Albany, NY (April 24, 2002) - - - The Albany County Airport Authority will be installing six Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the terminal at the Albany International Airport. The new battery-operated defibrillators are designed to be safe and easy to use by trained individuals or those with little or no medical knowledge.

"The installation of defibrillators within the terminal will provide a new level of safety for the 3-million passengers that travel through the Airport each year," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The County Legislature's decision to provide funding for the defibrillators will enable our Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team, non-medical employees and individuals to administer immediate life saving aid to heart attack victims."

Funding for the Heartstream FR2 defibrillators was provided in the form of a $17,000 grant from the Albany County Legislature with assistance from legislators Mary Lou B. Connolly and Daniel McCoy.

Automated External Defibrillators are being installed in airport terminals and on aircraft. They can also found in a variety of facilities including golf courses, health clubs, medical clinics and office buildings.

In the past, only medical professionals were able to interpret the heart rhythms on manual defibrillators. The new AEDs rely on computer chips to instantly analyze heart rhythms thus enabling individuals to administer the same vital service without risking an accidental shock. Trained Airport personnel and others can use the defibrillators in the event a passenger or employee suffers a heart attack while in the terminal.

The defibrillators will be installed so as to be no more than 1-minute away from any location within the terminal. Each will be installed in easily identifiable boxes along concourses and ticketing.

Members of the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team will be the first to be trained to use the new defibrillators. The Airport Authority will then initiate a defibrillator-training program for Airport employees.

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