics. TSA officer Linda Brunner ran to get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). TSA officer Juan Vargas also assisted.

Phoenix Police Officer Brian Warren responded to the call and found the passenger not breathing. Two witnesses, who happened to be nurses, were performing CPR. Officer Warren used the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to shock the passenger three times.

Phoenix Police Officers Kim Walsh, Tim Essick and Paul Rooks had also arrived on scene and took turns administering CPR.

Phoenix Fire Engine 19 stationed at Sky Harbor responded and transported the patient to the hospital in critical condition.

This was the 25th AED save at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport since December 2000, when the devices were installed. Sky Harbor has more than 75 AEDs available in public areas and employee work spaces.

Airliners are equipped with the devices, and officers with the Phoenix Police Airport Bureau as well as Fire Department bicycle teams carry AEDs with them at the Airport. Phoenix Firefighters have trained more than 2,000 Airport employees and volunteer Navigators on CPR and proper use of AEDs.

Due to HIPAA laws, no further information is available at the time on the condition of the patient.