The Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross has named Philadelphia International (PHL) a recipient of the Authorized Provider Award.
The award recognizes the airport for its ongoing efforts to get employees certified as trainers for cardio pulmonary resuscitation – automatic external defibrillator.
“The airport currently has five employees who are certified to conduct CPR/AED training and, since 2002, more than 380 employees, including myself, have taken part in CPR/AED training classes,” says Mark Gale, acting aviation director. “This demonstrates a commitment on behalf of our workforce to be properly trained, ready and willing to take potentially life-saving actions if someone suffers cardiac arrest. The life saved could be that of a colleague, passenger or loved one at home. We thank the Red Cross for recognizing the airport and look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
The Red Cross considers an authorized provider as an organization that has a certified American Red Cross instructor on its staff. The Authorized Provider Award was introduced in 2007 to recognize groups that show a strong commitment to the organization to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
At least a dozen people have been resuscitated by the AED units at the airport after suffering cardiac arrest. There are 108 AEDs throughout the airport, located about 60 to 90 seconds apart in walking distance; another 16 can be found in airport employee offices maintenance shops and break rooms.
