Airport’s AED Program Recognized for Saving Lives

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 26 -- Philadelphia International Airport issued the following news release:

Since Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were deployed throughout Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) more than a decade ago, the devices have been credited with saving the lives of 18 people who were resuscitated after going into cardiac arrest at the Airport. This summer, AEDs were used to revive two 62-year-old male passengers who were stricken and fell unconscious in Airport terminals.

PHL has 120 AEDs throughout the public terminal areas and in Division of Aviation workplaces. The Airport has two staff members certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and AED training who teach classes on how to perform CPR and use an AED. Nearly 600 Airport employees have received CPR/AED training since PHL was designated as an authorized provider by the American Red Cross.

In recognition of the Airport's longstanding partnership with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross in helping to save lives through the deployment of AEDs throughout the complex and providing life-saving training, the Red Cross presented its Preparedness, Health and Safety Award to the Airport on September 25th. Among those present at the ceremony was David Shaffer, one of the male passengers who fell ill and was revived with an AED at PHL this summer, and members of his family.

Also among those present at the presentation were Airport officials and members of the Airport Safety and Operations units, which respond to medical emergencies, as well as first responders from Engine 78 and Medic 30 of the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Airport Police unit who were involved in the saves over the summer. Representatives from the City's Risk Management Department as well as the American Red Cross were also in attendance.

"Eighteen people who went into cardiac arrest in our Airport since the AEDs were installed may not have survived if not for access to these life-saving devices and the knowledge of how to use them as well as the willingness of passersby to rush to the aid of a fellow human being," said Gale. "We are honored to have with us today someone who is a living testament that AEDs and CPR save lives. Mr. Shaffer survived a life-threatening event with the help of an AED and the quick response of fellow travelers and medics. Mr. Shaffer is here today with his family because people had access to AEDs and knew how use these life-saving devices and CPR."

In August, Mr. Shaffer collapsed in Terminal D. Fellow passengers ran to his aid and performed CPR and used an AED to deliver shocks to restart his heart. Medics arrived on the scene and continued with CPR and shocks administered by an AED. He was stabilized and transported to a local hospital where he was breathing on his own and had a pulse.

In June, a 62-year-old man collapsed in Terminal A-East. An Airport police officer and two other male passengers rushed to the man's aid and began performing CPR as well as using an AED to deliver shocks to restart the man's heart but there was little response. When the medic unit arrived, the medics took over and delivered another jolt with an AED and this time the victim responded. He was rushed to a local hospital for further treatment and survived.

"We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross in their efforts to teach people life-saving skills and to provide the means to save lives," Gale said. "For anyone who may be wondering if they need this training, you never know if the life you save may be someone you know."

In addition to the recognition on September 25th, the Airport has received numerous awards from the American Red Cross including the Help Can't Wait Award twice, the Red Cross Partner Award, the Authorized Provider Award and the Award of Excellence. The latter honor was for the successful implementation of the AED Program at the Airport.

Airport CEO Mark Gale (center) accepts award from Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, surrounded by Airport Police and City Fire Department first responders; Airport Operations, Safety and Training personnel; City Risk Management officials and representatives from the local American Red Cross Chapter.

Philadelphia International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia. The Airport is a self-sustaining entity that operates without the use of local tax dollars. It is one of the largest economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating an estimated $14.4 billion in spending to the regional economy and accounting for more than 141,000 jobs.

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