FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Release 02-012      
May 9, 2002

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG JOINS COMMISSIONERS FROM OEM, FDNY, DOT AND PARKS TO ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR CITY’S PIONEERING DEFIBRILLATOR PROGRAM

New Funding Ensures Life-Saving Devices Will Be Placed at City Facilities in all Five Boroughs

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced new funding for the continued implementation of the largest municipal public access defibrillator program in the world.  The program places hundreds of life-saving defibrillators in dozens of City-owned facilities across the five boroughs, including recreation centers, parks, on ferry boats, and in senior centers.  The plan was created and will be managed by the New York City Office of Emergency Management, and will involve several other City agencies in its implementation.

Joining the Mayor for the announcement at City Hall were New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall, New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Edwin Mendez Santiago.

“The City takes every step possible to ensure the health and well-being of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “This program, the largest of its kind in the world, goes a long way toward fulfilling that mission.  Survival rates can be 50% higher if a defibrillator is used within the first six minutes of a heart attack.  We like those odds.” 

Commissioner Odermatt said, “When OEM developed this program last year, we had hoped to install 1,500 defibrillators around the City.  Now, thanks to this new funding, this objective can be achieved.  Even if this program only saves one life, then we’ll have done our job.”

Defibrillators are devices that administer electric shocks through the chest in an attempt to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.  Each unit costs approximately $3,000, and is designed to be operated by individuals with little or no experience in emergency medicine. Each machine is self-programmed to international standards, and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For ease of operation and enhanced reliability, each defibrillator pack comes equipped with two rechargeable batteries, two sets of electrode pads, and a fast pack, containing a mask (should mouth-to-mouth resuscitation be necessary), gloves, and a special antibacterial cleaner.

Despite the numerous safeguards incorporated into each defibrillator assembly, it is very simple to operate the device. A microprocessor analyzes a person's heart rate, while an internal computer determines whether a shock is warranted or not. Easy-to-understand directions assist the user in placing the electrode packs on the victim's chest, then administering the lifesaving shock.

When fully implemented, the defibrillator access program will provide added health and safety to the residents of elderly communities, parks, and ferry commuters, as well as the thousands of New Yorkers who work at or visit the City's administrative and operational facilities.

All medical control and quality assurance aspects of the initiative have been supervised by the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The Office of Emergency Management recognizes and appreciates the assistance of the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), the New York City Fire Department (NYFD) and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) in implementing this program.

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