Eighth Person at Sky Harbor Saved with Defibrillator

May 3, 2004

Police, Off-Duty Paramedic, Firefighters Save Woman's Life

A 52-year-old woman is alive today, thanks to the quick efforts of Phoenix Police officers, an off-duty Chandler Fire paramedic, Phoenix Firefighters, and an Automated External Defibrillator device or AED. Phoenix Police officer Frank Curatola was nearby when the woman collapsed Sunday morning inside of Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The woman had stopped breathing but still had a pulse. Officer Curatola began rescue breathing, and called for firefighters and additional police officers.

Shortly after her collapse, the woman lost her heartbeat. Off-duty Chandler Fire Department Paramedic, Jim Spangler happened to be in the terminal. He observed the situation and immediately stepped in to help with chest compressions. Two other Phoenix Police officers, Ken Crosier and Bob Remsik soon arrived to assist. Officer Crosier located a nearby AED device and pulled it off the wall. Officer Remsik applied it to the woman. The AED device was used, and a slow heartbeat was restored. Phoenix Fire Paramedics arrived and used specialized equipment to restore a stronger heartbeat. The woman was transported to a local hospital. Phoenix Firefighters say that the woman would not have survived without the "valiant efforts" of the police officers at the scene.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has more than 55 AED's available in public areas and employee work spaces. Some of the officers with the Phoenix Police Airport Bureau even carry the devices with them at the airport. Eight lives have now been saved at Sky Harbor with the help of AED's.

Media Contacts:

Julie Rodriguez

602-673-5525

Lexie Van Haren

602-673-5525