ClimateMaster Inc. - How a City Company Saved a Life

How a City Company Saved a Life

$1,500 defibrillator proved its worth when employee had cardiac arrest


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By Brian Sargent
Staff Writer - The Oklahoman

A few years ago, ClimateMaster, Inc. spent $1,500 for an automated external defibrillator.

"But that's chump change to save someone' life," said Chris Chavez, the company's director of human resources.

Earlier this month, the Oklahoma City company's investment paid off when an employee's life was saved after co-workers used a defibrillator. It was the first time the defibrillator was used.

"It's extremely important for all businesses to have a AED (automated external defibrillator). I would not be standing here if ClimateMaster hadn't had the insight to purchase the defibrillator. There's no doubt," John Lane said.

Lane visited work Friday and talked with co-workers for the first time since he had sudden cardiac arrest Jan. 2.

Lane was sitting at his desk when his heart stopped beating. Co-workers quickly hooked the defibrillator to Lane as he lay on the ground in his cubicle. When paramedics arrived a few minutes later, the 62-year-old's heart was beating and he was coherent.

"I remember somebody asking me, 'John, do you know where you are at?' I replied, 'ClimateMaster,'" Lane said. "I felt very comfortable. I felt very warm."

Lane was diagnosed with a blocked heart artery and underwent quadruple bypass surgery the day of the cardiac arrest.

Lane insisted he would have died if the company hadn't bought a defibrillator.

"I think it's important businesses invest in them. It saved my life," he said.

Convinced of the value of the investment of an external defibrillator ClimateMaster, which builds geothermal heat pumps, has bought two more: one for its main location in southwest Oklahoma City and one for its office in northwest Oklahoma City.

"Emergency Medical Services Authority and the fire department are great at responding to emergencies, but they just can't get there in time. You need an external defibrillator in these instances. If we end up only using it once... it was worth it," Chavez said.