Pittsburgh International Airport reports first AED save

August 16, 2001

In a report issued today, Pittsburgh airport authorities announced it had experienced its first cardiac save since implementing a public access defibrillation program earlier this summer. (See www.early-defib.org/05_02_06202001.html".) On June 29th, a 55-year-old man from Ann Arbor, Michigan, suffered a cardiac arrest in the people mover train. Two individuals began CPR while someone called for help. Within moments, Airport Authority operations staff members Byron Harriger and Tim Moore responded to the call with an automated external defibrillator (AED). Immediately following their arrival, Airport Authority fire fighters Bryan Dopler, Keith Smith, Vince Ioppolo and Steve Wallace were at the patient’s side continuing lifesaving interventions. After the patient was shocked with the AED, his heart started beating and his breathing resumed. Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedics began additional procedures and transported him to the hospital. Following treatment, he returned to his home in Ann Arbor without any brain damage. He is now under the care of a cardiologist.

More than two dozen AEDs have been placed throughout the airport through the Pittsburgh International Airport’s Heartsaver Program, and hundreds of airport personnel have been trained in their use. For more information contact www.pitairport.com or 412-472-5620.