|
For Immediate Release
Off-Duty Redwood City Firefighter Uses
Automatic External Defibrillator to Save Life at Pacific Athletic
Club
Redwood City, CA - September 30, 2003 -
While working out at the Pacific Athletic Club last month,
off-duty Redwood City firefighter Chris Kehr had an opportunity
to help save a life and, along with other club patrons and
the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), he was
able to do just that.
On the morning of August 29th, a patron of the club suffered
an apparent cardiac arrest. Firefighter Kehr checked the victim
and found no breathing and no pulse. After ensuring that 911
had been called, firefighter Kehr used the club’s AED,
which had been installed precisely for such emergencies, while
other patrons applied CPR. When Redwood City’s paramedic
engine #20 arrived, firefighter Kehr provided a thorough patient
assessment and continued to assist with treatment, while the
paramedic administered appropriate medications and provided
airway support to the patient until the ambulance arrived
for transport to the hospital.
This incident, and its happy ending, illustrates the dedication
and professionalism of members of the Redwood City Fire Department,
and highlights the importance of having AEDs installed in
high-usage public and private buildings. Redwood City has
installed AEDs in ten of its buildings, and provided training
to many staff in both the equipment’s use and in CPR.
AEDs are also seen in stadiums, airports, shopping malls,
on airplanes, and in public facilities. Fortunately, the Pacific
Athletic Club had an AED, and it clearly paid off with the
saving of a life.
This remarkable story of the survival of a member of our
community, through the help of an off-duty Redwood City firefighter,
fellow patrons, readily-available technology, and Redwood
City’s fire department-based paramedic system will be
recounted on Friday, October 3rd at 10:30 am at the Pacific
Athletic Club, 200 Redwood Shores Parkway. His story serves
as real-life encouragement for the widespread installation
of AEDs and CPR education. Redwood City’s firefighters
will also be honored for their willingness and ability to
immediately respond to the call for help, whether on duty
or off.
Each day across the country, an average of 1,000 people
die from sudden cardiac arrest, largely because they can't
get to a hospital in time for defibrillation. Statistics have
shown that those having a combination of CPR and use of an
AED have about an 80% chance of survival. In light of this,
more and more AEDs are being placed in public places in order
to be prepared to help increase the odds of saving a life
in the event of cardiac arrest. The Redwood City Fire Department
applauds the Pacific Athletic Club for doing its job in helping
to provide a “heart safe” environment. Further,
this incident points to the value and service that our fire
department and paramedics provide to the community 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
The Redwood City Fire Department has five fire stations housing
five engines and one truck, and currently has over 70 staff
members including firefighters, firefighter/paramedics, captains
and battalion chiefs, fire prevention staff, training staff,
and administrative staff. Visit Redwood City’s website
at www.redwoodcity.org
for information about the City and its services, the community,
recreation programs, education, City government, and local
business.
###
Contact:
Gerry Kohlmann
Redwood City Fire Chief
(650) 780-7451
|
