Contact: Colleen Roche or Jack Deacy (212) 788-2958 and David Billig FDNY (718)694-2056
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen today reunited nine survivors of cardiac arrest with the firefighters and emergency medical personnel who saved their lives. The special "Second Chance Brunch" at the Seventh Regiment Armory in Manhattan provided an opportunity for New Yorkers who have recovered from life-threatening heart attacks to meet and thank members of the Fire Department who administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to them.
At the event the Mayor also announced that beginning on June 3rd, the Fire Department and its Emergency Medical Service (EMS) would begin using 125 technologically advanced Lifepak 11 Cardiac Monitor Defibrillators that will allow FDNY and EMS personnel to better assist and analyze victims of sudden cardiac arrest.
"I'm pleased to have this opportunity to salute these New Yorkers who have received a 'second chance' at life," Mayor Giuliani said. "It was just over a year ago that the newly merged Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service began implementing procedures that have improved response time to medical emergencies.
"And I'm happy to say that all of our guests here can attest to their success," the Mayor added. "Last year the Fire Department units responding to reports of cardiac arrest restored the vital signs of nine survivors joining us here this morning. The certified first responder defibrillation program has played a critical role in helping us meet our goal of responding to the most severe life-threatening injuries in the shortest amount of time -- making us one of the most efficient and most professional EMS departments in the country."
Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "I am extremely proud of the firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics of the FDNY who gave their all to save the life of a fellow New Yorker. I am now and have always been an avid supporter of the First Responder Program and the merger of the Emergency Medical Service into the Fire Department. I am exhilarated to be able to see the fruits of our labors in the form of living, breathing success stories that have resulted from successful resuscitations."
A 1992 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that a large majority of sudden deaths due to coronary artery disease could be prevented by the prompt provision of CPR and early defibrillation. In that regard, the Mayor reported that the City will begin using Lifepak 11 Cardiac Monitor Defibrillators, which allow emergency medical personnel to provide patients with external pacemaker abilities and allow the first responders to analyze the patient's heart completely, using 12 electrodes instead of the three now available on existing models.
"The City will continue its support of the emergency medical response teams by providing the best technology and equipment available," the Mayor said. "On June 3rd, the City will expand its commitment to providing the very best in quality pre-hospital care, with the addtion of this new life-saving technology."
Today's event was sponsored by a coalition of labor unions, including District Council 37's EMT's and Paramedics of Local 2507, the EMS Lieutenants and Captains of Local 3621, the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. It was also made possible through the generous support of the Seventh Regiment Armory Mess.