Newly Installed Defibrillator Saves Life

Los Angeles: On Tuesday, August 13, 2002, at approximately 1:30 p.m., a city vehicle drove up the ramp in front of the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union located at 1880 North Academy Road within the Los Angeles Police Academy. The driver yelled out "I think my partner is having a heart attack." Three men were in front the credit union and ran to the vehicle and removed Mr. Cleve Williams, Director of Golf, City of Los Angeles, Parks and Recreation Department, who was unconscious.
Retired Police Officer Al Atkins from the Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation quickly understood Mr. Williams needed immediate medical help and ran to the Los Angeles Police Revolver and Athletic Club Cafeteria and observed City of Los Angeles Firefighter Gary Hood having lunch. Mr. Atkins informed Firefighter Hood that a person just had a possible heart attack and needed assistance. Firefighter Hood ran to the scene and began CPR on the victim with Los Angeles Police Officer Tony Adler. Los Angeles Police Sergeant Steve Williams also responded to the scene and inquired whether they wanted to use the new heart defibrillator that was installed recently in the Academy. Sergeant Williams ran and retrieved the defibrillator. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Love, who also happen to be at the Academy also responded to the scene and began assisting Hood and Adler. When Sergeant Williams returned with the defibrillator, Deputy Love who had previous training on the defibrillator used the defibrillator to retrieve Mr. Williams’ heartbeat. All four of these men worked together to keep Mr. Williams alive until a rescue ambulance arrived and transported Mr. Williams to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center for further treatment.
The responding paramedics clearly indicated that the actions of these four men saved the life of Mr. Williams. It was also the first time that a heart defibrillator was used in a medical emergency at a City of Los Angeles facility.
Mr. Williams is currently in critical but stable condition.
For further information contact Lieutenant William Murphy, Continuing Education Division, at 213-847-4249.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.