Defibrillator used on Metro heart attack victim had weak battery

Posted: 7:30 am Fri, April 20, 2012
By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Metro officials are checking all 46 automated external defibrillators at stations after a device used on a man having a heart attack had an insufficient battery charge.

Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles on Thursday ordered a review of the equipment after Monday’s incident, in which a 51-year-old man died after having a heart attack. The device used on him was determined to have an insufficient charge.

The inspection will be completed by Friday. Procedures for conducting inspections and maintenance are being strengthened.

By April 30, Metro will complete the work it has under way to put AEDs at all station kiosks, including replacing older models with state-of-the-art devices.